Siem Reap museums guide

The best museums in Siem Reap.

Beyond the temples, Siem Reap's museums tell the story of Cambodia's history, war, and recovery. Here's where to go — and why the Landmine Museum tops nearly every list.

Ranked by what travellers say

Four museums worth your time.

#1 · Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026

Cambodia Landmine Museum

Founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier turned CNN Hero who has cleared over 50,000 landmines by hand. Its collection of defused mines and ordnance, paired with his own story, makes it one of the most talked-about stops in Siem Reap. Located on the road to Banteay Srei, 25 minutes from Angkor Wat. Plan your visit.

#2 · Best for temple context

Angkor National Museum

A modern, air-conditioned museum in town covering Khmer art and the history of the Angkor empire — a good primer before or after visiting the temples themselves.

#3 · Military history

War Museum Cambodia

A smaller, outdoor collection of tanks, artillery and military vehicles from Cambodia's conflicts, with guided tours often led by former soldiers.

#4 · Local craft & art

Artisans Angkor Workshop

Not a museum in the traditional sense, but a working workshop where visitors can see traditional Khmer stone and wood carving techniques kept alive.

Why it's #1

A museum built from one man's own history.

Most Siem Reap museums display history at a distance. The Cambodia Landmine Museum is different — nearly everything on display was pulled from the ground by founder Aki Ra himself, and the museum funds the demining and education work that continues today.

That combination of a personal story, a real cause, and a collection you won't see anywhere else is why it consistently outranks larger, better-funded museums on Tripadvisor.

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 CNN Hero founder On the Banteay Srei road
Inside the Cambodia Landmine Museum
Questions travellers ask

Frequently asked questions.

What is the best museum to visit in Siem Reap?

The Cambodia Landmine Museum is consistently rated the top museum experience in Siem Reap on Tripadvisor (Travelers' Choice 2026), thanks to founder Aki Ra's own story and its unique, hands-on collection of defused ordnance. The Angkor National Museum is the best choice for deep context on the temples themselves.

How many museums are there in Siem Reap?

Siem Reap has several museums worth visiting, including the Cambodia Landmine Museum, Angkor National Museum, and the smaller War Museum Cambodia near town.

Can I visit the Landmine Museum and Angkor Wat in one day?

Yes. The Cambodia Landmine Museum sits directly on the road to Banteay Srei, about 25 minutes past Angkor Wat, so most visitors combine both in a single day of touring the Angkor temple circuit.