Angkor National Museum, Cambodia - VietnamAndCambodiaTours

When visiting Siem Reap, make sure to spend some time at the Angkor National Museum. It is one of the most prominent museums in Cambodia, offering you the opportunity to admire treasures and artifacts from the golden age of the Khmer Empire, the era during which Angkor Wat was constructed.

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Introduction to Angkor National Museum

Located in Siem Reap, the Angkor National Museum is an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts from the Angkor period. It also aims to provide information and education about the art and culture of the Khmer civilization. The museum showcases collections dating from the Angkor period of the Khmer Empire, approximately from the 9th to the 14th centuries. Most of the artifacts in the museum were discovered in and around the nearby Angkor archaeological sites.

Inaugurated on November 12, 2007, the Angkor National Museum brings to life the golden era of the Khmer Empire using multimedia technology. It features historical documents, the civilization, and the cultural heritage of the Khmer people across eight galleries.

Before entering the galleries, visitors are invited to sit in an 80-seat theater for an introduction to the collections, galleries, and facilities of the Angkor National Museum. Screenings are scheduled every 15 minutes and are available in seven languages: Khmer, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, English, French, and Thai.

The Eight Galleries at the Angkor National Museum

Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas

This gallery highlights the spiritual influence of Buddhism on the people of Cambodia, from ancient Khmer civilization to modern Cambodia. It also houses collections of Buddha statues and precious relics.

Gallery A: Khmer Civilization

This gallery explains how the Khmer Empire was established, explores what motivated the ancient Khmer to create massive architectural structures, their beliefs in great kings, and the history of the land.

Gallery B: Religion and Beliefs

This gallery delves into the religion and beliefs of Khmer civilization, including literary works, sculptures, architecture, and daily life.

Gallery C: Great Khmer Kings

This historical gallery features the famous Khmer kings, such as King Jayavarman II, who unified the two kingdoms of Chenla around 802–850. King Yasovarman I, who established Angkor as the capital from 889 to 900. King Suryavarman II, who built Angkor Wat around 1116–1145. And King Jayavarman VII, who built Angkor Thom around 1181–1201.

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Gallery D: Angkor Wat

This gallery covers the history, spiritual concepts, and architectural techniques behind the construction of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

Gallery E: Angkor Thom

This gallery introduces the construction and expansion of Angkor Thom, including changes in religious beliefs and ancient techniques for public utilities such as roads and large-scale irrigation projects to support the population.

Gallery F: Story from Stones

This gallery showcases stone carvings found throughout Angkor that document significant historical events.

Gallery G: Ancient Costumes

This gallery displays the clothing, jewelry, and accessories of ancient Khmer people, illustrated through sculptures of gods, goddesses, and Apsara celestial dancers.

What Can You Experience?

A Journey Back in Time to Explore the History of the Khmer Empire

The Angkor National Museum invites visitors on a journey through time, from the inception to the zenith of the Khmer civilization. Dive deep into the customs, traditions, and various beliefs of this ancient empire.

Discover the Angkor National Museum through Modern Technology

During the golden era of the Khmer Kingdom, one of the ancient world’s greatest civilizations was established. This era gave birth to Khmer art, culture, and architecture. These magnificent achievements remain one of the few wonders of the world, continuing to astonish people across generations and significantly impacting contemporary Cambodian society. The Angkor National Museum proudly unveils the royal historical path of the Khmer Kingdom’s golden age through modern multimedia technology, providing visitors with a visually rich and legendary narrative for easier understanding.

Conclusion

Embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Khmer Empire at the Angkor National Museum. Our Vietnam and Cambodia tour packages all include a visit to Angkor Wat. To plan your visit, please contact our travel consultants for more information and assistance. We look forward to welcoming you!