Toul Sleng
Tuol Sleng is an essential visit for any traveler (although not recommended for children). Why? Beyond the emotional weight, it offers insight into the mindset of Cambodians (and the taboo that still exists in the Khmer diaspora in France and Europe), helps to understand the country's present situation, and teaches the history of the nation.
Tuol Sleng, a painful symbol of remembrance.
A school turned into a prison. A prison that became a death camp. A camp transformed into a museum. Some tragic historical sites exist to remind us of the horrors humans are capable of and to prevent such atrocities from happening again. Tuol Sleng is an essential visit for any traveler (although not recommended for children). Why? Beyond the emotional weight, it offers insight into the mindset of Cambodians (and the taboo that still exists in the Khmer diaspora in France and Europe), helps to understand the country's present situation, and teaches the history of the nation. No trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to Tuol Sleng.
For whom?
- For travelers wishing to learn more about Khmer culture.
- For those interested in understanding a topic that remains taboo in many Cambodian families.
Good to know
The excellent film *First They Killed My Father* - internationally acclaimed and widely regarded by Cambodians - is an excellent way to grasp the events of this dark period in history. It’s recommended to watch before visiting or after returning from the country.