National Library of Cambodia Library
National library housing Cambodia's historical collections and archives
To the west of Wat Phnom, the National Library is a stunning example of colonial architectural grandeur.
About National Library of Cambodia#
To the west of Wat Phnom, on Street 92 in central Phnom Penh, the National Library of Cambodia is a stunning example of colonial architectural grandeur. It once again functions as a working book resource, and today holds more than 100,000 books in Khmer, English, French and German.
Beyond its collection of books, the library keeps an interesting archive of palm-leaf manuscripts and heritage documents, restored by experts and available for viewing on microfilm. It is not a common tourist stop, so a tuk-tuk driver may need directions to find it.
History & Culture of National Library of Cambodia#
Ruin under the Khmer Rouge. During the Khmer Rouge regime, the library was turned into a stable and pig sty after its books were ripped up or thrown into the street. The elegant building was overrun by mice and rats that nested among the books, the manicured gardens were trampled by pigs, and the whole estate fell into ruin.
Restoration. After the regime was overthrown, the library was repaired and returned to its original role. A number of daring Cambodians had rescued some of the books, which were later returned, and with help from overseas agencies and governments the collection has since been rebuilt.
Weather & Climate near National Library of Cambodia#
National Library of Cambodia's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1364 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 28°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (225 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (257 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
