National Library of CambodiaAbout 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.
Nearby Attractions to National Library of Cambodia
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 27° | 7 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 23° - 32° | 28° | 8 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 1.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 25° - 34° | 31° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 26° - 35° | 33° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 26° - 34° | 35° | 152 mm | overcast | 74% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 33° | 35° | 152 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 160 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 158 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 34° | 225 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 33° | 257 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.5h |
| December | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 27° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 1.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.3h |