Cambodia Landmine Museum
Cambodia is sadly synonymous with war and the use of landmines. Although the global image of this magnificent country is thankfully changing, there are some museums in Siem Reap where you can find out about Cambodia’s tragic past. Chief among these is Cambodia Landmine Museum.
About Cambodia Landmine Museum
The museum houses an impressive but humbling collection of landmines and UXO that have been cleared from the Cambodian countryside in post-Khmer Rouge years. More bombs were dropped on Laos and Cambodia during the Vietnam War than during the whole of the Second World War and its legacy is still being felt.
Founded by Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier and defector, Aki Ra has devoted his life to clearing Cambodia of mines. The museum is testament to his commitment to help fellow countrymen and women live in a safer environment. A visit here acts as a sobering reality check. It is a must visit on everyone’s stay in Siem Reap.
There are four major galleries and inside each one is packed full of history, interesting historical and personal insights and imagery into Cambodia’s darker past.
Behind the museum is the Child Relief Centre, where the museum’s entrance fees and donations are used to help children whose lives have been affected by the legacy of landmines in Cambodia.
For more information on the museum, its founder and the child relief centre please follow the links here and here.
Where is the Cambodia Landmine Museum?
The Cambodia Landmine Museum is located around 25 km north of Siem Reap.
Nearby Attractions
The museum is close to Bantreay Srei temple, meaning you can combine the two in a comfortable half-day trip from Siem Reap. It takes about 45 minutes to reach here from Siem Reap by tuk tuk.