Angkor National Museum

The Basics

Gain entrance to the Angkor National Museum for a significant fee; children under 4 feet tall (1.2 meters tall) pay half price. Explore with a guide or independently. Audio guides are available in a range of languages for an additional charge. The museum is an occasional stop on Siem Reap city tours and multi-day tours of the Angkor sites, and you can also add it to your itinerary when booking a private guide or driver.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Angkor National Museum is a must for history buffs and anyone who’d like to learn more about the Angkor era.

• Although there are video and touchscreen displays, the museum is largely focused on sculpture and carving. It may be a little much for young children.

• The museum is wheelchair-friendly, with wheelchairs available at the ticket booth.

How to Get There

The Angkor National Museum is located on the main road north from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat, 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of the temple complex. There’s no public transport in Siem Reap, so your options are scooter, bicycle, vehicle charter, or an organized tour.

When to Get There

The Angkor National Museum is open from morning to early evening seven days a week and is rarely crowded. The museum is fully air-conditioned, so some travelers spend the morning and afternoon touring temples but head here to beat the midday heat. If you’re exploring the Angkor sites without a guide, visit here first to put the history in context.

A Walk Through the Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum tours start with a video introduction before you walk through the galleries in order. The Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas showcases religious sculpture; Gallery A introduces the beginnings of the Khmer Empire; Gallery B explores Angkorian beliefs; Gallery C profiles important kings; Gallery D and Gallery E focus on Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom; Gallery F examines stone inscriptions; and Gallery G highlights costume and dance.

How much does it cost to visit the Angkor National Museum?

It costs US$12 to enter the Angkor National Museum and US$5 for the optional audio guide, which most travelers recommend purchasing if you’re on your own. There is also an optional camera pass fee, but as photography is prohibited inside the galleries, it may not be worth it.

Is the Angkor National Museum worth visiting?

Yes. Visit the Angkor National Museum before going to Angkor Wat. The 2-floor building houses eight galleries with more than 1,000 artifacts classified by era, stages, religion, and royalties. The Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas features a custom-built display case that covers four walls and houses hundreds of Buddhas.

Can you visit the Angkor National Museum without a tour?

Yes. You can explore the Angkor National Museum on your own or with a guide. Audio guides are available in a range of languages for a fee. The museum is included as a stop on some Siem Reap city tours and multi-day tours of the Angkor sites.

How long does it take to tour the Angkor National Museum?

Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the Angkor National Museum, including a stop at the museum shop and café. If you’re exploring on your own, spend as much or as little time inside the museum as you'd like. Guided tours booked through an operator typically last three hours.

Does the Angkor National Museum have a dress code?

Yes. Like at Angkor Wat, which prohibits revealing clothes such as garments that expose shoulders, knees, and cleavage, you should cover your shoulders and knees to visit the Angkor National Museum. Wear long-sleeve shirts, skirts, or shorts that go over your knees or pants to respect Buddhist culture and customs.

What is the best time of day to visit the Angkor National Museum?

The Angkor National Museum is open daily and is rarely crowded. The museum is fully air-conditioned, so some travelers spend the morning touring temples and head to the museum later in the day to beat the midday heat. However, visiting the museum before Angkor Wat can shed light on history.