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Kampong Thom Museum: A Treasure Trove of Khmer History

Discover Khmer history at the Kampong Thom Museum, home to a diverse collection of artifacts from the pre-Angkorian period to the post-Angkorian period.

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The Kampong Thom Museum is a small but significant repository of Khmer artifacts, primarily from the pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and post-Angkorian periods. It offers a glimpse into the rich history and artistic traditions of the Kampong Thom province and the ancient Chenla kingdom.

A brief summary to Kampong Thom Museum

Local tips

  • The museum is small, so plan for a visit of about an hour or two to fully appreciate the collection.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Sambor Prei Kuk, where many of the museum's artifacts originated.
  • Consider offering a donation, as the museum relies on contributions to support its preservation efforts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Kampong Thom Museum is located in Krong Stueng Saen, the city center, and is easily accessible on foot from most hotels and guesthouses in the area. From the Kampong Thom Market, head north along the main road (likely National Route 6). The museum will be on your left-hand side, a short walk from the market. The walk is generally flat and straightforward.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a readily available and affordable mode of transport in Kampong Thom. You can hire a tuk-tuk from anywhere in the town to reach the museum. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey to ensure a reasonable price. A short tuk-tuk ride within the town should cost approximately $1-$3.

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Discover more about Kampong Thom Museum

Nestled in the heart of Kampong Thom city, the Kampong Thom Museum serves as a vital link to Cambodia's rich cultural past. Established in 2010, this modest museum houses a surprising collection of artifacts, numbering over 700, that span from the pre-Angkorian era to the post-Angkorian period. The museum's collection showcases the diverse artistic and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can admire stone and wooden statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities, including Vishnu, Lokeshvara, and Buddha, reflecting the religious influences that have shaped the region's history. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of lintels, intricately carved with scenes from mythology and daily life, providing valuable insights into the beliefs and customs of ancient Khmer society. Ceramics, pedestals, religious relics, and inscriptions are also among the items on display, each telling a story about the people who once inhabited this land. Many of the artifacts originate from Sambor Prei Kuk, the capital of the Chenla kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site located a short distance from Kampong Thom. The museum building itself is designed in a traditional Cambodian architectural style, adding to the overall cultural experience. While the museum may not be as grand or elaborate as some of the larger museums in Cambodia, its intimate setting allows for a more personal and engaging encounter with the artifacts on display.

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