Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

Description

Tuol Sleng preserves the former S-21 prison as a place of historical learning and remembrance. It is one component of Cambodia’s UNESCO-listed memorial sites.

The museum and Choeung Ek are related through the history of repression, but remain distinct locations. This guide treats the visit as remembrance and education rather than entertainment.

How to Get There

Take a tuk-tuk, motorbike taxi or car to Street 113 at the corner of Street 350, in Boeung Keng Kang III. Enter through the museum ticket entrance and continue on foot through the memorial buildings.

Admission

International adults: US$5; ages 10–17: US$3; children under 10: free. Cambodian nationals enter free. The audio guide costs US$5 for non-Cambodians or US$1 for Cambodians. Buy admission at the museum entrance; it accepts riel and US-dollar cash.

Things to Do

Allow quiet time for the museum interpretation and consider whether to use its current guided or audio resources.

What to Eat

Rice-noodle soup, rice with grilled pork, fresh fruit and iced coffee are easy choices in the capital. Eat in the neighbourhood around the visit rather than inside worship or memorial buildings.

Where to Stay

Riverside and Daun Penh put the palace, museum and central riverfront within one city stay. BKK1 and Tonle Bassac are useful alternatives for restaurants and evening outings.

Best Time to Visit

An indoor visit works during the hotter part of the day or between outdoor stops. Arrive with enough time to finish the galleries before closing rather than treating a memorial or museum as a quick photo stop.

Before You Go

Material may be distressing. Choose the pace and level of engagement appropriate to your group; follow respectful conduct and photography rules.

Location map