Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh
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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from $9.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,355 within 3 miles

Coriander Indian
252
0.4 mi$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

350 BBQ Cafe
91
393 ft$ • Bar • Barbecue • Asian

Namaste India Restaurant BKK
1,803
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly

The Pelican Food Company
215
0.5 mi$ • Cafe • International • European

Tuk Tuk Cafe Restaurant
93
258 ft$ • Cafe • European • Asian

J.J Ice Cream & Coffee
35
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe

Treehouse Cafe
12
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Healthy

Coin Cafe & Bar
11
0.2 mi$ • American • Asian • Thai

Brooklyn Pizza + Bistro
933
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly

Flavours of India
409
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
110 within 6 miles

Wat Langka
148
63 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Sa Sa Art Projects
1
0.1 miArt Galleries

Central Market
6,191
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
12,574
Historic Sites

Bassac Lane
153
0.8 miNeighborhoods

Tuol Tompoung Pagoda
2
0.4 miReligious Sites

Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre
1,022
1.6 miVisitor Centers

Zando BKK1
7
0.4 miFactory Outlets

Russian Market
2,463
0.6 miFlea & Street Markets

Fly Phnom Penh
88
2 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
12,737 reviews
Excellent
8,501
Very good
3,380
Average
713
Poor
100
Terrible
43
Now Boarding Vlog
Hartlepool, UK3 contributions
May 2022
We went on this tour and it was $5 each and you can ask for a guide that speaks your language to take you around. You decide at the end what tip you would like to give them. Our guide remembered the Khmer Rouge Regime very well as she was 13 at the beginning of it. She told us all about the history of what once was S-21 prison camp. If you go on an afternoon, you maybe lucky enough to meet one of the survivors of the camp..
It was very moving walking around the museum, you get to see a lot of artefacts from the prison and has an atmosphere that makes you really feel the sadness and pain that went on there.
It was very moving walking around the museum, you get to see a lot of artefacts from the prison and has an atmosphere that makes you really feel the sadness and pain that went on there.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sara
10 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
One of the most important sites of our trip was to visit Tuol Sleng - the High School Prison - and the Killing Fields. We weren’t sure whether we needed a guide or not, but after a very good experience at the Land Mine museum in Siem Reap which had a full English interpretation on site we decided to risk it without a guide. This was a good decision. We hired a car for five adults with a driver for $30 USD for the day. Both sites had some the of best interpretive information I’ve experienced and both had excellent headsets in multiple languages. We spent about two hours at each site and listened fully to all information on the headsets. Our two teens 14 and 17 also listened in full, following which we have had some important conversations about these issues. While we found it very confronting, it is too important not to visit. Tuol Sleng high school is in the city and It is about 20 minutes drive between the sites. Entry to Tuol Sleng is $6 USD per adult with a headset and similar for the Killing fields. You’ll need proof of age for a teen discount - we had photos of our passports on our phone which was sufficient.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travis S
140 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Whilst the content of this museum is incredibly sad, it's important history is very well documented and served by the museum. I would particularly recommend the audio tour which is included with the entry price, it was hands down the best audio tour I've done at any museum. It even recommends which ones to skip if you are in a bit of a hurry, and has extra content if you'd like to listen.
The $8 entry fee is quite reasonable compared to similar things in Cambodia, and includes the audio guide which is great.
The $8 entry fee is quite reasonable compared to similar things in Cambodia, and includes the audio guide which is great.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Holly J
London, UK55 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Such a sad yet heartwarming experience. I would suggest that everyone that visits cambodia makes a visit to the museum and killing fields as it will warm your heart knowing what the cambodian people endured in very recent history and knowing how kind and caring they are after all this pain. I would highly recommend speaking with one of the survivors if possible as their stories will bring you to tears when they tell of their suffering and lose as a result of the Kyhmer Rouge.
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reza Sattarzadeh
