Angkor National Museum: Tickets, Exhibits & Visitor Guide (2025)
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Imagine standing before ancient stone carvings that have witnessed centuries of history, their weathered surfaces telling stories of gods, kings, and everyday people from a civilization that once dominated Southeast Asia. The Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap offers exactly this—a chance to dive deep into the fascinating world of the Khmer Empire before (or after) you explore the majestic temples themselves.
🌟 My Experience: When I first visited Cambodia in 2018, I made the rookie mistake of heading straight to the temples without context. On my return visit last year, I started at the museum—and wow, what a difference it made! Understanding the symbolism, history, and cultural significance enhanced my temple experience tenfold.
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Why Visit the Angkor National Museum?
If you’re planning to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park (and let’s be honest, that’s why most of us come to Siem Reap!), the Angkor National Museum provides essential background that will transform your temple visits from “looking at old stones” to “reading the pages of history.”
The museum opened in 2007 and has quickly become one of the most important cultural institutions in Cambodia. With its climate-controlled galleries and state-of-the-art displays, it houses thousands of artifacts that tell the story of the Khmer civilization’s rise, golden age, and legacy.
💡 Pro Tip: Unlike the scattered information you might pick up from tour guides at different temples, the museum offers a comprehensive, chronological narrative that helps everything make sense. It’s like the difference between watching random scenes from a movie versus understanding the whole plot!
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Tickets and Pricing
Angkor National Museum Ticket Prices
Getting your Angkor National Museum tickets is straightforward, with reasonable pricing that won’t break your travel budget:
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | $10 USD | Standard entry to all galleries |
| Child Ticket (6-11 years) | $5 USD | Children under 6 are free |
| Audio Tour | $5 USD | Available in 10 languages |
The audio tour is available in ten languages: Khmer, English, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Spanish, and Russian.
🌟 My Experience: From personal experience, the audio guide adds tremendous value—I caught so many details I would have missed otherwise! The $5 investment is absolutely worth it.
Operating Hours & Ticket Purchase
The museum welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last entry at 5:00 p.m. I suggest arriving early (around opening time) to beat the tour groups that typically arrive mid-morning.
You can purchase tickets directly at the museum’s ticketing counter. No need to book in advance—just show up, though having cash is always a good idea in Siem Reap despite many places accepting cards now.
How to Save Money:
- If you’re on a tight budget but still want to visit, consider going just before closing time. You’ll have a rushed experience but might catch a discount (this isn’t official policy, but I’ve heard of late-day discounts being offered occasionally).
- Combine your museum visit with a temple tour on the same day to save on transportation costs.
- Some hotels offer package deals that include museum tickets—ask at your accommodation.
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Museum Exhibits: What You’ll See
The Angkor National Museum is organized into eight distinct galleries, each telling a different part of the Angkor story. The layout flows logically, taking you on a journey through time and Khmer culture.
Gallery of 1,000 Buddha Images
Your museum experience begins with a stunning display of Buddha statues in various poses, materials, and artistic styles. The official name—”A Gallery of Cambodia Buddhism Reflection”—hints at the spiritual importance of these pieces.
The collection showcases how Buddhism evolved within the Khmer Empire, with some statues dating back to the 6th century! I was particularly moved by the peaceful expressions on these ancient faces—some looking as serene today as when they were carved centuries ago.
Gallery Highlights: Buddha Images Collection
6th-16th Century Multiple Materials
This mesmerizing collection features Buddha statues crafted from stone, bronze, wood, and precious metals. What makes this gallery special is the variety of mudras (hand positions) that each tell a different story about Buddha’s teachings. I spent nearly an hour here, comparing the subtle differences in artistic styles across centuries.
What Not to Miss:
- The massive bronze Buddha from the 12th century (center of the hall)
- The tiny gold Buddha amulets (display case near the entrance)
- The rare crystal Buddha (special glass enclosure)
- The timeline showing evolution of artistic styles
Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
The Royal Palace Gallery
Next, you’ll step into the world of Khmer royalty. This gallery houses artifacts that once adorned the royal palace, including:
- Intricate royal seals
- Ceremonial objects
- Palace decorations and furnishings
- Representations of court life
The detailed explanations reveal how the Khmer monarchy functioned and the opulent lifestyle of those at the top of society. The craftsmanship of these royal items gives you a sense of the empire’s wealth and artistic sophistication.
Angkor Wat Gallery
An entire gallery dedicated to Cambodia’s most famous temple? Absolutely! This section provides the perfect preview (or review) of the iconic structure that appears on the country’s flag.
Through artifacts, architectural models, and multimedia displays, you’ll learn about:
- The temple’s construction under King Suryavarman II
- Its dedication to the Hindu god Vishnu
- The astronomical alignment of its layout
- The meaning behind the famous bas-reliefs
💡 Pro Tip: After visiting this gallery, you’ll appreciate those sunrise photos at Angkor Wat on a whole new level. Pay special attention to the scale model that shows how the temple layout represents Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu cosmology.
Angkor Thom Gallery
Continuing through history, this gallery focuses on the massive walled city built by King Jayavarman VII. Angkor Thom was the largest city in the Angkorian empire and served as its capital.
The exhibits here showcase:
- The iconic five gates with their four-faced towers
- Urban planning and water management systems
- Daily life in this ancient metropolis
- Religious practices and artistic innovations
🌟 My Experience: The scale models of Angkor Thom helped me visualize how the ruins I’d be visiting fit into the larger urban complex—something that’s hard to grasp when you’re on the ground at the actual site. I took photos of the models to reference during my temple visit the next day.
The Bayon Gallery
The mysterious smiling faces of Bayon temple get their own dedicated space, examining this unique architectural and artistic achievement. Built by Jayavarman VII, Bayon stands at the center of Angkor Thom and features 54 towers decorated with over 200 enigmatic smiling faces.
This gallery explores:
- The identity of the faces (likely representing the king himself as a divine being)
- The blending of Buddhist and Hindu elements
- The detailed bas-reliefs showing everyday life and historical events
- Restoration efforts to preserve this architectural wonder
🌟 My Experience: I spent extra time here, as The Bayon became my favorite temple after understanding its significance. The gallery features a fascinating video showing how archaeologists determined that the faces might represent King Jayavarman VII himself!
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Preah Khan Gallery
Preah Khan served as both a monastery and a teaching center, with some historians believing it functioned as a hospital as well. This gallery explores:
- The temple’s role as a center for learning and healing
- Its dedication to Jayavarman VII’s father
- The Buddhist and Hindu influences in its design
- The unique architectural elements that make it special
What fascinated me most was learning about the welfare system in the Khmer Empire, with temples like Preah Khan serving multiple social functions beyond religious worship.
Ta Prohm Gallery
Famous as the “Tomb Raider temple” where trees grow through ancient stones, Ta Prohm has a haunting beauty that captivates visitors. This gallery explains:
- Why this temple was left partially reclaimed by jungle
- Its original purpose as a monastery dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother
- The delicate balance between preservation and allowing nature to remain
- Archaeological discoveries made during restoration
💡 Pro Tip: After seeing this gallery, I made sure to arrive at the actual Ta Prohm early in the morning (around 7:30am) to capture that magical atmosphere before the crowds arrived. The lighting is also much better for photography in the morning!
Banteay Srei Gallery
The final gallery showcases the “Citadel of Women,” a temple renowned for having the most intricate stone carvings in the Angkor region. Unlike other temples built of gray sandstone, Banteay Srei uses pink sandstone that seems to glow at sunrise and sunset.
This gallery highlights:
- The exceptional craftsmanship of the carvings
- Theories about why it’s called the “Citadel of Women”
- Its unique architectural style and smaller scale
- The challenges of preserving such delicate artwork
🌟 My Experience: Having seen these exhibits, I made sure to add Banteay Srei to my temple itinerary, despite it being further from the main complex—and it was absolutely worth the extra travel time! The pinkish stone and extraordinarily detailed carvings make it unlike any other temple in the region.
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Practical Visitor Guide
Location & How to Get There
The Angkor National Museum is conveniently located at No.968 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khrum 6, Phoum Salakanseng, Khom Sveydangum, Siem Reap Province. In simpler terms, it’s along the main road between downtown Siem Reap and the Angkor temple complex—you can’t miss it!
| Transportation | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk | $3-4 USD | 10 minutes | Most common option, fun experience |
| Taxi | $5-7 USD | 10 minutes | Air-conditioned comfort |
| Walking | Free | 20-30 minutes | Possible from downtown, but hot |
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Best Time to Visit
For the optimal experience at the Angkor National Museum, timing matters:
- Best time of day: Mornings (9-11 a.m.) and late afternoons (3-5 p.m.) tend to be less crowded
- Best day of week: Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends
- Best season: The dry season (November-April) brings more tourists to Siem Reap, but the museum is air-conditioned, making it a perfect escape during hot days
💡 Pro Tip: I personally recommend visiting the museum before you go to the temples—this provides context that enhances your temple experience—but it’s also valuable afterward to help make sense of what you’ve seen. If possible, visit on your first day in Siem Reap!
