Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, it preserves a tragic period in history with the aim to encourage visitors to be messengers of peace. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of “Security Office 21” (S-21) of Democratic Kampuchea (also known as the Khmer Rouge regime) and located in what was then the abandoned city of Phnom Penh, whose citizens had been evacuated on 17 April 1975. S-21 served as the central hub of a vast prison system throughout the country and was used throughout the period as a secret facility for the detention, interrogation, torture and extermination of those deemed “political enemies” of the regime. Due to a policy of guilt-by-association, at times whole families were detained at the center. Only 12 former inmates survived the opening of S-21 when Phnom Penh was liberated. Four of them were children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Ana-Maria BCluj-Napoca, Romania1,388 contributionsJust go see itOne of the most powerful museums I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. In spite of the number of people, I could get immersed in the story and feel the horror of what happened. The photos with the faces of the victims are probably the most haunting. The audioguide is very, very good so do take it. Also bought some books and they gave me more information as well. After this, I recommend going to Cheung Ek to experience the entire story of what happened.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 December 2023
- Musictraveler86Melbourne, Australia8 contributionsMust visit to understand the countryOK, that's not going to be the most fun activity you'll do in Cambodia, but it's a must go. Some friends visited a few years ago and told us we needed to do it as a first stop as it helps understand why the country is a little bit less developed than other countries in the region. We are glad we did. The museum itself is very, very well thought, and in my opinion cannot be missed. It's good to take some breaks in the garden on the center from time to time.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 December 2023
- MeaveggieYardley, Pennsylvania61 contributionsVery Well Curated and ExplainedThis museum was excellently done and the audio tour gave was really good. It gave as much information as you could want but allowed you to skip around if it was too much. The displays and audio tour combined really explained what happened and how. I arrived knowing embarrassingly few details about the rise and fall of the Khmer Rouge and left with the context to understand the rest of my trip. I highly recommend doing this at the very start of your time in Cambodia. The displays are, of course, quite emotionally difficult to digest. We spent about 3 hours there and did pretty much every stop on the audio tour and had a little time to sit in the central garden area to contemplate before moving on to the Killing Fields. I recommend doing this before the Killing Fields for the history and context.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 December 2023
- Helen CarrWilsons Promontory National Park, Australia26 contributionsDeeply movingInformative but very sad. We visited today and I found the information provided sufficient. It is deeply disturbing to find such atrocities were committed on such a lovely community. I struggled to understand the precursors that led to these events in 1975. It is an experience that will be hard to forget. I didn't recommend the my teenagers enter sll rooms. We left the museum deeply shocked.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 December 2023
- flekimBasingstoke, United Kingdom160 contributionsA must seeThis is the site of the former S21 prison camp used by the Khmer Rouge. Obviously moving, some very graphic images and photographs. You can go into the cells and it doesn’t take much imagination to think of what went on there. I’d read up on the history before you visit to make it more worthwhile. Do go into all the exit halls as some of our party missed the main one assuming they were all the same, they’re not. Sad place, a must to visit to show respect if nothing else. Remember many of the guides are too familiar with the place if they are natives so be respectful when they ask you to go into the exhibits without them. Could spend up to 90 mins here I’d say.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 December 2023
- gatormotherof2Washington DC, District of Columbia522 contributionsA solemn reminder of the insanity and madnessFar from ratings, this is a solemn, yet sacred place of pain and suffering and should be visited if in Phnom Phen. A educational reminder to many of us and an eye opener to the younger generations born after the collapse. History does have a sadistic way of repeating itself. We took the self guided audio tour which was well laid out and easy to follow for $10.00 each - US CASH onlyVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 January 2024
- DotsGirl2Vancouver, Canada461 contributionsSobering Example of EvilWe spent about an hour here. Our guide explained the questioning (torture) rooms and showed us the cells prisoners lived in. They have pictures of many of the victims. They explain some of the torture methods. It was unsettling but unfortunately we need to remember and not let this happen againVisited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 February 2024
- CharlotteToowoomba, Australia13 contributionsSobering and Important ExperienceA very sobering and depressing visit, however incredibly important to remember and acknowledge the actions and events of the Khmer Rouge, especially since it was so recent. Unfortunately it is so recent that many victims have not been identified, so there is some times families that discover pictures of relatives while touring. The site is UNESCO listed and contain the actual tools and furniture used. Highly recommend getting the audio guide, especially since it will warn you when a particularly difficult room is coming up so you have the option to stand outside and listen or skip altogether.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 February 2024
- b2runOntario, Canada283 contributionsEmotionalA vital part of history. We went on our own and used the audio tour that was provided. There were tour groups coming through, but we found them mildly annoying as the guide had to explain everything. It disturbed the silence of the place. The audio tour was really well done, mixing personal stories in with the history. You could feel the sadnesses of the place, but it was definetely worth visiting. We chose to visit the killing field, which is just outside Phnom Pehn, the next day as we thought it was too much to do both on one day.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 February 2024
- A_C_2024Sydney, Australia438 contributionsInformative, captivating... a must-see when in Phnom PenhAn absorbing and harrowing experience for us on a two day visit to Phnom Penh. We visited directly after Choeung Ek and it did feel like a 'heavy' but very necessary thing for us to gain more insight into this important part of Cambodian history. I would definitely get the audio guided tour - it adds so much more than looking yourself. I think this museum bears witness to the past and makes it very accessible for all visitors (no matter how young) to understand the brutality of this place and regime. A must see when in Cambodia. We spent around 2.5 hours taking everything in.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2024
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4.5
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45
Haydn0342
Rye, Australia46 contributions
Nov 2019
Thankfully not as depressing as the Killing Fields but still not somewhere that most travellers would need to go to when there are far more nicer places to see in Phnom Penh.
