“It serves as the initial gateway for deeply understanding the glorious history, religion, and art of the Khmer Empire before visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park.”
Angkor National Museum functions as one of the most important learning centers in Cambodia concerning the ancient Khmer civilization. The building is beautifully designed, with architecture inspired by Angkor Wat, immediately connecting visitors to the cultural heritage. The museum's objective is to disseminate knowledge about the historical timeline of the kings and the prosperous eras of the Khmer Empire.
The must-see highlight is the Gallery of 1,000 Buddha Images, an area displaying hundreds of Buddha statues carved from wood, jade, and metal recovered from the ruins of various temples. Additionally, there are displays of artifacts, inscriptions that tell stories from the stones, the foundation of the empire, and details of the stunning architecture of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
The museum's exhibitions utilize modern multimedia technology, complete with audio guides available in various languages (including English), allowing visitors to easily grasp historical narratives and legends and gain an overview of the religions and beliefs that influenced the creation of the art and architecture of the Khmer Empire.
How to Get There
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Tuk-Tuk: This is the most convenient method of transportation from hotels in Siem Reap. It's a short ride, as the museum is located on Vithei Charles de Gaulle, a main road.
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Taxi/Private Car: Suitable for those seeking maximum comfort. Parking is available at the museum premises.
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Walking/Cycling: If your accommodation is not far from the city center, you can walk or cycle there.
Travel Tips
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Best Time to Visit: It is highly recommended to visit before going to the Angkor Archaeological Park to gain a better understanding of the history and context of the various temples.
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Visiting Time: Allocate approximately 2-3 hours to allow enough time to browse all the galleries and watch the introductory videos.
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Photography: Generally, photography is permitted in the corridors and reception area, but the main artifact exhibition rooms usually prohibit photography to prevent damage to the relics.
Admission Fee:
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Foreign Visitors : Approximately $12 USD
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Note: Please verify the official price on the museum's website or ticket agents before travel.
Opening Hours:
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Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.