Opened in 2007, this modern, interactive museum showcases Khmer civilization and the Angkor era. Eight different galleries put the period in context with artifacts gathered from sites including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Topics covered include religion and belief, the great Khmer kings, the pre-Angkor period, and ancient costume.
Gain entrance to the Angkor National Museum for a significant fee; children under 4 feet tall (1.2 meters tall) pay half price. Explore with a guide or independently. Audio guides are available in a range of languages for an additional charge. The museum is an occasional stop on Siem Reap city tours and multi-day tours of the Angkor sites, and you can also add it to your itinerary when booking a private guide or driver.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Angkor National Museum is a must for history buffs and anyone who’d like to learn more about the Angkor era.
- Although there are video and touchscreen displays, the museum is largely focused on sculpture and carving. It may be a little much for young children.
- The museum is wheelchair-friendly, with wheelchairs available at the ticket booth.
A Walk Through the Angkor National Museum
Angkor National Museum tours start with a video introduction before you walk through the galleries in order. The Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas showcases religious sculpture; Gallery A introduces the beginnings of the Khmer Empire; Gallery B explores Angkorian beliefs; Gallery C profiles important kings; Gallery D and Gallery E focus on Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom; Gallery F examines stone inscriptions; and Gallery G highlights costume and dance.
How to Get There
The Angkor National Museum is located on the main road north from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat, 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of the temple complex. There’s no public transport in Siem Reap, so your options are scooter, bicycle, vehicle charter, or an organized tour.