National Library of Cambodia
Library National library housing Cambodia's historical collections and archives
The National Library of Cambodia in Phnom Penh houses Khmer manuscripts, archival collections and research materials; researchers and visitors come for historical documents and the library’s French-colonial era architecture.
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The National Library of Cambodia is the principal repository of the country’s documentary heritage and is located in Phnom Penh. The institution was established during the French colonial era and houses Khmer manuscripts, rare books and archival material important to Cambodian history and culture.
The library’s collections include traditional palm-leaf and manuscript materials alongside modern printed items and archival records, many of which are central to research on Khmer language, religion and history. The institution plays a role in preservation, cataloguing and occasional public exhibitions.
The library sustained losses and conservation challenges during Cambodia’s 20th-century upheavals and has since been the focus of national and international preservation efforts. It functions today as both a public reference library and a national archival repository.
The building and collections are located in central Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.
- Collections and manuscripts: Founded during the French colonial period, the library holds collections of Khmer-language manuscripts and printed material including palm-leaf codices and early prints.
How to Get to National Library of Cambodia #
The National Library of Cambodia is in central Phnom Penh near the Royal Palace and the riverside (Sisowath Quay). From Phnom Penh International Airport it is typically a 20-30 minute taxi or tuk‑tuk ride of roughly 10 km via the main city roads into the centre. From the riverside area or the National Museum it is an easy short tuk‑tuk ride or a 10-20 minute walk, depending on your exact start point.
Tips for Visiting National Library of Cambodia #
- If you need access to archival or research material, contact the library ahead - the reading rooms and collections often require on-site registration and an ID before staff will help.
- Visit in the morning when staff and catalog services are most available for assistance locating manuscripts and rare items; public exhibitions and rotating displays are best seen earlier in the day.
Best Time to Visit National Library of Cambodia #
For the National Library of Cambodia, aim for weekday mornings during the year for the quietest experience; expect busier periods on weekends and in the city's high tourist months.
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.
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