Cambodia’s long conflicts left its countryside littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance, and the Cambodia Landmine Museum tells that story through the life of one remarkable man. Aki Ra was conscripted as a child soldier and laid mines for the Khmer Rouge and later fought as a soldier in the Vietnamese-backed army, and after the wars ended he began clearing mines by hand, with a simple stick and knife, around the villages of Siem Reap. His work, which eventually led to recognition as a CNN Hero and the clearance of tens of thousands of mines, grew into a museum, a mine-clearance team and a home and school for children affected by the war. The museum is modest, but that is part of its power. Inside, rows of defused mines, shells, rockets and bombs from different armies lie on display beside photographs and explanations of how each was used and why they remain dangerous decades later. Outside, an open-air area shows how the weapons were laid and defused. The visit is sobering, but it ends on a hopeful note, because it shows how local people have rebuilt their lives and how visitor donations support the continuing clearance work.
How to visit
The museum is about 25 kilometres north of Siem Reap, on the road towards Banteay Srei, roughly thirty minutes by tuk-tuk or car. It is open every day from 7:30 to 17:30. Adult entry is 7 US dollars, children under 13 enter free, and the fee is paid at the museum on arrival.
An Angkor Pass is not required. Most visitors spend one to two hours, and a free audio guide can be used through a QR code, with personal tours in English or Khmer possible if arranged at least 48 hours ahead.
The tour
The private tour linked here combines the Kulen waterfall with the Landmine Museum, with transport and a guide. Because Phnom Kulen needs its own entry ticket, which is paid separately, check inclusions and any extra costs when you book, and ask how the day will be paced between the two sites.
Making the most of it
Arrive early, before the tour groups, when the exhibits are quiet and easier to read. The material is serious and includes information about the harm caused by mines to civilians, so consider whether it is suitable for younger children, and talk to older children before you go. Allow time to read the displays, and consider a donation or a purchase in the shop, which helps fund clearance and community work.
The museum is on the way to Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean and Phnom Kulen, so it combines naturally with any of them. Wear respectful clothing, keep to the marked areas and never touch or move anything in the grounds that looks like unexploded ordnance, including items found in the countryside. For many travellers this is the stop that makes the human story of modern Cambodia clearer than anywhere else on the trip.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through displays of defused mines and ordnance, with photographs and explanations, plus an audio guide and an outdoor area.
Best time
Early in the morning, when it is quiet, or as a stop on a day trip towards Banteay Srei or Phnom Kulen.
How long
One to two hours, plus about thirty minutes each way from Siem Reap.
Tips
Allow time to read the displays, consider a donation, and prepare older children in advance for the subject matter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want to understand modern Cambodian history and the legacy of the wars.
- Families
- Better for older children and teens who are ready for the subject matter; children under 13 enter free.
- Couples
- A thoughtful, memorable stop that adds meaning to a trip focused on ancient temples.
- Pair with
- Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean or Phnom Kulen, all on the same road north.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, or half a day with the drive.
Good questions
Where is the Cambodia Landmine Museum?+
It is about 25 kilometres north of Siem Reap on the road towards Banteay Srei, roughly thirty minutes by tuk-tuk or car.
What are the opening hours and entry fee?+
The museum is open daily from 7:30 to 17:30. Adult entry is 7 US dollars and children under 13 enter free, with payment made at the museum.
Do I need an Angkor Pass for the museum?+
No, an Angkor Pass is not required. The museum charges its own entry fee at the door.
Who founded the museum?+
The museum was founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier who cleared mines by hand and later built a museum, a mine-clearance team and a home for children affected by the war.
Is the museum suitable for children?+
It is best suited to older children and teens, as the displays deal with weapons and their effects on civilians. Children under 13 enter free, but parents should judge what suits their family.