Again some of group sat outside as they did not want to see the torture chambers & photos of the deceased.
At least here were two of the survivors of this terrible part of their lives.
Or shopping at their markets for bargains way below the cost of what we see in Australia
Spend more time walking alongside the river in the city.
Again some of group sat outside as they did not want to see the torture chambers & photos of the deceased.
At least here were two of the survivors of this terrible part of their lives.
Or shopping at their markets for bargains way below the cost of what we see in Australia
Spend more time walking alongside the river in the city.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kara C
14 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Showed up right when the museum was opening so there was a small crowd that continued to grow thoughout the morning. The audio tour was worth the $3 extra, it added a lot of color to what you were seeing in the physical space. I wasn't impressed by either special exhibition but it was a moving experience.
This is a site where awful things happened. Come to learn and pay respects to the victims.
Remember to dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees must be covered or you'll be asked to deposit money and wear clothes they have to lend.
This is a site where awful things happened. Come to learn and pay respects to the victims.
Remember to dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees must be covered or you'll be asked to deposit money and wear clothes they have to lend.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada8,870 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This prison is dedicated to victims of a terrible regime in Cambodia. Take your time to reflect on the museum and be respectful. We would highly recommend paying for admission with audio guide tour for $8 US. There are many benches to take breaks and the audio tour will warn you which exhibits could be more overwhelming.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VikkiBee
Houghton-le-Spring, UK623 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
I actually visited in February 2019, however due to travelling all over the world for the last 12 months, I am just in the process of writing all the reviews. I would definitely recommend visiting S-21 Prison however it can be distressing at times. The audio guide is a fantastic way to tour the buildings; it was very informative and easy to follow. You can take the tour at your own pace and there’s plenty of visual aids and some blocks of text which you can also read. There’s a memorable statue and also the opportunity to meet survivors which is heart breaking but also incredible at the same time. The prison has been preserved well and is definitely worth visiting to learn about the country’s history which sadly only took place 45 years ago!
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo G
Guildford, UK252 contributions
Feb 2020
One pays extra for an audio guide at this museum but it really is well worth it, not to say essential. This museum really explains not only what happened under Pol Pot but also why Phnom Penh and Cambodia in general are as they are now. They are derelict because they were destroyed, not very long ago. A very interesting and atmospheric museum.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada7,481 contributions
Dec 2019
We were on a group private tour. it cost about $8usd per person to enter.
This place is very sad and very graphic. It was a secondary school turned into a torcher and execution facility before sending the prisoners to the killing fields. There are 4 building all 3 stores tall. Even the swing set & the triple horizontal bars are still in place and used as a torture device. Most of the people seemed to be young men and young woman with babies/kids. There are blood stains on the floors. Pictures of the last Found victims in the rooms they were found in. Arrival pictures and after death photos.
Over 14,000 people have been documented to have been forced to entered this facility. Only 7 people survived. There is still 3 men who are alive who spent up to 2 years here and have written books about their experiences. We got the change to meet 2 of them while there.
It was very graphic but was worth visiting. We spent just over 2 hours here.
This place is very sad and very graphic. It was a secondary school turned into a torcher and execution facility before sending the prisoners to the killing fields. There are 4 building all 3 stores tall. Even the swing set & the triple horizontal bars are still in place and used as a torture device. Most of the people seemed to be young men and young woman with babies/kids. There are blood stains on the floors. Pictures of the last Found victims in the rooms they were found in. Arrival pictures and after death photos.
Over 14,000 people have been documented to have been forced to entered this facility. Only 7 people survived. There is still 3 men who are alive who spent up to 2 years here and have written books about their experiences. We got the change to meet 2 of them while there.
It was very graphic but was worth visiting. We spent just over 2 hours here.
Written 24 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theandrews031
south queensferry208 contributions
Dec 2019
At times I found this tour upsetting and hard to look at the photos or enter the rooms where such terrible things took place. I did find the audio tour very informative and I made the decision to visit here to try and understand what the people of Cambodia suffered during the Pol Pot period. This is part of Cambodia's history. It is worth the visit, the audio guide does warn you in advance should you not want to enter certain rooms.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Developing Workers
Tempe, AZ11 contributions
Jan 2020
I highly recommend this museum to understand the culture of Cambodia. Get the audio recording for the walkthrough. Listen to the stories. It is hard to listen to the audio as you hear such horror stories but so informative. My team was getting ready to go to the countryside to do a medical clinic for 5 days. As we interacted with the adults it was obvious who lived through the horror and lived to tell about it.
