Top Things To Do In Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison) (Phnom Penh) In 2026 - 2027

Top 8 things to do in Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison)

1. 1. Guided Historical Tour

   The Guided Historical Tour at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is an emotional journey guided by knowledgeable staff who explain the harrowing history of the site. Once a high school, the building was transformed into the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime. As you walk through the halls and former classrooms, you’ll see haunting photographs of the victims, remnants of the implements of torture, and informative displays. Listen as the guide recounts the suffering endured by the prisoners and explains the historical context of the Khmer Rouge period. This tour is a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during one of Cambodia's darkest chapters, and it pays respect to the resilience of the survivors and the memory of the victims.

   Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours · Price: Included with admission, small tip for the guide appreciated

2. 2. Audio Tour

   Experience the harrowing history of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with an in-depth audio tour. This self-guided experience allows visitors to explore the former prison at their own pace while listening to testimonies and detailed descriptions provided through the audio guide. It's available in multiple languages and offers a personal and intimate account of life under the Khmer Rouge, offering a deeper understanding of the impact of the regime. Informative and heart-wrenching, the audio tour includes stories of survival and memories from the prison’s few survivors, as well as commentary from historians and experts on the period.

   Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours · Price: $3 for the audio guide rental

3. 3. Photography Walk

   The Photography Walk at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum allows photography enthusiasts to capture the various aspects of the museum, representing a historical and emotional record of the site. The rooms filled with black and white mugshots of the prisoners, the preserved torture instruments, and the haunting atmosphere of the cells provide powerful visual stories. Visitors are reminded to photograph respectfully, considering the gravity of the site's history. Photography inside buildings may be limited and should be undertaken without flash to preserve the exhibits.

   Duration: Self-paced, typically around 1 - 2 hours · Price: Regular entrance fee; photography without flash is generally permitted

4. 4. Survivor's Story Session

   One of the most touching experiences at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the Survivor's Story Session. Occasionally, survivors of the S-21 Prison visit the museum to share their firsthand accounts with visitors. These talks give a human face to the suffering and provide powerful personal stories about survival, resilience, and forgiveness. Hearing directly from someone who lived through the atrocities is an invaluable, though often heartrending, experience. The presence of a survivor truly brings history to life and connects visitors to Cambodia's past beyond the static exhibits.

   Duration: Variable, can be 30 minutes to 1 hour · Price: Free with admission, though a donation to the survivor is highly recommended

5. 5. Educational Documentary Screening

   The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum periodically offers screenings of educational documentaries about the Khmer Rouge regime and the history of S-21 Prison. These films often feature interviews with survivors, historical footage, and commentary by experts, providing a detailed background to the exhibits on display and the broader historical context. Such documentaries help visitors to understand the scale of the genocide and its impact on Cambodian society. It's a key part of the educational mission of the museum, allowing visitors to engage on a deeper level with the complex causes and devastating effects of the Khmer Rouge's rule.

   Price: Usually included with the museum admission

6. 6. Permanent Exhibits Exploration

   Visitors to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum can spend time exploring the museum's permanent exhibits, which provide a detailed look into the Khmer Rouge regime and the S-21 prison's role in that history. The exhibits include rooms left as they were found in 1979, torture devices, and extensive prisoner photographs and documentation. The museum's exhibits are carefully curated to teach visitors about the genocide systematically carried out by the Khmer Rouge, highlighting the stories of the victims and the brutality of their captors. Exploring these exhibits provides a context for understanding contemporary Cambodia and the lasting impact of this period on the Cambodian people.

   Price: Included in the museum's admission fee

7. 7. Memorial Stupa Visit

   Within the grounds of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum stands a Memorial Stupa, a Buddhist structure housing the skulls and bones of some of the victims of the S-21 prison. Visitors can pay their respects to those who lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge regime. The stupa is a stark reminder of the mass killings and a site for reflection on the atrocities committed. It's an essential part of the visit for those who wish to honor the memory of the victims and contemplate the need for peace and reconciliation.

   Duration: 15-30 minutes · Price: Free with museum admission

8. 8. Walking Meditation

   Walking Meditation provides an opportunity for reflection and meditation amidst the somber setting of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Visitors can participate in a walking meditation session, either self-led or with a group, which can be a powerful way to process the emotions that come with learning about the site's painful history. The activity offers a moment of peace and personal contemplation, while also showing respect for those who suffered within the prison walls.

   Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour · Price: Free with museum admission, gratuity for a guide if applicable