[2024 Phnom Penh Attraction] Travel Guide for Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Updated Nov)

Reflections & Lessons from Tuol Sleng Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh is a solemn site and a haunting memorial to the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. You can learn about Cambodia's painful history. This is definitely not your typical tourist attraction and is recommended for those who want to learn about history. Getting There - I went there with a local tour guide and driver, who was professional and share personal anecdotes. Highlights - First highlight was getting a chance to meet former prisoners who were captive in the prison during Khmer Rouge regime. This reminds us of the painful history of the past. Having a local tour guide to explain and walk through the history with us was super helpful and he also had family members who were arrested during those times. You will walk through this former school building to and see blood stains, leg cuffs and cells that people used to stay in. There are also photographs from the past in this museum. #localtourguides #cambodia #phnompenh #100waysoftravel #history

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: A Symphony of History and Modernity.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a city full of historical charm and modern vitality. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, it not only carries the long history and culture of Cambodia, but also showcases the prosperity of a modern metropolis. This article will take you into this charming city and experience its unique charm. Phnom Penh is an ancient city with a long history. Its name comes from the Khmer word "Phnom Penh", which means "Penh's Hill". It is said that in the 14th century, a woman named "Penh" found a Buddha statue on the banks of the Mekong River and built a temple on a small hill to worship it. The area gradually developed into a prosperous town, later named "Phnom Penh". The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is one of the city's iconic landmarks. It retains the architectural style of Angkor, the capital of Cambodia during its golden age in the 11th century. The Royal Palace is magnificent and has more than 20 palaces, including the Chanchaya Palace, the Golden Palace, and the Silver Palace. Among them, the Silver Palace is particularly magnificent. The floor is paved with more than 4,700 carved silver bricks, and the main hall houses a Buddha statue carved from a single piece of jade, a national treasure of Cambodia. Walking through the Royal Palace is like stepping back in time to the glory of the ancient Khmer dynasty. In addition to the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh also preserves the evidence of the Khmer Rouge's dark rule. The S-21 Prison Museum (Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum) is a shocking place where tens of thousands of innocent lives were imprisoned and killed. Visiting here gives you a deep sense of the cruelty and ruthlessness of that period. Despite its rich historical and cultural heritage, Phnom Penh is also a modern and vibrant city. With economic development, Phnom Penh has seen the emergence of many modern buildings and facilities, such as skyscrapers, shopping malls, and hotels. Phnom Penh International Airport (Pochentong International Airport), as Phnom Penh's main air hub, connects to many domestic and international cities, providing convenience for travelers. On the streets of Phnom Penh, you can see various modern transportation options, such as tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis. These transportation options are not only convenient and fast, but also provide tourists with a unique travel experience. In addition, Phnom Penh has many modern shopping malls and restaurants, offering tourists a wide range of shopping and dining options. Phnom Penh not only has numerous historical sites and modern facilities, but also boasts rich tourism resources. Wat Phnom is one of Phnom Penh's landmarks. It is a green and lush area with a giant clock, making it a popular spot for tourists to pray and take photos. The Mekong River is a great place for leisure and strolling. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful river views and sunsets here. Phnom Penh Night Market is also a must-see tourist attraction. It brings together a wide variety of goods and food, where tourists can taste authentic Cambodian snacks and buy local handicrafts. In the hustle and bustle of the night market, you can experience the unique charm and vitality of Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh's food culture is also mouthwatering. It brings together authentic Khmer cuisine and modified Western delicacies. Khmer noodles are one of the local traditional dishes, made with rice noodles, curry fish, and vegetables. They offer a rich and diverse taste. Grilled chicken skewers and fried bananas are also Phnom Penh's specialties, attracting many tourists with their unique preparation methods and delicious taste. In addition, Phnom Penh has many high-quality restaurants and cafes for tourists to choose from. Here, you can taste gourmet dishes from all over the world and enjoy aromatic coffee drinks, adding a touch of comfort and enjoyment to your trip. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a city full of historical charm and modern vitality. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage and a modern urban landscape, providing tourists with abundant tourism resources and a unique food culture. Whether you want to explore the footsteps of history or enjoy the prosperity and convenience of a modern metropolis, Phnom Penh is a destination worth visiting.

