National Museum of Cambodia
The Basics
To understand Cambodia’s history, a visit to the National Museum is essential. Travelers can combine a visit to the museum with other Phnom Penh sights, such as the Independence Monument and the Royal Palace on a full- or half-day tour. Independent travelers can save up to an hour waiting in line by booking skip-the-line admission. However, exploring the museums with a guide allows you to head straight to the highlights of the 14,000-strong collection.
Things to Know Before You Go
The National Museum is a must-see for history buffs and culture vultures.
If visiting without guide, be sure to put aside at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the collection.
There is a small admission fee. Travelers can arrange a 1-hour group tour of the museum for an additional fee.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The museum is located on Street 13 in central Phnom Penh, near the Royal Palace. Visitors can enter at the corner of Streets 13 and 178. You can also visit the museum as part of a guided tour and avoid the stress of getting lost in Cambodia’s busy capital.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The museum is open daily from 8am to 5pm. If you want to beat the crowds, arrive as early as possible and admire the exhibits in relative tranquility.
Museum Highlights
As you make your way around the museum, look for ancient highlights that include an 8-armed statue of the Hindu god Vishnu from the sixth century, a giant pair of wrestling monkeys that date back to the 10th century, and a 12th-century stone inscribed with intricate scenes from the life of Shiva.
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- Royal Palace
- Wat Ounalom
- Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo)
- Kandal Market (Phsar Kandal)
- Sisowath Quay
- Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
- Phnom Penh Independence Monument
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
- Phnom Penh Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
- Phnom Penh Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung Market)
- Wat Phnom
- Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Choeung Ek Killing Fields)
- Silk Island (Koh Dach)
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC)