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If you are visiting Cambodia, especially the capital city of Phnom Penh, chances are that you are aware of the Communist Khmer Rouge regime and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a high school, Tuol Sleng was converted into a notorious prison and torture centre from 1975 to 1979. At present, the place serves as a museum and is a powerful educational tool that helps visitors learn about the horrors of genocide. For tourists interested in reflecting on the history of Cambodia and understanding the impacts of political extremism, a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a must.
Quick Details
Name: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Former Name: Security Office 21 (S-21)
Location: Capital, Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 3 Khan Chamkar Mon, St 113, Phnom Penh 12304, Cambodia
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Ticket price: $5.00/ ₹419 for Non-Cambodian Adults
About Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Photo: Uhooep / Wikimedia Commons
Tuol Sleng, originally named Security Prison 21 (S-21), was a key site in the communist Khmer Rouge’s systematic genocide. The prison was converted from a high school, following which it was turned into a detention and torture centre under Pot Pot’s regime. Under the Khmer Rouge regime, several intellectuals, professionals and political opponents were captured and imprisoned, tortured and eventually executed there. This explains why it is named the genocide museum at present. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was constructed with a mission to keep the stories of the victims and educate the visitors regarding the atrocities that were conducted in the museum.
How To Reach Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Photo: Clay Gilliland / Wikimedia Commons
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is easily accessible from different parts of Cambodia via flights, roads or trains.
By Air: If you are considering taking a flight, the nearest airport from the museum is Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which is around 10 km from the museum. You can hire a taxi or a tuk-tuk from the airport to the museum.
By Road: Depending on which city you are travelling from, there are public buses available and you can also hire taxis from other Cambodian cities for a more comfortable exploration.
By Rail: Phnom Penh has a railway station but the rail services are quite limited, which explains why it isn’t usually a good option to consider. You’d better opt for flights or travel by road to reach the Tuol Sleng Museum.
Things To Do At Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
With numerous exhibits and galleries available inside the museum, there are a variety of things you can explore once you step inside.
1. Explore The Exhibition Rooms
Photo: Adam63 / Wikimedia Commons
The highlight of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is its permanent exhibition museum. The museum offers a glimpse into the history of the Khmer Rouge Period and the atrocities that the people had to experience during that period. Inside the exhibition rooms, you can also witness a variety of photographs, personal items, and documentation related to the Khmer Rouge era as well. Watching the exhibits in these permanent exhibition rooms provides a glimpse into the experiences of the victims and the methods of torture that were implemented by the rulers.
2. Visit And Explore The Torture Rooms
Photo: PsamatheM / Wikimedia Commons
The museum retains several of the original torture rooms where prisoners were held and tortured. These rooms are preserved to show the brutality of the Khmer Rouge’s methods and to provide a powerful, emotional experience for visitors. Enter these rooms with caution because some of the parts are too heartbreaking to witness in real time.
3. Watch Live performances
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Every day inside the Lotus Room in the museum, there are live performances conducted where you get to listen to traditional music and watch smot chanting as well. The 30-minute live performance is done in two instalments, once in the morning from 10:30 AM and then once during the afternoon at 03:15 PM. You can indulge in those performances, learn about the local culture and indulge in the heritage of the place too.
4. Watch Documentary Movies
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Inside the Movie Room in the museum, located on Building D’s second floor, you can watch documentary-style movies about the genocide, testimonies from the victim’s families and the kind of impact that was left behind on the people that sustained the impacts of the Khmer Rouge genocide. There are two documentaries that the museum showcases – The Killing Machine and Behind the Wall of S-21.
5. Read Survivor Testimonies
Photo: shankar s / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The museum features testimonies from survivors and former detainees, offering personal perspectives on the horrors experienced. These stories are essential for understanding the broader impact of the Khmer Rouge’s actions. Learning about the genocide from the perspective of the victims is truly heartbreaking but eye-opening at the same time. Take your time to read each one of the testimonies to learn about the harrowing situations they were tortured in.
Places To Visit In And Around Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
After you finish exploring the Genocide Museum, you can then head to explore the different sightseeing spots around.
1. Choeung Ek Killing Fields
Photo: Timgray200 / Wikimedia Commons
Another genocidal centre that is quite renowned and must be explored is the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, also known as the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. Thousands of the native people were executed in the killing fields. Around 18,000+ people of the S-21 were killed in that area. Inside the museum, there is a memorial stupa filled with skulls and mass graves.
Distance From Toul Sleng Museum: 10.3 Km
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry fee: $5/ ₹419 per person
2. Wat Phnom Daun Penh
Photo: Olaf Tausch / Wikimedia Commons
Wat Phnom is a popular Buddhist temple that is located in the capital city of Cambodia. It is a pagoda-style temple from which the Phnom Penh name has been derived. It holds a lot of historical significance under the Khmer era. Reports suggest that the city was built around the temple, which explains why it is named so. A sacred spot for Buddhist pilgrims, people visit this temple to seek a serene escape.
Distance From Toul Sleng Museum: 3.9 Km
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: $1/ ₹83 per person
3. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
Photo: Photasia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another popular tourist attraction that is a must-visit in Phnom Penh is the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument. It is a large concrete monument, which commemorates the alliance between Vietnam and Cambodia. The architecture of this monument is worth visiting and witnessing from up close. The monument dates back to 1979 when it was built after the Cambodian-Vietnamese War that overthrew the Khmer Rouge regime.
Distance from Toul Sleng Genocide Museum: 2.6 Km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Since Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is located in the city centre, you can book your accommodation in several luxury and budget-friendly hotels in the close vicinity, including Raffles Hotel Le Royal, The Pavilion and Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh. There are budget-friendly hostel accommodations available as well.
Where To Eat
Photo: Saphabodi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Cambodia boasts a delectable local cuisine, which you must try while in the capital city. Some of the must-visit restaurants and local eateries around the museum include Topaz restaurant, Khema La Poste, Bay Mak, JUM Boutique arts and crafts café, Pandan Leaf restaurant, etc.
Best Time To Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Photo: Kirandeep Singh Walia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is between November and April since it coincides with the winter season there. With pleasant weather conditions, exploring the museum and the surrounding areas becomes a lot more comfortable.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Serg Alesenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Exploring the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum requires mental preparation to know about the harrowing events that claimed the lives of many. So, keep the following pointers in mind:
- If you come across exhibits that are open and not concealed, avoid touching them or vandalising them.
- Photography is allowed but be respectful of the people and the customs that are in place. Keep the flash turned off.
- Exploring the museum involves lots of walking, so keep your energy up with fluids and also wear comfortable shoes.
- To beat the crowd, plan to visit the museum in the early morning slot so you can explore the museum and the exhibits comfortably.
- For children, ensure that you are supervising how they are exploring the museum since it deals with concepts of death, brutality and murder.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is an essential visit for anyone seeking to understand Cambodia’s history and the impact of the Khmer Rouge regime. You get to indulge in an educational experience, learning about the torture and the horrifying death that the people sustained during that period. For an enriching travel experience, consider including Tuol Sleng in your itinerary when booking your next vacation to Cambodia with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons
