Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum stands on the site of a former secondary school in the south of the city. After the Khmer Rouge took Phnom Penh in April 1975, the school buildings were converted into Security Prison 21, known as S-21, where thousands of people were imprisoned, interrogated and tortured before most were taken to the killing fields at Choeung Ek. Very few prisoners survived. Since the museum opened after 1979, it has preserved the buildings largely as they were found, with the former classrooms, cells and photographs of prisoners that the regime itself recorded. It is a heavy place, and a deeply important one for understanding modern Cambodia. The experience is quiet and factual. Visitors move at their own pace through the blocks, reading the displays and looking at the portraits, and many choose to take an audio guide or a personal guide to help put the individual stories in context. This page is written to help you plan a respectful visit.
Practical details
The museum is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, including public holidays. Foreign adults pay a modest entry fee, with a lower price for children aged ten to seventeen and free entry for younger children. Tickets are sold only at the entrance and payment is in cash, in US dollars or riel. An audio guide is available for a small extra fee, and personal guides work on a donation basis. Many visitors take a tuk-tuk, since the site is a short ride from the riverfront.
Etiquette
Dress respectfully, with arms and legs covered, as shorts and sleeveless tops are not considered appropriate. Personal photography is allowed, but mobile phones are not permitted inside the exhibition buildings, and visitors are asked to be quiet and to avoid posing for pictures. Children are admitted, though the content is difficult and parents should think carefully about whether it is suitable for younger visitors.
Planning your day
Allow at least two hours, and consider pacing the day so that you are not rushed or going straight to another difficult site. Many visitors pair Tuol Sleng with the Choeung Ek memorial, but some prefer to do them on separate days, or to follow them with a quiet river walk or a meal. Do not feel obliged to see everything; it is perfectly acceptable to step outside into the courtyard if you need a moment. A guided half-day visit can add context, but the museum itself carries the essential story.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit through the former school blocks, with preserved classrooms and cells, displays and photographs of prisoners, and an optional audio or personal guide.
Best time
Go in the morning, when you have the full day ahead and the site is quieter, and leave time afterward to decompress.
How long
Allow two to three hours at an unhurried pace.
Tips
Cover arms and legs, bring cash for the ticket and audio guide, leave your phone out of the exhibition buildings and be ready for an emotionally heavy visit.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to understand Cambodia’s recent history, and anyone planning a respectful visit with time and an open mind.
- Families
- The content is graphic and distressing, so it is best suited to older teenagers and adults; parents should decide in advance.
- Couples
- A meaningful but heavy visit for two; plan something quiet and gentle afterward.
- Pair with
- The Choeung Ek memorial on the same day or a separate one, and a relaxed riverside evening afterward.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, plus travel time and a break afterward.
Good questions
What are the opening hours and entry fee of Tuol Sleng?+
The museum is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, including public holidays, and foreign adults pay a small fee in cash. Tickets are sold only at the entrance.
What should I wear to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum?+
Dress respectfully, with arms and legs covered, as shorts and sleeveless tops are not considered appropriate. Wear comfortable shoes for the walk between the blocks.
Can I take photos at Tuol Sleng?+
Personal, non-commercial photography is allowed, but mobile phones are not permitted inside the exhibition buildings. Be respectful and avoid posing or taking light-hearted pictures.
Is Tuol Sleng suitable for children?+
Children are admitted, but the content is graphic and distressing. It is better suited to older teenagers and adults, and parents should preview what is shown.
How long should I spend at the museum?+
Most visitors spend two to three hours. An audio guide or personal guide helps with context, and it is fine to take breaks outside whenever you need.
