War Museum Cambodia

What is the purpose of all these tanks and guns? The War Museum Cambodia is located in Siem Reap, just a short drive from the city center. This museum is more than a collection of war relics; it is a place where the tragic history of Cambodia is preserved. It’s easy to see the museum as a dark reminder of the past. But it’s a testament to the resilience of the Cambodian people. You’ll find a vast collection of weaponry and military vehicles that were used during the Cambodian Civil War. The War Museum houses a unique collection of weaponry, mostly located outside below mango trees. The collection was gathered since 1999 from areas where fighting took place, like Anlong Veng, Siem Reap and Odor Meanchey. The collection is a mix of Chinese, U.S. and Soviet hardware, but mostly Russian tanks and assault weapons. Some of these weapons have even seen action during World War II. The museum’s collection was partly made up of equipment that was sold for scrap metal prices. For a scrap-metal tank $300 to $400 would be paid. Competition from scrap dealers was not the only problem the museum faced as it gathered its collection. Most of the machinery was very heavy and it was difficult to gain access to dense jungle areas to remove tanks, guns and personnel carriers. You can see Russian tanks (T-54 and T-55), a MiG-19 jet fighter aircraft, a large Mil Mi-8 helicopter, an 85-mm field artillery gun and a D-44 divisional gun. Many of the vehicles have battle damage. There are also many assault rifles, like the ubiquitous AK-47, landmines, claymore anti-personnel mines, etc. There is a broad range of uniforms, flags, as well as rare photographs from the war period on display. The War Museum Cambodia reminds us of the dark times but also honors the enduring spirit of the Cambodian people. Visiting this museum is a humbling experience that allows us to reflect on the past and hope for a brighter future.