Take your time, look at the pictures of the things you personally can handle. It is devastating what happened to such friendly people.
Take your time, look at the pictures of the things you personally can handle. It is devastating what happened to such friendly people.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jesse M
San Jose, CA35 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The self tour was a reasonable $5 but I highly recommend the audio tour ($8)
The tour shows the worst of mankind and what they’re capable of....the evil and wickedness.
It is sobering to see how much the Cambodians suffered...you actually stand in the same rooms that they were held. (The torture beds are still in place)... S21 is a memorial to those who died unjustly and honor the life they had
The tour shows the worst of mankind and what they’re capable of....the evil and wickedness.
It is sobering to see how much the Cambodians suffered...you actually stand in the same rooms that they were held. (The torture beds are still in place)... S21 is a memorial to those who died unjustly and honor the life they had
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky E
Hertfordshire, UK141 contributions
Mar 2020
It feels wrong to give this place and "excellent review" as it was the site of so much horror, but as a means of demonstrating the terror of the Pol Pot regime it is definitely worth visiting. This is not a place to visit lightly and I would recommend leaving yourself some reflective time after your visit. The photos and stories are harrowing and the reality of seeing the shackles and instruments of torture used in our own lifetime are very sobering. I wish I had known that survivors would be there selling their books - bring some money, they deserve our support.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, do you close over the Khmer New Year celebrations? I will be visiting PP on the 17th April this year and would like to visit the Museum and Killing Fields while I am there.
Many thanks
Written 7 January 2023
All I can say is that I was in PP during the Water Festival from 7-9 November, which is a National holiday just like Khmer New Year, and both the museums were open on those days. Even the website says open on all days.
But if there's one thing I've learnt from my trip- Things are pretty uncertain in Cambodia. So may be do a quick check with them.
Written 24 January 2023
It's the best attraction in Phnom Penh for me. Enjoy
Written 16 September 2019
Ken W
London, United Kingdom
Yes pay at door you get free headset and map on entrance explaining everything very sad google bophana sad stories
Written 19 April 2019
Hello,
I will be in Phnom Penh for a day next week. So. Would appreciate the boarders who have travelled to Phnom Penh to guide me on my query.
I would like to cover Royal palace, Silver pagoda, S21 museum and Killing fields.
My query is -
1) I plan to use the audio guide for both S21 and Killing fields. So, do I still need a tour guide to cover any of these places in my itinerary?
2) can I cover all the above mentioned places in day?
3) how much will it cost for a tuk tuk to cover all the these places and back to hotel? I plan to stay at Tea House.
Thank you,
With Regards,
Chethan
Written 27 April 2018
Hi there.
Download “pass App” it will call you quick and very cheap tuk-tuk. The audio guide at killing fields is included in the $5 entry and no guide is needed.
The S21 prison is quite upsetting enough without either a guide or an audio headset. It gets more depressing as you move around. We managed to talk to a survivor-1 of very few.
The palace is very overrated the silver pagoda has no visible silver. The National museum is great if you have an interest in Khmer/Siamese historical artefacts and a headset is a good idea here.
The old market near Wat Prohm is a great spot......
Hope this helps.
Written 30 April 2018
son $5 la entrada y audioguia $3.
recomiendo la audioguia.
Written 10 March 2018
non saprei, in quanto era tutto compreso nel tour
Written 1 April 2018
Moet ik perse met een tour guide doen of kan ik dit ook zelfstandig zien. ?
En is er evt audio er bij?
Written 8 January 2018
Je hebt geen Tour guide nodig hoor. Je krijgt audio in je eigen taal en deze is top! (Ik zou wel met audio doen, dit is 1 of 2 dollar per persoon meer maar wel echt een aanvulling.)
Written 9 January 2018
Bonjour,
Nous nous rendons en août prochain au cambodge, avec nos enfants de 11 et 13 ans. Cet age vous paraît-il adapté pour la visite de la S21? C'est bien sûr subjectif mais un avis m'aiderait!
Merci!
Written 20 December 2017
Personalmente creo que si es adecuada la visita, si se les va explicando lo que están viendo de una forma que ellos puedan comprender bien. Yo lo he visitado con mis hijos y creo que fue una visita muy instructiva sobre que es lo que nunca tiene que volver a pasar en ninguna parte del mundo.
Written 21 December 2017
Is it possible to get a guide instead of an audio guide and what’s the average price for this? Which would you say gives the best experience?
Thank you.
Written 27 November 2017
Hi, I think you can get a guide but the audio guide is very good and offers flexibility when to listen and to what part.
Written 27 November 2017
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