Introduction to the Angkor National Museum
Located in Siem Reap Province, the Angkor National Museum represents the golden era of the Khmer Kingdom. The Museum displays genuine artefacts, featuring eight galleries that utilise state-of-the-art multimedia technology to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Khmer history and culture.
The Eight Galleries of Angkor National Museum
Gallery A: Khmer Civilisation
The Gallery is dedicated to the Origin of the Khmer Empire. Delve into the stories of the ancient Khmer Kingdoms and discover the people’s faith in their great kings.
Gallery B: Religion and Beliefs
Discover the fascinating mythologies and rich folklore that inspired the civilisation of Angkor for centuries. Explore the gallery to know the influence of the Ancient Khmer Empire on the region’s literature, sculpture, and architecture.
Gallery C: The Great Khmer
Four particularly notable Khmer Kings in the Khmer Empire –
- King Jayavarman II united the two kingdoms of Tchen-La during 802-850 C.E.
- King Yasovarman I, who established Angkor as the capital between 889 and 900 C.E.
- King Soryavarman II built Angkor Wat between 1116 and 1145 C.E.
- King Jayavarman VII built the Angkor Thom between 1181 and 1201 C.E.
Let history come alive through time and stories of these great inventors.
Gallery D: Angkor Wat
Visitors in this Gallery learn how the gigantic Hindu Temple Angkor Wat was constructed. It also highlights the Angkor Equinox phenomenon.
Gallery E: Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is an Architectural masterpiece of sophisticated technology, combining the precious artworks ever created. Here, you can learn about the astonishing ancient engineering plans for public utilities, such as large-scale irrigation projects, and their relation to the symbolic story of churning the ocean milk.
Gallery F: Story from Stones
The Gallery holds inscriptions found throughout the country, which record historical events and the evidence of the ancient language of the region. These inscriptions offer a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and legends of the ancient Khmer Empire.
Gallery G: Ancient Costume
In this Gallery, you can experience the spectacular art of Ancient Khmer clothing, illustrated by sculptures of Gods, Goddesses, and celestial dancers known as Apsaras in different styles and ornamentations. In the ancient Khmer civilisation, dressing and ornamentation were also related to hierarchy and reflected social status through ranks.
Exclusive Gallery
The Gallery has the most prestigious collection of Buddha Statues ever assembled. The individual statues range from life-size to larger central pieces, showcasing various symbolic hand gestures and postures of the Buddha, illustrating the influence of Buddhism across the ancient Khmer Civilisation into modern Cambodia.
Things to Note Before Visiting Angkor National Museum
- The Museum’s operating hours are from April to September, 08:30 to 18:00, and from October to March, 08:30 to 18:30.
- The best time to visit is during the morning or afternoon when there is less of a crowd.
- The Museum offers audio guides in English, French, German, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Spanish, and Russian.
- Visit the Museum before visiting Angkor Wat to gain a better understanding of the temple’s history and the surrounding ruins.
- Photography is not allowed inside the Museum.
Amenities Inside the Angkor National Museum
- Briefing Hall for visitors to get an introduction to the museum’s collections.
- The Museum Shop
- The Museum Coffee House and restaurants.
- Nightly Performance
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
How to Reach Angkor National Museum
Within Siem Reap, you can commute via Tuk-Tuk, Taxi or Motorbike. If you are travelling to Siem Reap from another province, the Bus is the most convenient and affordable transportation.
By Bus, if travelling from another province
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
You can reach Siem Reap within 5 hours and 46 minutes from Phnom Penh via bus. You can check the daily bus services and bus tickets from redBus.
- Battambang to Siem Reap
The first bus to Siem Reap departs from Battambang at 06:30. There are approximately 58 bus services on this route.
Other bus routes to Siem Reap include Sihanoukville, Poi Pet, Kampot, Kampong Thom, Ho Chi Minh, etc.
From the bus stop, you can commute via Tuk-Tuk, Taxi or Motorbike.
By Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuk is one of the most popular ways to get around Siem Reap. It is easily accessible and is relatively inexpensive.
By Taxi
There are numerous Taxi agencies in Siem Reap, and a few hotels also offer transportation services for tourist destinations.
By Motorbike
You can rent a scooter or a motorbike to explore Siem Reap and navigate to the Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Angkor National Museum located?
The Angkor National Museum’s address is No. 968 Vithei Preah Sihanouk Ave, Khrum 6, Phoum Salakanseng, Khom Sveydangum, Siem Reap Province, Kingdom of Cambodia.
- Is Angkor National Museum suitable for Children?
Yes, the Museum is suitable for children, as it offers visual and interactive displays that engage young visitors.
- How long does it take to visit the Museum?
Visiting the Museum will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Can I take pictures inside the Angkor National Museum?
Yes, you can take pictures with your phone in the Angkor National Museum.
- Can I bring pets into the Angkor National Museum?
Pets are not allowed inside the Angkor National Museum.
