Preah Vihear Eco-Global Museum
Located north of Sra’aem Village, along the road that leads to the grand mountaintop temple of Preah Vihear, the Samdech Techo Hun Sen Eco-Global Museum features an impressive collection of ancient and heritage artifacts, along with an audio-visual hall.
The museum artifacts are from the nearby Temple of Preah Vihear, related monuments in the wider area of Preah Vihear province, and some are from select sites across Cambodia. Sandstone, bronze, and iron works from around the 11th century to the 13th century are featured.
Some highlights of the collection include a very rare prancing lion from the entrance terrace of Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, a rare “walking” lion from the Temple of Preah Vihear, a nine deities panel from Prasat Ak Yum, a devata from Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, a Bayon era Buddha on Naga from Banteay Chhmar temple, a radiant Lokesvara from the Angkor area, and bronze works found in sites surrounding the Temple of Preah Vihear.
It also covers local flora and fauna, along with items representing the culture and livelihood of local communities, both Khmer and Kuay. With large grounds, it’s expected that the museum’s offerings will expand over time.
At the time of visiting the museum features spacious landscaped grounds and four halls:
- Arts Gallery
- Archaeology Gallery
- Ethnographic Gallery
- Environment Gallery
The signage boards throughout the museum feature an impressive amount of information, not only introducing the artifacts presented but also important iconography, along with the wider history of the ancient Khmer empire and its global trade connections.
It’s suggested that you visit here before going to the Temple of Preah Vihear to get a deeper understanding of its history, features, and iconography. If you want to take in all items and the valuable information that’s presented in the signage, then you should allow at least an hour. The signage is presented in Khmer, French, and English.
A brief one-day excursion allows for the exploration of the renowned remote sites, including Preah Vihear Temple, Koh Ker Temple, and Beng Mealea Temple, all...