If you’re traveling to the Siem Reap war museum, you likely have a grasp for what traveling in Cambodia is going to be like. Things are different. This is not a traditional attraction you will find in other countries, such as the War Museum in Vietnam.
There’s no queue, theres no parking lot…you’re basically in the jungle. Cambodia is not something you are used to…but it’s amazing and easily one of my favorite places. This is my guide to visiting the Siem reap war museum.
You could get traditional ride share or taxi to visit, but I don’t recommend it. Siem Reap is very unique to itself. It’s not a place you shush off drivers or people offering tours…you want to participate in them. The same goes for visiting Angkor Wat…you need “your person” that’s going to take you around. If you’re golfing in Siem Reap, you can just use a Grab.
Any Tuktuk driver will take you to the War Museum. You will discover in Siem Reap that all the drivers know each other…this is how their economy runs. But not only that, the locals truly take pride in their country and want to show you the best time as you visit. Going without a driver will not give you the full experience in my opinion. If you’re solo traveling to Cambodia, a Tuktuk driver makes it feel like you have a personal chauffeur.
When you get to the war museum you’ll think you’re getting scammed, but you’re not. It’s not really a museum…it’s basically an open field with tanks, helicopters, you name it.
If you want to use the restroom prior, you’ll be using a squat toilet aka a hole in the ground. If you’re expecting it to be marble like the Louvre, don’t come.
You will pay the entrance fee and head inside. If you came with a driver, he will hang outside with his “colleagues” and wait for you.
Now this is what gets interesting, there will be a free guide. Naturally…you will want to ignore this and choose to walk around yourself and explore.
TAKE THE TOUR and listen. This is the most important aspect of going to the Siem Reap War Museum.
Option A, You don’t take the free tour
You look at tanks, guns, and other military items. Then you’re done
Option B, you take the tour.
You listen to the story of somebody who survived a genocide, lost every person they know, got shot countless times, and had endless surgeries. You will want to hear the story.
It is free, but it is encouraged to give a tip. You when travel to Cambodia, you will meet a lot of people you want to tip after hearing their stories.
He kind of takes you along the museum but then you have plenty of free time after to do as you please. This is not an all day activity or anything. You will be in and out of the Siem Reap War Museum in a half hour. The only problem is that it’s a very powerful half hour.
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