Landmine Museum Travel Guide

In 1999, the Cambodia Landmine Museum was opened to promote mine awareness among Cambodians and tourists. A carpet of landmines throughout the country is still a major problem in Cambodia but through increased awareness and safety, it is possible to limit the suffering caused by these mines.

The museum is part of a large NGO project, but the foundations of the mission were laid by a highly revered Cambodian, Aki Ra. A former child soldier, Aki fought in Khmer, Vietnamese and Cambodian forces. Now he uses his experience and knowledge to remove the landmines he and many others laid across the country.

The museum is not only a memorial to this tragic chapter of human history, but a center for educating, training and support. A large number of mines, guns, grenades, pistols, bombs and bullets are on display for visitors to examine. There is also a DVD for sale, which explains landmines, their effects on the country and Aki Ra’s humanitarian efforts.

The garden is littered with deactivated hidden landmines, so visitors can experience the difficult task of sweeping, first hand.

In brief

What is it? A museum, prevention and rehabilitation center promoting mine awareness.

Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00, daily.

Entrance fees: US$1.

Address/website: www.cambodialandminemuseum.org/menu.html.

Where: six kilometers outside Siem Reap.

How to get there: by car, travel six kilometers south of Banteay Srey Temple on the main road out of Siem Reap. Inside Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, the museum is on the right. Alternatively, travel by tuk-tuk. The journey takes between 30 and 40 minutes from the center of Siem Reap.