The collection includes a T-54 tank that was actively used during the Cambodian Civil War.
Many of the museum's guides are landmine survivors who lost limbs during the conflict or the subsequent years of demining efforts.
The display features the remains of a Chinese-made Shenyang J-6 (MiG-19) fighter jet.
The museum grounds contain a large selection of anti-aircraft guns and rocket launchers recovered from Cambodian jungles.
The exhibition includes a 'Wall of Remembrance' featuring photos of military personnel from the various factions involved in the conflict.
It is one of the few places in Cambodia where visitors can see a wide array of Cold War-era weaponry from multiple global origins displayed in one location.
The War Museum Cambodia in Siem Reap is the country's first and only war museum, dedicated to documenting the decades of conflict following the end of the colonial era. The open-air facility houses an extensive collection of heavy military hardware, including tanks, artillery, and Soviet-era MiG-19 fighter jets. Many of the exhibits were salvaged from former battlefields across Cambodia, including areas once controlled by the Khmer Rouge. The museum serves as a repository for historical artifacts, featuring rare photographs, personal military uniforms, and deactivated landmines. Guides often include former soldiers or victims of the conflict who provide firsthand accounts of the war years. The site is intended to educate visitors on the impact of conflict and the ongoing dangers of unexploded ordnance in rural regions.
The large MiG-19 fighter jet stationed near the entrance provides the most striking visual contrast against the museum's greenery.
Engage the volunteer guides; they often provide personal, historically significant insights that are not found on display plaques.
Wear a hat and sunscreen as the majority of the museum exhibits are outdoors with minimal shade.
Bring water as the site can get quite hot in the afternoon.
Do not wander off the marked paths in the back areas of the lot, as the grounds are large and maintenance varies.
Dress respectfully as the site deals with sensitive historical trauma; avoid loud or boisterous behavior near memorial displays.