Muscat, Oman2,137 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Toul Sleng was originally a high school which was turned into a fearsome prison during the reign of Khmer Rouge in 1970s. Visiting the place would tell you about the dark days that it has witnessed through that period. There are a few sections, some of which have been kept in the original form as they had been in the days. Depending on how much you intend to learn about the gruelling past of the prison, you can spend one to three hours here. There is a very good collection of notes in the upper floor.
The rooms are not air conditioned, so in the summer months, this may feel a bit uncomfortable to stay inside for a long time.
The rooms are not air conditioned, so in the summer months, this may feel a bit uncomfortable to stay inside for a long time.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MM1909
Marlborough, UK57 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
One of our main reasons for visiting Phnom Penh was to visit the museum. We knew it would difficult but having read up and seen various films we felt the need to go. We did not take an official tour. Our hotel was in walking distance and we went solo and used the audio guide. We believe this is the best way to do it as we could do it in our own time and take time to reflect. We spent about three hours here. If you do an official tour you will have far less time. It was only $8 dollars including the audio set. We did not go onto the killing fields as we felt we had seen enough. If you go in an official tour you will probably do both but they go to the killing Fields first, which is the wrong way round in my opinion. If you want to follow the journey of the victims you should start at S21.
It opens at 8am and it is best to go as early as you can - you will then miss the group tours.
They have some of the survivors there who will sign books for you and answer questions.
It is a hard visit to do but worth it if you really want to understand what went on here.
It opens at 8am and it is best to go as early as you can - you will then miss the group tours.
They have some of the survivors there who will sign books for you and answer questions.
It is a hard visit to do but worth it if you really want to understand what went on here.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada4,109 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 May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada1,630 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 February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Haydn0342
Rye, Australia40 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 January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kara C
13 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 January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Thank you for recommend
Good_Partner
Sydney, Australia4,238 contributions
It's the best attraction in Phnom Penh for me. Enjoy
Chethan_12345
Providence, RI21 contributions
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
jimbobjimma
Christchurch, New Zealand19 contributions
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.
ceccolive
Oleggio Castello, Italy1 contribution
Quanto costa il biglietto?
Macarena B
14 contributions
son $5 la entrada y audioguia $3.
recomiendo la audioguia.
ceccolive
Oleggio Castello, Italy1 contribution
Quanto costa il biglietto?
Giorgio4450
Comano, Switzerland41 contributions
non saprei, in quanto era tutto compreso nel tour
Lakshmi S
52 contributions
Moet ik perse met een tour guide doen of kan ik dit ook zelfstandig zien. ?
En is er evt audio er bij?
Annemarie K
Rovaniemi, Finland28 contributions
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.)
manou738
Villejuif, France2 contributions
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!
mdg18
Madrid672 contributions
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.
dumbblonde83
Redditch, UK148 contributions
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.
Sredna1
Stockholm, Sweden314 contributions
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.
Stefen W
Medan, Indonesia325 contributions
Hi. all i will go visiting this museum. do you think i need a guide or audio guide is better. i will coming alone though. and can you tell me the fee? thanks alot
TravelTellers
Westport, CT151 contributions
I read the blurb in my Cambodia guidebook before I went. Seeing it really explains it all. Certainly no need to hire a guide. The audio guide is well regarded, but really not necessary. As I recall, the admission was $5 - that's without audio-tour or hiring a guide. One thing to do: there are a few survivors of the Killing Fields, the Khmer Rouge Reign of Terror of 1975-79. There is a booth, or awning, where you can find a survivor & English translator who will talk to you about those days, their experiences. Do leave them about $2-5 - something to live on since they are elderly, often disabled from those horrific days.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $9.00, while a popular guided tour starts around $19.00 per person. See all 111 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 111 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum:
- (0.04 mi) Sla Malou
- (0.10 mi) The Flora Boutique Hotel
- (0.07 mi) Krorma Yamato Guest House Phnom Penh
- (0.08 mi) Le Grande Apartment
- (0.09 mi) Del Gusto
- Restaurants near Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum:
- (0.02 mi) Bay Mak
- (0.02 mi) JUM Boutique Arts & Crafts Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Spider Restaurant
- (0.04 mi) Pandan Leaf Restaurant
- (0.07 mi) 350 BBQ Cafe