What to Wear & Bring
Unlike the actual temples, the Angkor National Museum doesn’t have a strict dress code, but keep these tips in mind:
- Dress: Casual, modest clothing is appropriate (and you’ll likely be visiting temples the same day)
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes for standing and walking through exhibits
- Essentials: Bring a small bottle of water (though you’ll need to finish it or leave it in your bag during the visit)
- Camera: Photography without flash is permitted in most areas
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to visit the temples on the same day, remember that shoulders and knees must be covered at the archaeological park, even if the museum itself is more relaxed. Pack accordingly!
How Long to Spend
Plan for 1-2 hours to properly explore the museum. History enthusiasts might want the full two hours (or longer), while those just wanting highlights can manage in about an hour.
If you’re using the audio guide (which I highly recommend), add about 30 minutes to your expected visit time.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, focus on the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon galleries, as these provide context for the most iconic temples you’ll likely visit. You can always come back later if time allows!
Where to Stay Nearby
Looking for accommodation close to both the museum and temples? Here are my top picks:
My Top Pick: Tara Angkor Hotel
4-Star Swimming Pool
Located just across from the museum with comfortable rooms and excellent service. I stayed here during my last visit and loved being able to walk to the museum in the morning. The hotel also offers a fantastic breakfast buffet and has a beautiful swimming pool for cooling off after temple visits.
Hotel Highlights:
- Free airport pickup with 3+ night stay
- Excellent restaurant serving Khmer and international cuisine
- Spa with traditional Cambodian treatments
- Reliable tuk-tuk service to temples at fair prices
Price Range: $80-120 USD per night
Other excellent accommodation options include:
- Budget Option: Onederz Hostel – Clean, social, with a pool and only a 15-minute walk from the museum.
- Luxury Option: Park Hyatt Siem Reap – Treat yourself to this 5-star property with two swimming pools and art deco-inspired rooms.
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FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Is it worth visiting the Angkor National Museum?
Absolutely yes! The museum provides essential context that transforms your temple visits from merely seeing impressive structures to understanding their historical and cultural significance. After visiting the museum, I noticed details at the temples I would have completely missed otherwise.
What is the dress code for the Angkor Museum?
Unlike the temples themselves, the museum doesn’t enforce a strict dress code. However, modest attire is appreciated, especially since many visitors combine their museum visit with temple exploration. At minimum, covered shoulders and knees are a good guideline.
Is the National Museum free entrance?
No, the Angkor National Museum requires an admission fee. Adult tickets are $10 USD, and child tickets (ages 6-11) are $5 USD. The optional audio guide costs an additional $5 USD, which I consider money well spent.
How much does it cost to go to the National Museum of Cambodia?
It’s important to note that the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap is different from the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. For the Angkor National Museum, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (6-11), with an optional $5 audio guide.
Can I take photos inside the Angkor National Museum?
Yes, photography is permitted throughout most of the museum, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts. Some special exhibitions may have additional photography restrictions.
Should I visit the museum before or after seeing the temples?
Ideally, visit the museum before exploring the temples. The historical context and explanations will enhance your appreciation of what you’ll see at the actual archaeological sites. However, visiting afterward is still valuable to help process and understand what you’ve already seen.
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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Make the Most of Your Angkor Experience
After multiple visits to Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, I can confidently say that the Angkor National Museum is a must-visit attraction that elevates your entire Cambodian experience. For just $10 (plus $5 for the recommended audio guide), you gain insights that would take hours of research or multiple guided tours to acquire otherwise.
The air-conditioned galleries also provide a welcome respite from Cambodia’s heat, making it a perfect morning activity before heading to the temples in the late afternoon.
If you’re planning your Siem Reap itinerary, I recommend:
- Visiting the museum on your first morning in town
- Exploring the main temples the following day
- Considering a return visit to the museum if you have time, to revisit exhibits related to temples that particularly fascinated you
The Angkor National Museum transforms Angkor from impressive ruins into a living story of human achievement, spiritual devotion, and artistic excellence. It’s not just a museum—it’s the key that unlocks the secrets of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations.
Have you visited the Angkor National Museum? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Safe travels,
Alexandra
Last updated: January 2025
