The 2 Must-See Museums of Siem Reap!
In Siem Reap, the temples of Angkor are not the only places worth exploring. The Angkor National Museum and the Landmine Museum shed light on two pivotal chapters of Khmer history and the nation's past.
The city of Siem Reap, guardian of the temples of Angkor, has been widely known to Western travelers since its return from the Siamese kingdom to Cambodge in 1907. For the past 113 years, this city has become legendary for its proximity to the world's largest religious edifice: Angkor Wat. A myth shaped by Western explorers who returned home with tales of a lost city swallowed by jungle that they had rediscovered.
Travelers know Siem Reap, of course, because of Angkor, and not the other way around. The tourism offerings in Cambodge's third-largest city after Phnom Penh and Battambang are therefore invariably tied to the archaeological site, which is, in part, over 1,200 years old. But that doesn't mean other tourist activities are impossible in Siem Reap—far from it. For night owls, a vibrant and colorful nightlife thrives in the city center near Pub Street, while for culinary enthusiasts, numerous restaurants serve dishes from diverse cuisines. This century-old city also boasts two museums worth visiting. One serves as an introduction to your discovery of the temples, while the other, completely separate from that narrative, will teach you more about another chapter of the region's history.
The Angkor National Museum
Discover eight thematic galleries within this majestic venue, located just a stone's throw from the Grand Hotel d'Angkor. This location is deeply symbolic—the museum sits at the beginning of Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, which runs straight toward Angkor Wat and the Angkor archaeological site in general.
This is an ideal place to visit before heading to Angkor. You'll learn about 1,500 years of Khmer civilization history, spanning from the establishment of the Funan kingdom in the 1st century CE through the fall of the Khmer empire in the 15th century. The Angkorian era comprises more than half of this history. The city of Angkor Thom, the great sovereigns, religion, and countless other subjects are thoroughly explored within the walls of the Angkor National Museum. A thorough and careful visit takes between 3 and 5 hours and will allow you to far better understand the context of what you'll see at Angkor, and to grasp its true significance.
The Landmine Museum
Along National Route 67, heading toward Banteay Srei, lies a museum that is both deeply moving and deeply troubling. The Landmine Museum was founded by a former Khmer Rouge soldier, conscripted by the Angkar in 1975 at just 10 years old, who was retrained in mine clearance after Cambodge's liberation by the Vietnamese. He dedicated himself to helping those maimed and affected by these devastating explosives. The museum explains the full scope of their role in the country's recent history and their deadly impact—probably explained here by the person who knows them best on Khmer soil.
Reviews of this museum are overwhelmingly glowing, and you will leave changed. Certainly with a different perspective on the country.
Frequently asked questions
The Angkor National Museum costs approximately $12 for adults. The Landmine Museum offers more accessible pricing at around $5. These prices may vary seasonally.
Allow 3 to 5 hours for the Angkor National Museum and approximately 2 hours for the Landmine Museum. A full day allows you to comfortably visit both.
It is recommended to visit the Angkor National Museum BEFORE touring the temples, so you can better understand the history and context. The Landmine Museum can be visited at any time.
