SOSORO Museum Phnom Penh

It may not seem so interesting at first but this is actually a recommended visit while in Phnom Penh. The museum is modern, well laid out, and well-staffed who are all very helpful and even quite knowledgable. The museum introduces ancient trade routes of the Funan era (dating back some 2000 years) and methods of exchange that were developed including stamped coins, a number of which it has on display.

The coins are quite stunning featuring quite complex religious symbolism which is fascinating. They also have a number of ancient coins from other countries that were found in Cambodia. They also have a presentation on the finds from the Chenla era and cover the barter system used during the Angkor era.

Then, the displays move through the French era with large informative displays and lots of stories and examples of the old currencies used, the Khmer Rouge era is covered before heading downstairs where the modern development of currency and the financial system is covered in some detail.

Also known as the Preah Srey Icanavarman Museum, there is also a library on-site and a tea shop with all the latest info on opening times and special presentations found on their facebook page here.

In total, we spent around 90 mins here. The entry cost is $5 and a little more if you’d like the audio guide.

The building itself is a heritage item, built by the French in 1908 and restored in recent times before opening as the SOSORO Museum in 2012.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap - Contact via [email protected] - more..