Royal Palace National Museum
Discover Cambodia's artistic heritage through historical costumes, paintings, and unique models at this central museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Royal Palace National Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cambodia's artistic heritage through historical costumes, paintings, and unique models at this central museum.
"A little treasure in the city, but its opening hours make it difficult to visit."
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Hours are often limited to mornings; check official sources before you go! :clock1:
💰 Cash for Tickets
Be prepared to pay admission fees in cash, as card payments may not be accepted. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Battle of the Bridge Model
Main Exhibition Hall
A unique wooden model depicting a historical reenactment, offering a glimpse into local traditions.
Costumes and Tapestries
Various Galleries
Admire intricate historical costumes and beautifully woven tapestries that showcase the region's artistic heritage.
Valuable Paintings Collection
Art Galleries
Discover a collection of particularly valuable paintings, highlighting the artistic achievements of the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours Carefully
Admission Fees & Free Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Hours are often limited to mornings; check official sources before you go! :clock1:
💰 Cash for Tickets
Be prepared to pay admission fees in cash, as card payments may not be accepted. :moneybag:
🗣️ Limited English Info
Explanations are sparse in English; consider a guide if you want deeper insights. :speech_balloon:
⏳ Short Visit Window
Visits might be limited to about an hour due to staffing. Plan accordingly! :hourglass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Hours are often limited to mornings; check official sources before you go! :clock1:
💰 Cash for Tickets
Be prepared to pay admission fees in cash, as card payments may not be accepted. :moneybag:
🗣️ Limited English Info
Explanations are sparse in English; consider a guide if you want deeper insights. :speech_balloon:
⏳ Short Visit Window
Visits might be limited to about an hour due to staffing. Plan accordingly! :hourglass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Royal Palace National Museum a worthwhile stop for its art and history, particularly the unique Battle of the Bridge model and historical costumes. However, the experience can be hampered by very limited opening hours, sparse English explanations, and a potential for rushed visits due to staffing. Despite these drawbacks, the affordable entry fee and potential for free days make it an attractive option for culture enthusiasts.
"Despite the limited opening hours, the museum is absolutely worth seeing for anyone interested in art and history. Highly recommended! It was quite unpeopled when I visited. Generally admission is free on the first Sundays of the month, but worth checking the website because there may be misinformations sometimes. But on other days, the ticket is quite cheap, 5€ for ordinary."
Okan Özkara
"A lovely little city museum. We were particularly interested in the old wooden model depicting the Battle of the Bridge. This battle is reenacted annually in Pisa. It's also known as the Gioco del Ponte. There's no audio guide and hardly any explanations in English. Of course, no German either. That's a bit of a shame, as it's hard to read much. Unfortunately, we're deducting a star for that. The entrance fee is reasonable. There's a restroom in the museum, which is very handy if you're out and about in the city all day."
Thomator Hacke
"I visited the museum on one of the free Sundays; otherwise, admission is €5. The visit, lasting about an hour and a half, is definitely worth it. The area dedicated to the game of bridge, with its unique exhibits, is particularly noteworthy. The very kind guide explained some interesting facts about the game of bridge to us, free of charge. There are some costumes and tapestries, as well as many drawings and private collections donated to the museum, and some particularly valuable paintings. In short, a little treasure in the city, but its opening hours,
almost always in the morning, make it difficult to visit, and it's almost always closed on Sundays. It should be open all day at least on Saturdays and Sundays. Let's hope the hours change."
Monia Gentile
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located. Depending on your starting point in the city, you can reach it by local taxi, tuk-tuk, or even on foot if you're nearby. It's often mentioned alongside other key Phnom Penh landmarks like the Royal Palace itself.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or tuk-tuks, which can drop you off close to the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard admission fee is typically €5. However, some visitors report that it might be free on the first Sunday of the month, though it's best to confirm this. +1
Online ticket purchasing information is not readily available. It's recommended to purchase tickets on-site upon arrival.
The museum has very limited hours, often only open in the mornings and sometimes closed on Sundays. Always check the official website or local listings for the most current hours before visiting.
Some reviews suggest that the first Sunday of the month might offer free admission. It's crucial to verify this information as it can change. +1
Yes, in July 2022, cash payment was the only option available for admission. It's wise to carry cash for ticket purchases.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit typically lasts about an hour and a half, but due to potential staffing limitations, you might be asked to leave within 60 minutes.
Unfortunately, there are very few explanations in English, and no audio guides are provided. This can make it challenging to understand the exhibits fully.
Visitors often highlight the wooden model of the Battle of the Bridge, historical costumes, tapestries, and valuable paintings. +1
Information regarding accessibility is limited. Given the age of some facilities, it's advisable to inquire directly with the museum if accessibility is a concern.
Photography policies can vary. While some general travel content shows photos, it's best to check for any posted restrictions within the museum to avoid issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities mentioned within the museum itself. You'll need to explore nearby areas for food and drink options.
The museum is located in a city center, so numerous local eateries, cafes, and restaurants serving Cambodian and international cuisine are likely within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricate details of the historical costumes, tapestries, and the unique Battle of the Bridge model offer great photographic subjects. The architecture of the building itself can also be picturesque.
While not explicitly stated, some visitors have shared photos, suggesting it might be permitted. However, always look for signage or ask staff to confirm current photography rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare children beforehand by explaining that there won't be many English signs and that the visit might be brief. Consider focusing on the most visually engaging exhibits. Also, ensure you have cash for tickets and check the opening hours meticulously, as morning-only access can be tricky with a family schedule.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be prepared to pay in cash, as card facilities might not be available.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Collections
Beyond textiles, the museum features a collection of valuable paintings, showcasing artistic talent and styles from different periods. One particularly unique exhibit is the wooden model depicting the Battle of the Bridge, a historical event that is still reenacted annually. This model offers a fascinating visual representation of past conflicts and traditions.
While the collections are varied and beautiful, some visitors note that the organization can be a bit confusing. With a potential reorganization, the museum could significantly enhance the visitor experience. Despite this, the inherent value and historical significance of the artworks make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in art and history.
Navigating Visitor Experience
Language can also be a barrier, as there's a lack of detailed explanations in English and no audio guides available. This means that without a guide, understanding the full context and significance of the exhibits can be challenging.
Despite these challenges, the museum is considered a 'little treasure' by many, offering a pleasant and insightful experience for those interested in art and history. The kindness of guides, when available, can also greatly enhance the visit, providing free explanations of interesting facts.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit