Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Visiting both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields was one of the most emotional and powerful experiences I’ve had in Cambodia. These places tell the story of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime — not through imagination, but through real evidence, preserved buildings, and the voices of survivors and victims. At Tuol Sleng (S-21), the entrance fee is $6 and includes an audio guide with headphones, available in about 10 to 12 major world languages — including RUSSIAN, which was a great help for me. You simply put on the headset, and as you walk through the former high school turned prison, the story unfolds in your own language. The museum is quiet and deeply respectful, filled with photographs, personal stories, and untouched prison cells. Later, when you come to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, the experience continues, you walk through the field where thousands of innocent people were executed. The audio includes survivors’ stories and historical context, and there’s even a moment of silence built into the experience, allowing you to reflect. The stupa filled with victims’ skulls is a heartbreaking symbol, but it’s also a powerful reminder of what humanity must never allow again. Both places are incredibly respectful in how they present the past — not as a tourist attraction, but as places of remembrance and education. These visits are emotionally heavy, but absolutely necessary for anyone who wants to understand Cambodia’s recent history. I highly recommend both sites for anyone visiting Phnom Penh — not for fun, but for truth, reflection, and respect.

A difficult but essential visit to truly understand Cambodia’s recent history. This former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime is deeply impactful. Walking through the cells, seeing victims’ photos, and listening to the audio guide (highly recommended) is a heavy experience that stays with you. It’s not an easy visit, but a necessary one to honor the memory of those who suffered here. 💡 Tip: Take your time and approach it with respect. This is not a tourist attraction — it’s a place of remembrance.

Coupled with a visit to the killing fields, this is a very sobering but important part of Cambodia’s history. It is told graphically, but effectively. You can ask for an English speaking guide to take you round, or take the audio tour.

You will require a heavy heart to understand the incidents that had happened previously. If there is a need, you can take a rest before continuing the other parts of the story. Strongly recommend to rent the audio guide. Also, managed to bought a book of a survivor of the genocide.

A must if you are in Phnom Penh. Very powerful and well done. The audio tour was great. I recommend giving yourself a lot of time, there is a lot to take in. I HIGHLY recommend the audio tour. It allows for you to take breaks and has extra content available.

Very educational museum to learn about the khmer rouge. Highly recommend doing this first before killing fields. Also recommend getting the audio guide as there won’t be much reading information, apart from some of the temporary exhibits. Mostly indoor but no AC so a fan would be handy. It’s $10 with the audio guide and $5 if you opt out of audio guide.

I'm touring in Phnom Penh and this place was recommended as part of things to do. Not knowing much about the history of Cambodia, I was still able to follow the narrative of the atrocities that happened at this place and the why's behind them. I used the audio guide which was good, and easy to follow. The guide has warnings if the images to be shown the next stage, would be graphic for some, leaving the listener to decide to go to the next section or listen to the audio outside. This was appreciated. The top floors of Buildings A and B, had some exhibitions which were informative. Overall a good place to go learn some tragic history.

The S21 Museum is an absolute must-visit. Everything is beautifully presented and incredibly powerful, with stories that truly stay with you. I strongly recommend taking the audio guide. Without it, you would miss so much. The guide is clear, moving, and very informative – we have done several audio guides in museums before, but this one was by far the best. Visiting this museum is confronting but also extremely valuable. For us, it was one of the most impressive experiences in Cambodia, something we will not forget anytime soon.