Tuol Sleng Museum and Russian Market Half-day Tour

Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Tuol Sleng Museum and Russian Market Half-day Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Phnom Penh is both a city of contrasts and a city of extremes. The scars left behind by the Khmer Rouge regime are most tangible in landmarks in and round the capital city, including the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum. Once a school where children happily played, during the war it became a horrific torture and detention centre.

Despite its brutal history, this prison is a must-see site in order to understand the horrors that the local people endured and survived. The Russian Market offers a slice of enjoyment where you can shop-until-you-drop for a wide variety of inexpensive, locally-made handicrafts and unusual souvenirs.

Available options

Half-Day Morning Tour

Private tour: Half Day tour in the morning <br/>Pickup included

Half-Day Afternoon Tour

Private Tour: Half Day tour in the Afternoon<br/>Pickup included

What's included

A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

All applicable taxes and service charges

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The guide and driver will collect you from the hotel and take you to the Tuol Sleng Museum, also known as S-21. During the Pol Pot regime, the former high school was converted into a detention centre. After interrogation, and often torture, prisoners were transferred to the Killing Fields where they were brutally slain. It is said that about 20,000 prisoners entered through the doors of this disturbing facility, never to return to their homes. You can walk through the hauntingly eerie cells and view harrowing black and white photographs of many of the victims, along with items of rusting furniture. There are even torture devices used to extract ‘confessions’ from the prisoners. This heart-breaking museum serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

Stop 2

After visiting the museum, there is ample time to shop at the Russian Market. This bustling bazaar dates back to the 1980s and became a favourite haunt of Russian expats. The distinctive dome of this landmark can be seen from various parts of the capital. Wander through the aisles past stalls packed full of clothes, trinkets, woodcarvings, jewellery, Buddha images and silk scarves. This is a good place to practice your bargaining skills in order to get the best prices. In and around the market, there are many food stalls selling sweet and savoury snacks. You will get an opportunity to sample sticky rice with banana, a favourite sweet treat of the locals.

At the end of the tour, the driver will take you back to the hotel.

What's not included

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees

Transfers from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Phnom Penh. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Koh Dach, Tonle Bati, and Oudong, any of the river and cruise ferry terminals and Phnom Penh International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions

The sites included in this tour contain graphic content that may not be suitable for young children

To allow entrance into the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) in Phnom Penh, visitors are obliged to uphold a very strict dress code to respect the premises and the victims who lost their lives here.

It is essential that you dress modestly and appropriately during this excursion by wearing clothes that cover shoulders and fall below the knees. Customers wearing shirts with obscene and disrespectful prints and pictures and brightly-coloured clothing may be refused entrance

We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour

Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off

Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are still very powerful

The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions

Important notes

• It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct name or the registration name which is also the name of your hotel booking and hotel information,should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city rich in history, culture, and bustling markets. Known for its French colonial architecture, the Royal Palace, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, it offers a unique blend of the old and the new, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. It features beautiful Khmer architecture and is a must-visit for its historical significance and stunning design.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours 10 USD

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Also known as S-21, this museum is a former school turned into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge. It serves as a stark reminder of Cambodia's dark past.

Historical 1-2 hours 5 USD

Central Market

Also known as Phsar Thmei, this market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local food. The Art Deco building is an architectural gem.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary

Wat Phnom

This Buddhist temple is the namesake and heart of the city. It is believed to be the site where the first pagoda was built in Phnom Penh.

Religious 30 minutes 1 USD

National Museum of Cambodia

This museum houses a vast collection of Khmer artifacts, providing a deep dive into Cambodia's rich history and culture.

Museum 1-2 hours 10 USD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Amok

A creamy coconut curry with fish or chicken, steamed in banana leaves.

Main Dish Can be made with fish or chicken, vegetarian options available.

Lok Lak

Stir-fried beef with onions and a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce.

Main Dish Typically made with beef, but can be made with other meats.

Nom Banh Chok

Rice noodles topped with a fish-based gravy and fresh herbs.

Breakfast Vegetarian options available with tofu.

Bai Sach Chrouk

Grilled pork with broken rice and pickled vegetables.

Breakfast Contains pork.

Popular Activities

Boat Tours Biking Hiking Spa Treatments Riverfront Promenade Coffee Shops Temple Visits Museum Tours

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

22°C - 32°C 72°F - 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Khmer
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common sense

Phnom Penh is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious, especially at night and in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of tuk-tuk drivers offering tours or services, as they may overcharge or take you to overpriced shops
• Use reputable tour operators and agree on prices beforehand
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Phnom Penh International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Phnom Penh Railway Station

By bus

Central Market Bus Station, Siem Reap Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are affordable but can be crowded and slow. Routes cover major areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Riverside BKK1 Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Poung)

Day trips

Tonlé Sap Lake

150 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A large freshwater lake known for its floating villages and unique ecosystem.

Kampong Cham

120 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A riverside town with a mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Khmer temples.

Koh Dach Island

15 km from Phnom Penh • Half day

A peaceful island known for its silk weaving and rural landscapes.

Festivals

Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 14-16 Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) • November (dates vary) Pchum Ben • September/October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Try local street food at the Central Market or Russian Market for an authentic experience
Take a tuk-tuk tour of the city to see the major attractions in a short amount of time
Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a sobering but important historical perspective
Explore the riverside area for great dining and nightlife options