Cambodia City Break

Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, offers tourists a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life. Visitors can explore the majestic Royal Palace, the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields, which provide deep insights into Cambodia's past. The lively riverside area is perfect for leisurely strolls, lined with cafes and restaurants offering delicious Khmer cuisine. Markets like the Central Market and Russian Market are ideal for shopping and discovering local crafts. With its mix of historic sites, friendly locals, and lively atmosphere, Phnom Penh is a must-visit destination for any traveler. #localguides #instatravel #temples #cambodia

Echoes of Sorrow 🪦

My visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh was an eye-opening yet haunting and emotionally charged journey into Cambodia's darkest chapter. To get the most out of the the museum, we hired a guide, who had experienced Pol Pot's oppresive regime herself, to bring us through the exhibits and retell her harrowing experience. Being able to hear from the horse's mouth, it was worth every penny and would recommend all visitors to get one (for big groups) or get the audio guide (for individuals/ small groups). Stepping through the gates of the former high school turned prison, the weight of history settled heavily upon me. Each cell whispered the anguish of the thousands who suffered within its walls under the Khmer Rouge regime. Photographs of the victims lined the corridors, their eyes hauntingly staring back, a silent testament to the atrocities committed. The museum's exhibits laid bare the grim reality of torture and mass executions that stained this place. It was a sobering reminder of humanity's capacity for cruelty and the importance of remembering the past to ensure such horrors are never repeated. Leaving Tuol Sleng, I carried with me not just the images and stories of the victims, but also a profound sense of responsibility to honor their memory by striving for a better, more compassionate world. #WinHKFlight #winhkflight I can feel Hong Kong's vibrant culture, stunning skyline, and delicious cuisine calling my name! Can't wait to explore the streets of Mong Kok, hike the Dragon's Back Trail, and get my dim sum fix at Tim Ho Wan. Looking forward to a holiday in Hong Kong!

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

#fallingseason Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Getting there - St 113 Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Attractions - A museum chronicling the Cambodian genocide, former secondary school, History Museum. Entrance fee: 5 USD for adult and 3 USD for children 8 to 10 years old and free of charge for children under 8 years old. Opening hour from 8:00 to 5:00 pm #museum #historicplaces

Old Prison with sad history

#wecreate Must see in Phnom Penh, museum made out of S-21, one of the prisons during the rule of Khmer Rouge in 1975-1979. Admission is 5 USD per person or 10 USD with audio guide I think I spend roughly two hours listening to most of the stuff and going on a leisurely pace. You could probably spend 1-2 hours more reading everything on the additional exhibitions and listening everything on the audio guide.

The museum is the once prison that contained many people who were subsequently killed. Once a school, the museum offers a humbling account of the genocide. You can walk in the torture rooms and cells, and speak with some of the still living survivors of the tragic era. Highly recommend a tour guide to take you around this site and the Killing Fields to get the full picture. There are a couple of survivors that will share their story with you about how they survived. Buy their books or souvenirs to help support them.

This is not an easy place to visit and if you are squeamish you should perhaps give it a miss. However it is an integral part of the recent history of Cambodia and together with Choeung Ek should certainly be on the itinerary of anyone who wishes to learn about the horror the country went through 45 years ago. Coming here is a powerful and unforgettable experience and your mind will be numbed by the sheer brutality and inhumanity of what went on as well as the enormous scale of the barbarity. The audio commentary is highly recommended and achieves a fine balance between informativeness and sensitivity. It can also serve as a warning about the dangerous consequences of more powerful nations disrupting the indigenous political processes of smaller countries, which we see continuing elsewhere in the world to this day. #givethanks #givethanks

The weather in Phnom Penh is tropical and is very hot and humid due to the high pressure of the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean. Walking on the big streets, you will feel so hot and uncomfortable, while Phnom Penh has a very hot summer, even in the normal days it will make you shudder with the heat. Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. But when the night arrives in the capital city, it gives people a feeling of darkness and quietness. Many shops get closed around 7 or 8 o'clock in the city. The sidewalks are always full of motorcycles and occupies most of the place on the streets. The streets are also full of gravel and dust. If you don't see two tall buildings, you can only visually think that this is equivalent to the domestic second and third line, and it is similar to Hue in Vietnam. Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was called the “Paris of the East” 50 years ago. After nearly half a century of war, it has lost its former charm, and it now seems to be broken and barren.

