Attraction
Angkor Wat
Suryavarman II's 12th-century temple to Vishnu, the largest religious monument in the world and the centrepiece of the Angkor World Heritage Site.
Angkor National Museum
A modern museum on Preah Sihanouk Avenue that explains Khmer civilisation, religion and the Angkor temples through sculpture, artefacts and themed galleries.
At a glance
- Type
- Archaeology museum
- Area
- Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Official site
- angkornationalmuseum.com
Good to know
- Briefing hall
- Gallery of 1
- 000 Buddha Images
- Museum shop
Why we recommend it
The Angkor National Museum is the best place in Siem Reap to make sense of the temples before or after you visit them. It opened on 12 November 2007 on Preah Sihanouk Avenue and displays archaeological objects including pieces lent by the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh.
The visit is laid out as a route through themed galleries. A briefing hall introduces the story, and one of the first highlights is the Gallery of 1,000 Buddha Images, devoted to Buddha figures. From there the main galleries cover Khmer civilisation, religion and beliefs, the great Khmer kings, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the stories carved in stone and ancient costume. A gallery on Cambodian Buddhism and an exhibition hall add more, and the museum lists a free Dancing Apsaras art exhibition for its visitors.
The museum works well for travellers who are short of time at the temples or who want context on the kings, gods and symbols they will see carved in stone. It is also a good choice for the hottest part of the day or a rainy afternoon, as the visit is entirely indoors. Families with older children may find the briefing hall and the Angkor Wat gallery the most engaging parts, while serious history enthusiasts can easily spend half a day here. An audio guide is available in several languages.
Opening hours are seasonal: the official website lists 8:30am to 6pm from April to September and 8:30am to 6:30pm from October to March. Arrive well before closing, as the ticket counter shuts some time before the galleries. Photography of the indoor exhibits is not allowed, so plan to take notes instead. Allow around two hours for a comfortable visit, and finish at the museum shop if you want books on Angkor.
The museum is a short tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market and Pub Street area, so it is easy to fit in on a morning or afternoon when you are not at the temples, or to combine with a meal in town. It makes a good first stop on the day you arrive, before your first temple visit, and the briefing hall gives a useful overview in a short time.
Angkor National Museum FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The official website lists 8:30am to 6pm from 1 April to 30 September and 8:30am to 6:30pm from 1 October to 31 March.
Should I visit before or after the temples?
Either works, but a visit before your first day at Angkor gives useful background on the kings, religions and carvings.
How long should I allow?
Around two hours for the main galleries, more if you use the audio guide in full.
Can I take photographs?
Photography of the indoor exhibits is not permitted.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes, an audio guide is available in several languages.
What are the main galleries?
They include the Gallery of 1,000 Buddha Images and galleries on Khmer civilisation, religion, the great kings, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, stories in stone and ancient costume.
Where is the museum?
At No.968 Preah Sihanouk Avenue, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap.
Is it a good rainy-day option?
Yes, the whole visit is indoors, which suits hot afternoons and wet weather.