Museum Guide for Siem Reap
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The city has a small number of interesting museums that not only showcase Cambodia's cultural history but also its unique wildlife, which includes many protected species. Enjoy the view of the countryside and rice paddies as you venture out to some of the great museums that lie waiting beyond the city lines.
6 Places
7 City Tips
6 Places
Angkor National Museum
Specialty Museums
Cambodia Landmine Museum
Specialty Museums
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
Nature & Wildlife Areas
War Museum Cambodia
Military Museums
Angkor Silk Farm
Farms
Artisans Angkor
Factory Tours, Gift & Specialty Shops,
Nico W's City Tips
- It's good manners to leave a bit extra for staff at a sit-down restaurant, even though it's not expected in Cambodia.
- Take an inexpensive tuk-tuk or motorized taxi to get around the city. Trips to the museums farther out will cost more, but hiring a tuk-tuk for a whole day is a good-value option.
- At temples, local villages or pagodas, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to be respectful.
- Do not touch someone's head as it is considered to be the most sacred part of the body.
- Do not point your feet at an older person or a monk when you are sitting facing them. Sit with your legs behind you.
- Remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
- Ask permission before taking a picture of someone, especially a monk. You can say "Som tot?" which means "Picture please?"
- Angkor National MuseumSpecialty MuseumsSee more photosNico W Says:
Even if you're in Siem Reap for just a few days, take a few hours to learn more about the history of the Khmer Kingdom and its Golden Era. You'll learn about the history through the restored artifacts and multimedia presentations on display here, helping you to more fully appreciate the monumental achievements of the empire. (Try and visit the museum before you visit the temples to better appreciate the significance of the rich Khmer history.)
Tips- You can make a group reservation in advance for a guided tour.
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hoursFrom the communityRanked #40 of 191 things to do in Siem ReapCertificate of Excellence 2014- Religious and historical perspective 04/17/2018
- Interesting way to start your journey... 04/17/2018
- Angkor National Museum
▼Address:968 Vithei Charles de Gaulle BlvdKhrum 6Siem ReapCambodiaPhone:+855 63 966 601Other: - Cambodia Landmine MuseumSpecialty MuseumsSee more photosNico W Says:
Many visitors do not know the story of the inspiring Aki Ra, an ex-child soldier of the Khmer Rouge era. He has dedicated his life to making Cambodia landmine-free and this museum educates visitors about the history and impact of landmines in the country. The money from your entrance fee supports dozens of at-risk youths and landmine-affected children, too.
Tips- Contact Bill Morse via their website to see if he will be at the museum during your visit. He can tell you first-hand stories of the de-mining team's work.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #34 of 191 things to do in Siem ReapCertificate of Excellence 2014- A must visit and on the way to Banta Spey temple 04/17/2018
- Admiration for the worthy work carried out by this relief centre 04/17/2018
- Cambodia Landmine Museum
▼Address:Angkor National Park, 7km south of Banteay Srey TempleSiem ReapCambodiaPhone:+855 12 630 446Price range:US$5 - US$5Hours:Sun - Sat7:30 am - 5:30 pmOther: - Banteay Srey Butterfly CentreNature & Wildlife AreasSee more photosNico W Says:
If you didn't know much about butterflies before, by the end of this visit, you will be fully versed on their full life cycle. This tranquil sanctuary is the perfect break from the city center, and you can really take your time here, staying to enjoy lunch at the site. The revenue from your visit also generates income for local people in the community and conservation projects.
Tips- Stop by this area on the way back from the temples, especially if you've already paid for your tuk-tuk for the day!
- If you don't feel like eating onsite, you can eat at one of the small restaurants on the route back to Siem Reap.
- If you have kids, there is a great swing set here for them to play on.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #48 of 191 things to do in Siem ReapCertificate of Excellence 2014- Nice place 04/17/2018
- Beautiful place 04/17/2018
- Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
▼ - War Museum CambodiaMilitary MuseumsSee more photosNico W Says:
This is an overlooked museum that is a must-visit for the first-hand stories you can hear from its guides, all of whom are miraculous survivors of the 1970s war. In addition to their heart-wrenching stories, they will explain how each weapon in the museum was used (and all of them are real). One of the guides said he wanted to educate people about the war with the hope of preventing anything similar from happening in the future —needless to say, this is a good cause to support.
Tips- Take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city center to get to the museum.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #38 of 191 things to do in Siem ReapCertificate of Excellence 2014- Fantastic! 04/15/2018
- Well worth a look. 04/15/2018
- War Museum Cambodia
▼ - Angkor Silk FarmFarmsSee more photosNico W Says:
The helpful guides here at the silk farm explain the entire process of how silk is made, from the growth of the mulberry trees to the preparation of the silk threads, to weaving. You'll watch the artisans hard at work in each phase of this meticulous process, using the traditional machines. At the end of the tour, you can browse the high-quality silk products, before ending your visit with a refreshing shake or ice cream.
Tips- Reserve this free tour before 10 am at the Artisans Angkor site (on the road just off Sivatha Boulevard by the roundabout). One van leaves daily in the morning and the afternoon.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #28 of 191 things to do in Siem ReapCertificate of Excellence 2014- Shows just how much goes into their amazing merchandise 04/09/2018
- Impressive and Very Interesting 04/08/2018
- Angkor Silk Farm
▼Address:Airport RoadPuok DistrictSiem Reap 17259CambodiaPhone:+855 63 555 5768Hours:Sun - Sat8:00 am - 5:00 pmOther: - Artisans AngkorFactory Tours, Gift & Specialty Shops,See more photosNico W Says:
This fantastic social business is reviving Khmer traditional arts and crafts, while employing over 1,300 people, many of whom are in rural areas. Enjoy this wonderful free tour and watch the artists working on their beautiful crafts, before browsing the impressive finished products in the gift shop.
Tips- While you're here, book another free tour to the Angkor Silk Farm, about 10km from the city center.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #5 of 107 Shopping in Siem ReapCertificate of Excellence 2014- Great way to support local Cambodian artisans 04/16/2018
- Educational and high quality goods 04/12/2018
- Artisans Angkor
▼Address:Stung Thmey StreetSiem Reap 17259CambodiaPhone:+855 63 963 330Hours:Sun - Sat7:30 am - 6:30 pmOther:
