National Museum
National Museum
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This beautiful sandstone museum was opened in 1920 and showcases many fine examples of Angkor Wat statuary.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience National Museum
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,496 within 3 miles
Attractions
125 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Aggie in Texas53 contributionsBeautiful museumBeautiful museum. Cheap to get in. We paid $15 adult and $9 child to see the dance show at night. Show was from 7-8:15 pm. Nice to hang out at the boardwalk once museum closes at 5 before going back to see the show. Lots of restaurants within walking distance. Very peaceful garden in the middle. Gorgeous architecture. We spent about 2 hrs here.Visited January 2020Traveled with familyWritten January 27, 2020
- Roberta Y114 contributionsRent the Audio Guide!I wish there was a memorial of Museum employee names that were killed under Pol Pot. The efforts to restore and try to resurrect previous artifacts has been a worldwide effort. The collection may seem small compared to other archaeological museums, but I recommend viewing. The garden, building and outdoor courtyard are also interesting. I suggest going early morning as the museum is not air conditioned.Visited January 2020Written February 14, 2020
- Dee E396 contributionsWith a good docent guide can be a 4star stopWe were fortunate enough to have a docent guide us through the museum. The tour truly brought the work alive. She was able to explain and give information about the pieces and history kept inside it's walls. Her explanation was we'd see more in Angkor Wat but they were trying to preserve items for posterity. The central garden is a lovely place to sit and admire the architecture. If you haven't read and cried through the book they sell outside the museum First They Killed My Father it is a great and must read to understand Pol Pot. Most of the people trying to sell the book were injured by the mines.Visited April 2019Written February 8, 2020
- Klemen PKlagenfurt, Austria9 contributionsOverpriced museumThe yard inside the museum and the outside of the building is pretty beautiful. Besides that the museum is pretty old and in bad shape. The collection is mostly sandstone statues from the Angkor Wat era. So if you plan on going there, I suggest you skip this museum entirely. The whole setup is pretty bad, no chronological order and almost nothing from recent national history. The tickets are 10$ plus 5$ for the audio guide. The collection is very limited so we spent one hour max in there and didn't find much use from the audio guide. In my opinion it's not worth the time and money.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 16, 2020
- Benson CSingapore677 contributionsUnderwhelming, expensive, and not completeIt was underwhelming and expensive. The artifacts inside the museum were mostly from the Angkor era and consisted of statues and pottery that can be seen in Siem Reap I believe that to tell the entire story of Cambodia, the museum needs to extend this to include the reign of Polpot and after the Angkor kingdom. The entrance is also 10 USD which is expensive for the quality of artifacts inside. Give it a miss and lower priority when in Phnom PenhVisited January 2020Written January 30, 2020
- RC_luv2trvlWaxhaw, North Carolina28 contributionsUnless you’re a serious archaeologist I’d save you’re money ...Sorry for the somewhat negative review Cambodian government but my experience at this museum was being happier to be inside and out of the rain than what this museum offered. Too many similar like statues carvings etc close together in unappealing large hall rooms made me bored. Without the extra audio option, there weren’t enough associated English descriptions to keep my attention. Though I will say the central square grounds are pleasant. But honestly, I didn’t learn or see much of anything new and would’ve preferred to save the $10 entrance fee.Visited June 2020Traveled soloWritten June 11, 2020
- Samiya7Deerfield Beach, Florida1,070 contributionsStifling Hot Inside and Not Much to SeeOur tour guide advised us he was not allowed to guide us inside and referred us to museum guide, although we saw a regular tour guide inside. We had to pay a fee for this additional guide and he basically explained the periods of each piece. When I asked questions he would just look at the written explanation. I didn’t see any value in this museum guide. The museum has an open court with 4 wings to view and it’s mostly buddhas and Hindu deities. It was so stifling hot in there and there is no AC and not many fans that it was difficult to take your time reading the placards and enjoying the few pieces that were there. The architecture was beautiful. We thought the $10 entrance fee was pricey. I wouldn’t recommend unless you are really into stone and bronze buddhas and deities.Visited January 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 23, 2023
- Sarah LewisHarlow, United Kingdom918 contributionsInteresting-audio guide a must thoughIt’s pointless visiting this museum if you don’t take an audio guide. Sure lots of exhibits have brief descriptions but you get so much more info with guide, instead of just walking around not knowing what you’re looking at. Lots of carvings/statues/ Buddha etc, but also some interesting artefacts....sadly some with unknown provenance. Spend a couple of hours here, they have a small cafe and lovely gardens too.Visited March 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2020
- htmcrpLuzon, Philippines101 contributionsFor the history buffUsually I like to visit museums to learn about the history of a country, city and people. While the National Museum in Phnom Penh is on the list of places to visit and very close to the Royal Palace it is a given to visit. There are a few written tablets but mostly displays of figurines. One, I did not rent an audio guide (probably my fault) and second the museum is overshadowed by the prison S21 and the killing fields. Therefore I was not much impresses. More interesting might be the architecture and the tranquil setting of the place.Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 11, 2020
- Garry von BillenPhnom Penh, Cambodia16 contributionsThe place to see ancient Khmer statues and other artifactsThe building is not wheelchair friendly but other disabled people can negotiate the museum with help. The place is full of historical Cambodian artifacts taken from all over the country and put on display to give the visitor an insight into the cultural and religious ways of their ancestors. The place needs some maintenance to be done so the more people visiting can only help to provide the much needed funds to get the general standards to be improved. Disabled toilets are located near the ticket office at the entrance. Other toilets are within the building. Allow about an hour or two to see all the exhibits.Visited February 2020Written March 3, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
4,326 reviews
Excellent
1,162
Very good
1,633
Average
1,099
Poor
331
Terrible
101
Klemen P
Klagenfurt, Austria9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The yard inside the museum and the outside of the building is pretty beautiful. Besides that the museum is pretty old and in bad shape. The collection is mostly sandstone statues from the Angkor Wat era. So if you plan on going there, I suggest you skip this museum entirely. The whole setup is pretty bad, no chronological order and almost nothing from recent national history. The tickets are 10$ plus 5$ for the audio guide. The collection is very limited so we spent one hour max in there and didn't find much use from the audio guide. In my opinion it's not worth the time and money.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benson C
Singapore677 contributions
Jan 2020
It was underwhelming and expensive. The artifacts inside the museum were mostly from the Angkor era and consisted of statues and pottery that can be seen in Siem Reap
I believe that to tell the entire story of Cambodia, the museum needs to extend this to include the reign of Polpot and after the Angkor kingdom.
The entrance is also 10 USD which is expensive for the quality of artifacts inside.
Give it a miss and lower priority when in Phnom Penh
I believe that to tell the entire story of Cambodia, the museum needs to extend this to include the reign of Polpot and after the Angkor kingdom.
The entrance is also 10 USD which is expensive for the quality of artifacts inside.
Give it a miss and lower priority when in Phnom Penh
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RC_luv2trvl
Waxhaw, NC28 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
Sorry for the somewhat negative review Cambodian government but my experience at this museum was being happier to be inside and out of the rain than what this museum offered. Too many similar like statues carvings etc close together in unappealing large hall rooms made me bored. Without the extra audio option, there weren’t enough associated English descriptions to keep my attention. Though I will say the central square grounds are pleasant. But honestly, I didn’t learn or see much of anything new and would’ve preferred to save the $10 entrance fee.
Written June 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samiya7
Deerfield Beach, FL1,070 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Our tour guide advised us he was not allowed to guide us inside and referred us to museum guide, although we saw a regular tour guide inside. We had to pay a fee for this additional guide and he basically explained the periods of each piece. When I asked questions he would just look at the written explanation. I didn’t see any value in this museum guide. The museum has an open court with 4 wings to view and it’s mostly buddhas and Hindu deities. It was so stifling hot in there and there is no AC and not many fans that it was difficult to take your time reading the placards and enjoying the few pieces that were there. The architecture was beautiful. We thought the $10 entrance fee was pricey. I wouldn’t recommend unless you are really into stone and bronze buddhas and deities.
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Lewis
Harlow, UK918 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
It’s pointless visiting this museum if you don’t take an audio guide.
Sure lots of exhibits have brief descriptions but you get so much more info with guide, instead of just walking around not knowing what you’re looking at.
Lots of carvings/statues/ Buddha etc, but also some interesting artefacts....sadly some with unknown provenance.
Spend a couple of hours here, they have a small cafe and lovely gardens too.
Sure lots of exhibits have brief descriptions but you get so much more info with guide, instead of just walking around not knowing what you’re looking at.
Lots of carvings/statues/ Buddha etc, but also some interesting artefacts....sadly some with unknown provenance.
Spend a couple of hours here, they have a small cafe and lovely gardens too.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
htmcrp
Luzon, Philippines101 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Usually I like to visit museums to learn about the history of a country, city and people.
While the National Museum in Phnom Penh is on the list of places to visit and very close to the Royal Palace it is a given to visit.
There are a few written tablets but mostly displays of figurines.
One, I did not rent an audio guide (probably my fault) and second the museum is overshadowed by the prison S21 and the killing fields. Therefore I was not much impresses.
More interesting might be the architecture and the tranquil setting of the place.
While the National Museum in Phnom Penh is on the list of places to visit and very close to the Royal Palace it is a given to visit.
There are a few written tablets but mostly displays of figurines.
One, I did not rent an audio guide (probably my fault) and second the museum is overshadowed by the prison S21 and the killing fields. Therefore I was not much impresses.
More interesting might be the architecture and the tranquil setting of the place.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garry von Billen
Phnom Penh, Cambodia16 contributions
Feb 2020
The building is not wheelchair friendly but other disabled people can negotiate the museum with help.
The place is full of historical Cambodian artifacts taken from all over the country and put on display to give the visitor an insight into the cultural and religious ways of their ancestors.
The place needs some maintenance to be done so the more people visiting can only help to provide the much needed funds to get the general standards to be improved.
Disabled toilets are located near the ticket office at the entrance. Other toilets are within the building.
Allow about an hour or two to see all the exhibits.
The place is full of historical Cambodian artifacts taken from all over the country and put on display to give the visitor an insight into the cultural and religious ways of their ancestors.
The place needs some maintenance to be done so the more people visiting can only help to provide the much needed funds to get the general standards to be improved.
Disabled toilets are located near the ticket office at the entrance. Other toilets are within the building.
Allow about an hour or two to see all the exhibits.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderer
Toulouse, France289 contributions
Mar 2020
A must see if you love Khmer art: the museum hosts pre-angkorian & angkorian sculptures saved from the temples. Master piece is the peaceful sculpture of Jayavarman VII which is reproduced everywhere. People still bring fresh lotus flowers to honor their ancient king.
Written April 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sohjimguan
Klang, Malaysia47 contributions
Feb 2020
Great museum for those who like the ancient Khmer culture and learn how it all started. The audio tour is helpful but too long if you visit every item on the audio tour 5 hours would not be enough to cover everything. So to save time only see and listen to audio tour for only the items that you are interested in.
Only disappointment was there no more modern history there such as the French colonization or even the brutal Khmer Rouge history. So you have to visit other attractions such as Toul Sleng museum to learn on more recent history of Cambodia.
Only disappointment was there no more modern history there such as the French colonization or even the brutal Khmer Rouge history. So you have to visit other attractions such as Toul Sleng museum to learn on more recent history of Cambodia.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
helenandpaul13
Worcester, UK1,614 contributions
Mar 2023
I visited here on my first full day in the city. It it situated very near to the Royal Palace gardens, which are just alongside the river. The museum is difficult to find because it is poorly signposted and it took me some time to get my bearings and I inadvertently walked past it twice. However, if you have the palace in front of you with the river behind you, walk to the right and take the first turning on the right. Walk along this rad to the next junction where the museum is on the left.
As a foreigner I had to pay a $10 entrance fee. The museum is full of artefacts from about 10th - 14th century with art, sculpture, carvings and scripture. Some of the exhibits are local while others are from different parts of the country. Some of the objects are stunningly beautiful, especially a large carved wardrobe with was situated just behind a door in a room filled with statues of Buddha, where people have the opportunity to pray and pay their respects. The wardrobe was wonderfully decorated, symmetrical and probably worth a small fortune.
There are signs around the building clearly saying "no photo's" which were being ignored by many visitors, mainly European ones, who had their mobile phones out snapping everything in sight. So disrespectful. I was there for well over two hours. You can get an audio guide, for an additional charge, although I opted not to have one. Some of the objects however are poorly marked with just labels on them indicating where they were found and their possible age, so its probably best to get a guide if possible. However, the objects were marked in English, which was helpful.
There is a small cafe in the middle concourse selling hot and cold drinks as well as souvenirs including scarfs, books and toys for the children.
Overall, I thought the visit was worth it, although I begrudged having to pay the entrance fee as a non-national. However, while I was there working were doing repairs to some parts of the building so scaffolding can be seen.
As a foreigner I had to pay a $10 entrance fee. The museum is full of artefacts from about 10th - 14th century with art, sculpture, carvings and scripture. Some of the exhibits are local while others are from different parts of the country. Some of the objects are stunningly beautiful, especially a large carved wardrobe with was situated just behind a door in a room filled with statues of Buddha, where people have the opportunity to pray and pay their respects. The wardrobe was wonderfully decorated, symmetrical and probably worth a small fortune.
There are signs around the building clearly saying "no photo's" which were being ignored by many visitors, mainly European ones, who had their mobile phones out snapping everything in sight. So disrespectful. I was there for well over two hours. You can get an audio guide, for an additional charge, although I opted not to have one. Some of the objects however are poorly marked with just labels on them indicating where they were found and their possible age, so its probably best to get a guide if possible. However, the objects were marked in English, which was helpful.
There is a small cafe in the middle concourse selling hot and cold drinks as well as souvenirs including scarfs, books and toys for the children.
Overall, I thought the visit was worth it, although I begrudged having to pay the entrance fee as a non-national. However, while I was there working were doing repairs to some parts of the building so scaffolding can be seen.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anni F
2 contributions
Hello,
Is the museum open during the puplic holiday Pchum Ben? Thanks
Smashcbe
Coimbatore, India129 contributions
Has anyone seen the Apsara dance show at the museum? I read elsewhere that it’s on Mondays, Wednesdays and weekends. Should we buy tickets to the museum and dance show online? Thank you!
Guddiya Guddiya
Singapore, Singapore159 contributions
Hi, I wish i could say yes, but it is a No. I have not seen the Aspara show in the museum while I was there. Hope you will figure it out!
Leen E
Beringen, Belgium240 contributions
Has the entrance fee gone up to $15? On the map I got from my hotel they stated $3?
StevefromNorwich
Norwich, UK55 contributions
I believe we paid $16 each per adult, we were disappointed as there is nothing but statues, statues and more statues.
(Royal Palace is fabulous....a much more interesting venue...worth every bit of the entrance fee and we'd recommend to hire a guide too for an extra $10 )
Lynnruth
Pacifica, CA19 contributions
Is there air conditoning there
旅好きじいさん
Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan3,037 contributions
There is not any air conditioning here. However, if you go to Ankor Wat. It is good opportunity to switch on your physical into hot hi-humidity mode.
I recommend to bring several bottle of water, folding fan and wet neckerchief.
SJiun
Berlin, Germany298 contributions
Hi, is there a space to store luggage or backpack in the museum? Planning to go there in the afternoon after checking out before the night bus.
John H
California178 contributions
I do not recall but there is a cloakroom in the museum which states: "Cloakroom facilities are available at the main entrance. Please leave large items and bags here." So not sure if there are lockers for luggage / backpacks but apparently you can safely leave "large items and bags" there.
Por_Cuisine
Siem Reap Province, Cambodia6 contributions
Hi There,
We have some guests asking us about visiting Phnom Penh and especially this national museum, does this place require long hour visiting and how much does it cost for entrance fee, does it require local tour guide? Any good clean restaurant inside?
Thank you,
Por Cuisine, Siem Reap
Claire W
Gatton, Australia16 contributions
I believe it is about $5US to get in and you could get thru in about two hours at the most. Tour guides are available at extra cost but not essential- but informative. As it is on the river front there are many clean restaurants including Friends cafe and restaurant which is quite lovely.
Threepwood
25 contributions
Worth going when it's raining or will you miss out on too much of the outside/gardens?
ストーン3_STONE3
Chiba Prefecture, Japan44 contributions
1) Traditional Dancing is inside the building near entrance gate in the evening. It's no problem in raining. I recommend this is worth for feeling Cambodia culture.
2) Buddha statues and gardens in outside are difficult to enjoy when heavy raining. You can spend time in the building, But those arts depend on your feeling. You can see a half of comments are opposite opinion. Even for me, Japanese Buddhist, it is different from Japanese Buddha and feel strange a little. We can learn from them but not enjoy.
3) There is no good entertainment in Phunom Penh. You have better spend time by coffee break or massage for raining 2 hours. It will stop and you can enjoy sightseeing. Good luck!
Jon H
Evergreen, CO9 contributions
Will the museum be open on 31 December, 2016?
Ekaterina C
Trento, Italy63 contributions
Most likely, New Year isn't a big holiday here and the businesses that close will only close for 1st of January.
Recently viewed
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingNational Museum (Phnom Penh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum
- National Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking National Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 62 National Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience National Museum:
- Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour & Killing Field (From $122.06)
- Private Phnom Penh Icons City Tour (From $111.16)
- Private Tour: Phnom Penh City Tour Half Day (From $128.21)
- Private Tour: Phnom Penh City Tour Full Day (From $156.42)
- Phnom Penh City Tour (From $102.57)
- Hotels near National Museum:
- (0.10 mi) Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
- (0.10 mi) The Artist Residence
- (0.12 mi) The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Blue Lime
- (0.18 mi) Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
- Restaurants near National Museum:
- (0.03 mi) Happiness Pizza
- (0.03 mi) Museum Cafe & Boutique
- (0.10 mi) Davids Noodle
- (0.08 mi) Aroma
- (0.07 mi) Pepe Bistro
National Museum Information
| Excellent Reviews | 1,162 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 1,633 |
| National Museum Photos | 2,964 |





































































































