Discover the Biggest Museum in Phnom Penh

Cambodia is home to a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, many of which are housed in its museums. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Cambodia’s museums.

• National Museum of Cambodia

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, the National Museum of Cambodia is the country’s largest and most important museum. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from Cambodia’s rich history, including sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. Some of the most famous pieces in the museum’s collection include the Angkorian-era statues of Vishnu and Shiva, and the 7th-century bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara.

• Angkor National Museum

Located in Siem Reap, the Angkor National Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Angkorian Empire. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts from the Angkorian period, including sculptures, ceramics, and bronzes. Some of the most famous pieces in the museum’s collection include the 12th-century sandstone statue of Jayavarman VII, and the 10th-century bronze statue of Vishnu.

• Koh Dach Island Museum

Located on Koh Dach Island in Kandal Province, the Koh Dach Island Museum is a unique museum that showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Cambodia. The museum houses a collection of artifacts that were made by local artisans, including pottery, textiles, and basketry. Visitors to the museum can learn about the traditional techniques that are used to make these crafts, and they can also purchase some of the crafts that are made on the island.

• Ratanakiri Provincial Museum

Located in Banlung, the Ratanakiri Provincial Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Ratanakiri Province. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the province, including traditional costumes, musical instruments, and weapons. Visitors to the museum can learn about the different ethnic groups that live in Ratanakiri, and they can also see some of the traditional crafts that are produced in the province.

• Battambang Provincial Museum

Located in Battambang, the Battambang Provincial Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Battambang Province. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the province, including sculptures, ceramics, and bronzes. Some of the most famous pieces in the museum’s collection include the 7th-century sandstone statue of Vishnu, and the 10th-century bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara.

The 7 Biggest Museum near Phnom Penh

National Museum of Cambodia

• Address: Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh 120211, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.1 (5269)
• Phone: +855 23 217 643
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Darrell Thody✭✭✭✭✭

  a week ago

  Interesting couple of hours here. For those reviews complaining about Buddhist artifacts, what on earth were you expecting? Scientology? Anything still around from the 6th or 7th century is fascinating. Also many items from 1800 too and still interesting. $10 is too much for you? Put your backpack on and go to a cheaper country. Good luck.

  Dintu George✭✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  The National Museum of Cambodia, located in Phnom Penh, is renowned for its impressive collection of Khmer art, sculptures, and archaeological treasures. Really appreciate its serene atmosphere and well-curated exhibits that offer insight into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, especially the exquisite sculptures from Angkor era. The museum provides a comprehensive glimpse into the country’s history, making it a must-visit for those interested in Cambodian art and culture.

  Ramesh Kumar✭✭✭✭✭

  3 months ago

  I visited the National Museum today, and I was truly impressed by the extensive collection of artifacts and sculptures on display. The diversity of items, especially those from the Angkor period, was fascinating. The $10 USD ticket for foreigners was definitely worth it for the enriching experience. I highly recommend a visit to this museum for anyone interested in Cambodian history and culture.

  Lady A✭✭✭

  4 months ago

  USD10 for foreign adults entrance. Quite a lot display of artifacts from Angkor Wat. Since we had already visited the temples in the UNESCO Angkor Archaeological Park, there were countless sculptural decorations. This museum seemed less attractive.

  Ben Cho✭✭✭

  a month ago

  It is rather underwhelming visiting the museum. One would have expected more since it is the National museum of Cambodia. I would have liked more coverage on the development of Cambodia since the Khmer Empire. However, the architecture of the building is beautiful and reflects the Cambodian heritage. For that, it is worth a short visit.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

• Address: រាជធានី, សង្កាត់​បឹង​កេងកង​៣ ខណ្ឌ​ចំការ​មន, St 113, Phnom Penh 12304, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (9920)
• Phone: +855 77 252 121
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Jana R. Reinel✭✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Brace yourselves, this is not an easy visit!!! But it’s s great museum, paying respect to the people, who had to suffer so much here. Take your time there, at least 2-3 hours and use the audio guide, it’s worth the money!!! You’ll want to listen to all the stories. The museum is a MUST, if you want to learn about Cambodian history and present.

  Atsushi Yamanaka✭✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Must visit place in Cambodia. Knowing Rwanda quite well, this place also allow me to understand the context behind Cambodian recovery and development processes.

  Olesya Valger✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  A must-see place in Phnom Penh, especially because there is nothing much in the city itself that you cannot see in any big megapolis in Asia. But this museum is worth it. It has a similar mood to Auschwitz in Germany – a gruesome story of so many innocent people murdered for being who they are. The audio guide is well-designed, narrated by a local with great English competence, and quotes witness accounts – do not save money on it, it really enriches the experience. You may want to plan 2-3 hours at the museum if you want to listen to all the audios and look into the faces of the hundreds of poor Cambodians whose photos line the walls – and imagine what they experienced. It leads you to intense sadness, but these now nameless people deserve it. You may want to continue your day with an extra tour to the slay fields 17 km away, but the museum gives the full experience in itself. I finished my day with a Cambodian film at the cinema and the combination of the museum and the local drama on the screen did if for me. I do recommend this museum.

  Scott Bennetts✭✭✭✭✭

  a week ago

  You can never understand the pain the Cambodian people have experienced but I think it’s important to listen to and recognise their past. Feeling sad but it was a necessary part of our vacation.

  Ben Cho✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  In my opinion, this is a must-visit place to better understand the terrible history of the Pol Pot Regime. Be prepared to spend some time listening to the audio guide. Or use a guide when visiting. It is worth the effort.

SOSORO – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum

• Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (351)

La Plantation Museum

• Address: House 162 St 155, Phnom Penh 120109, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating:

Norodom Sihanouk Museum/Preah Reach Damnak Chan

• Address: HW7J+FQV, Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (36)

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

• Address: ផ្លូវជើងឯក, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (1826)

Angkor National Museum

• Address: 968 Vithei Preah Sihanouk Ave, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (4140)

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Top Museum Alternatives in Phnom Penh

While Phnom Penh is well-known for its historical museums, the city also offers a range of alternative attractions that provide unique experiences and insights into Cambodian culture and history. Here are three top museum alternatives that are very popular in Phnom Penh:

• 1. The Killing Fields:

  The Killing Fields, located just outside Phnom Penh, is a poignant and somber alternative to traditional museums. This site is a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, and it provides visitors with a deep and emotional understanding of Cambodia’s tragic past. The audio-guided tour takes you through the fields, where mass graves and remnants of the atrocities committed can still be seen. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Cambodian people.

• 2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum:

  Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, offers a harrowing look into Cambodia’s dark period of history. This former high school was converted into a prison and torture center during the Khmer Rouge regime. The museum is a stark reminder of the human suffering that occurred and the millions of lives that were lost. It houses exhibitions of photographs, testimonials, and artifacts that provide a chilling insight into the atrocities committed.

• 3. The Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Center:

  The Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Center is dedicated to landmine education, landmine victim assistance, and promoting social enterprise in Cambodia. Located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, this museum provides visitors with a unique and eye-opening experience. It features displays of deactivated landmines, memorabilia related to landmine clearance, and stories of survivors. In addition, the center offers educational programs, vocational training, and support for landmine victims and their families.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Museum spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.