Phnom Penh Sights

Tuol Sleng Museum

#2 of 216 things to do in Phnom Penh

#7 of 6204 sights in Asia

6 reviews | Write a review

Good for: history, tourists

  • Address
    • St 113
  • Price
    • admission US$2, video US$5
  • Hours
    • 8am-5.30pm

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Lonely Planet review for Tuol Sleng Museum

S-21 has been turned into the Tuol Sleng Museum, which serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge. Entry is on the western side of St 113.

 

Traveller reviews for Tuol Sleng Museum (6)

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    Very thought provoking experience

    kinger78 recommends this,

    15km from Phnom Penh centre, go there after visiting the Genocide Museum. Helps you understand the dark past of Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge regime.

    Good for: history, tourists

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    A gut-wrenching reminder of the evil we are capable of

    monojussi recommends this,

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    The former prison and torture centre that 17000 people went through and only 7 survived has been kept pretty much as is, adorned only with photographs and paintings (by one of the survivors).

    It is precisely the starkness, plainness, and subtleness of the museum that is the most chilling – there are no interactive exhibits, computer screens, or other unnecessary adornments here. What is also remarkable that while all the atrocities are presented quite explicitly, there is very little fingerpointing, more a quiet resignation and understanding that the evil was perperated by normal people just like you and me.

    Tuol Sleng is quite important for understanding the recent history of Cambodia but, even more importantly, the human condition.

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    A key to understanding Cambodian Culture through its past

    letuscreate recommends this,

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    The history behind the country puts things in perspective.

    cchaudoin87 recommends this,

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    Sobering and well-presented

    fiona263 recommends this,

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    Tuol Sleng (S-21).A 'Must See'.

    damburgery recommends this,

    While you're in Phnom Penh I would recommend visiting Tuol Sleng (museum),also known as S-21.It was only 30 years ago this year that the Vietnamese army liberated PhnomPenh from the
    bloody,paranoic regime of Pol Pot .During Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime (1975-79) this former high
    school was used as a center of torture and execution,adding to the mass genocide happening around
    Cambodia at this time. You'll find the experience quite grim and saddening but,as I did,enlightening and
    aware of a new empathy towards the Cambodian people,many of who lived through those times and lost many
    friends and relatives.
    Some travellers I met told me they found it too depressing so left half way through! I think
    that,considering the ammount of suffering that thousands of innocent people went through
    here,spending an hour or so out of your life to pay respect and remember them is not much to ask.Go to
    the Riverside area afterwards at sunset and have a few cold Angkor beers!
    I took a series of black and white images while I was there.If you're interested in seeing them please visit
    the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilbussey/sets/72157619113454721/

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