The Siem Reap War Museum is the only War Museum in Cambodia. It provides visitors with a more comprehensive and in-depth view of the perils that Cambodians have endured during the last three decades of the 20th century. It also offers visitors a good opportunity to better understand the many things that actually happened during Cambodia’s ‘war years’. The purpose of this museum is to preserve the memory of the most important period in Cambodia’s history and preserve those artifacts for the future. Here is our Vietnam and Cambodia Tour Package (14 days) and Siem Reap tour package (9 days) for you if you want to travel to Cambodia.
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Overview of history
In February 2001, the Siem Reap War Museum was built on more than 2 hectares of land on an old minefield. With the cooperation and support of the Ministry of National Defense right near National Road 6 between the airport and Siem Reap city center. The items were salvaged from areas around Anlong Veng (located in NorthWestern Cambodia) after the end of the civil war in 1999.
In 2008, the museum faced low visitor numbers: just over 20 visitors per day.
For 12 years the museum was deteriorating. However, in 2013, Richard Esselaar – the first foreigner started working at the museum as an adjunct director and the name of the museum was changed from Siem Reap War Museum to War Museum Cambodia. During this period, internal organizational changes had been applied, the working conditions of staff had been improved and the museum itself is undergoing some improvements.
In December 2013, for the first time in its history, the museum welcomed more than 100 visitors per day. This year, the War Museum received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award for the first time.
In 2014, the museum had some changes, museum uniforms and the internet were introduced at that time.
The museum has reached a new record number for the first time over 200 visitors in one day. Especially on January 7, 2015, the museum had 225 visitors.
On May 18, 2015, the museum was damaged by a strong storm. To protect this unique collection for posterity. Project Preservation has started along with a number of other projects such as the Stand Display Project. When funding such projects, external funding sources have been introduced and it was also made possible to donate artifacts. Learn more: best times to visit Cambodia
The collection of Siem Reap War Museum
The Siem Reap War Museum has a unique collection. The collection on display dates back to 1999 in areas where the most intense fighting occurred (Siem Reap and Odor Meanchey) and is a mix of Chinese, American and Soviet hardware. Before being displayed in Cambodia, these war machines were used in World War II.
The museum’s collection is invaluable because most of the war relics have been sold for scrap. With a tank, they could get around $300 or $400 at least. Besides the competition from the scrap dealers, the machinery was very heavy and it was difficult to reach the jungle areas to get things.
There are many vehicles, artillery, weaponry and equipment on display. You will see war machines such as the tank T-54, MiG-19 jet fighter aircraft, Mil Mi-8 helicopter and the field artillery gun 85-mm divisional gun D-44.
There are also uniforms, flags and many precious photographs from that time on display. So you can find out more about the Siem Reap travel guide, Travel Guide Cambodia and what to wear in siem reap if you want a trip to the city of temples in Cambodia.
Opening Hours and Prices
Opening hours:
Siem Reap War Museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
Prices:
- International visitors: $5
- Cambodia: $1
(Includes free guide, parking, wifi, photography and video!)
- Only pay in cash as we do not accept credit cards
- We do not have an ATM system
NOTE: Our ticket counter closes at 17h30!
Address:
The Museum location at National Road No. 6 between the International airport and Siem Reap city center.
Beside, you can visit siem reap night market if you are traveling in Cambodia. There are a lot of best things to do in siem reap besides temples and night markets.
FAQs about Siem Reap War Museum
Is Siem Reap best place to visit in Cambodia?
Yes, Siem Reap is best place to visit in Cambodia. It is home to unique architecture, affluent dining and incredible nightlife making it a favorite destination for backpackers and ex-pats alike. There’s enough to see and do in Siem Reap to keep you busy between temple visits.
How to get to Siem Reap War Museum?
Address: Kaksekam Village, Sra Nge Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Siem Reap War Museum is located near National Road No. 6 between the International airport and Siem Reap city center. So you can get there by Motorbike, Car or Tuk Tuk.What does Siem Reap offer to tourists?
As the unofficial tourist center of Cambodia, Siem Reap boasts hundreds of natural and man-made destinations with splendid temples, well-preserved colonial architecture, unique museums, cultural parks, spacious lakes and many green mountains.
In brief, Siem Reap War Museum is the best place to visit if you have a passion for history. This is the place where you will hear about Cambodia’s historical eras, successful struggles and wars in the most detailed and comprehensive manner possible. Like to know more about this destination? Contact us to customize a unique trip to Cambodia.
