7 Tourist Spots With Disturbing Histories

Travelversed Editors | March 4, 2015

Most people go on vacation to see popular beach resorts, well known shopping districts or family-friendly attractions, but for some travelers, a tourist attraction with a dark and sinister past is more alluring. These attractions often represent a particularly dark time in human history, and some argue that they should be visited for that very reason, so past events can be remembered and learned from.

The following are 7 tourist spots with dark pasts:

Tuol-Sleng-Genocide-Museum---Phnom-Penh,-Cambodia wdeon / Shutterstock

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Meaning “Hill of the Poisonous Trees” in Khmer, Tuol Sleng was a former high school (under a different name) that was notoriously used as Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. An estimated 17,000 to 20,000 prisoners were held, tortured and executed within the former classrooms and grounds of Tuol Sleng.

The current museum looks much as it did when it was liberated in 1979. Some of the torture rooms were left as they were found, with little more than a rusty iron bed against one wall. Second floor rooms now house the pictures and names of many of the prisoners who lost their lives at Tuol Sleng.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

SHARE ON

11 Great Hostels to Stay In

For budget-minded travelers in search of a cheap place to stay, hostels can be the perfect option. Generally, hostels offer much better value than hotels and short-term apartment rentals. Because less money is spent on accommodations, it allows globetrotters to designate a larger portion of their budget to good food and sightseeing activities instead.

11 Great Hostels in Europe to Stay In

If you’re a budget-minded backpacker interested in meeting fellow travelers along the way, hostels are an exceptional alternative. Intimate, community-minded, and affordable, hostels have exploded in popularity and really come a long way. From shared open-concept spaces to private ensuites, it’s easy to find a mix of both communal and secluded accommodations.

The 10 Most Historic Prisons

While jail time isn’t a walk in the park for any convicted felon, many tourists flock to historical prisons around the world when traveling. This is due to their mystic, history, and eerie ambiance. While it may seem a little crazy, visiting a local prison can provide a ton of insight on a region’s roots and culture.