How I spent 1 day in Phnom Penh

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips A trip to Cambodia that includes Phnom Penh and Kampot offers a blend of rich history, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Phnom Penh, the capital, is a city of contrasts where modern developments stand alongside historical landmarks. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are must-visits, showcasing the country’s regal heritage. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields are sobering but essential experiences that provide deep insight into Cambodia's tragic past. The riverside area is lively, with cafes, restaurants, and markets offering.

Echoes of Suffering: The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia is a stark memorial to the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Originally a high school, it was transformed into Security Prison 21 (S-21), where thousands of Cambodians were tortured and executed. The museum preserves this dark history with exhibits displaying prison cells, torture devices, and haunting photographs of victims. It serves as a somber reminder of Cambodia's tragic past and the resilience of its people, offering visitors a sobering and educational experience. Location: The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is located in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Specifically, it is situated in the Tuol Svay Prey district, approximately 3 kilometers south of the city center. Opening Hours & Fee: The museum is open every day from 8am to 5pm. Entrance is free for Khmer. For foreigners, the entrance fee is 5usd, with an additional 1usd if you want the audio guide, which is highly recommended. Be prepared to spend about 2 hours to take it slow and listen to the audio guide at each station. What can you see? Exhibits and Artifacts The museum exhibits starkly portray the horrors endured by prisoners at S-21. Visitors can see the small cells where prisoners were kept, often in chains, and view photographs of inmates taken upon arrival—haunting portraits that capture the fear and despair of those who passed through these walls. Torture devices and the Spartan conditions of the prison cells are also on display, offering a chilling glimpse into the brutality of the regime. Visitor Experience Visiting the museum is a sobering experience, with many visitors leaving deeply affected by the stark portrayal of human suffering and the atrocities committed. The museum's somber atmosphere and the sheer scale of the tragedy leave a lasting impression on those who bear witness to its exhibits. #cambodia #historicallandmarks #culturalattractions #museum #instatravel #trip #localguides

great UNESCO site,can literally feels the horror and sadness within...a must visit place when in Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

#2024wish I have a unique opportunity to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia on a specific day. This museum houses a vast collection of photographs depicting the history of the Khmer people during the Khmer Rouge regime. The site contains photographs from Pol Pot's secret prison, codenamed "S-21," during his genocidal rule (1975–79). Between 1-2 million Cambodians and many foreigners were starved to death, tortured, or killed during this reign of terror. When the Vietnamese Army invaded in 1979, thousands of written and photographic records were left behind, including over 6,000 photographs. Former prison staff say as many as 30,000 prisoners were held at S-21 before the Khmer Rouge leadership was forced to flee. The Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide, Cornell University, and Yale University have all contributed to the knowledge of this terrible history. In 1997, American photographer/researcher Doug Niven identified prison photographer Nhem Ein, who had been living in a Khmer Rouge stronghold since 1979. I highly recommend visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, as it provides a profound insight into the history of the Khmer people during the dark war. #tuolslengmuseum #genocidemuseum #warhistorical

‘Twas an emotional tour

This is the highlight of our trip in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was a heartbreaking experience, hearing and seeing what happened to the prisoners was harrowing. I hope the souls of those who died find peace. #historicculture #historicallandmarks #historicalsites

Cambodia's UNESCO site,Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum .. a must visit when in Phnom Penh

Cambodia History - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Getting There - Grab/Local taxis Verdict - 5/5 Time Taken - 1 hour Enter the world of Cambodia’s dark history as you step into the old school compound situated in the middle of Phnom Penh. You will have an option of picking up a audio guided tour in various languages at US$10 or choose to walk through by yourself at US$5. I would recommend getting a guided audio tour to get more in depth information on the various activities that took place during this dark era. #cambodia #genocide #tuolsleng The compound consists of 3 main buildings with each being used for different activities during Pol Pot’s regime. As you walk through the buildings, you will learn how prisoners were captured, tortured before being massacred. You will also get to see the thousands of Cambodians that were killed. Disclaimer: It might get quite dark during the tour so be prepared.