Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The modern pagodas around Siem Reap offer an interesting contrast to the ancient sand-
stone structures of Angkor.
Angkor National Museum
MUSEUM
( 063-966601;
www.angkornationalmuseum.com
; 968 Charles de Gaulle Blvd; adult/child under 1.2m
US$12/6; 8.30am-6pm, to 6.30pm 1 Oct-30 Apr)
Looming large on the road to Angkor is the
Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the
majesty of Angkor. Displays are themed by era, religion and royalty as visitors move
through the impressive galleries.
After a short presentation, visitors enter the Zen-like 'Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas',
which has a fine collection of images. Other collections include the pre-Angkorian periods
of Funan and Chenla, the great Khmer kings, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the inscrip-
tions.
Presentations include touch-screen video, epic commentary and the chance to experien-
ce a panoramic sunrise at Angkor Wat, but for all the technology there seems less sculp-
ture on display than in the National Museum (
Click here
)
in Phnom Penh. However, it re-
mains a very useful experience for first-time visitors to put the story of Angkor and the
Khmer empire in context before exploring the temples. The US$12 admission fee is a
little high, given that US$20 buys admission to all the temples at Angkor. Visitors also
have to pay a US$2 camera fee, but can't snap everywhere, and an audio tour is available
for US$3. Attached to the museum is a 'Cultural Mall', lined with shops, galleries and
cafes, but this hasn't really taken off and sees few visitors.
Les Chantiers Écoles
SCHOOL
(
www.artisansdangkor.com
;
7.30am-5.30pm, silk farm 7am-5pm)
Siem Reap is the
epicentre of the drive to revitalise Cambodian traditional culture, which was dealt such a
harsh blow by the Khmer Rouge and the years of instability that followed its rule. Les
Chantiers Écoles is a school specialising in teaching wood- and stone-carving techniques,
traditional silk painting, lacquerware and more to impoverished youngsters.
On the premises the school has a beautiful shop called Artisans d'Angkor (
Click here
)
,
which sells everything from stone and wood reproductions of Angkorian-era statues to
household furnishings. Free guided tours are available daily from 7.30am to 5.30pm to
