Hotels near SOSORO - Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum

Thanks to this museum, I could leave Phnom Penh with a sense that I at least grasped the amazing history of Khmer people. It came as a fresh and modern look at the lives and ways of people throughout centuries. Especially after the National museum which left me confused. The staff is friendly, the place is very cozy (esp. the garden with its cafe and a very nice coffee) and the history is presented in an interesting way through photographs, educational videos and nicely lit artifacts. I stayed there for hours. A bit too chilly for my taste, so I vote for long sleeves.

2 second times I used to visit here 3 years ago in march and now 2026 in march same day, I come back again I know that most of the people missed the majority of tourists in local soft power, classic vibe, history especially in PhnomPenh city. they should offer and allow us to take photos. there are hundreds of things in one. Anyway this is some of them. I appreciated that the SSR was actually a heart of art and the vein partially of historical evidence for Cambodians not only Cambodians also for foreigners.

Sosoro Museum. An exceptional museum—thoughtfully curated and clearly the result of extensive research and care. I was truly impressed by the depth and variety of artifacts on display, each contributing to a richer understanding of the region’s past. One particularly fascinating insight was learning that the word ຫຼຽນ (lian) traces its origins to the Indochina Piastre banknotes from the French colonial era. At one point, 1 kip, 1 đồng, and 1 riel were all printed on the same currency—an extraordinary reminder of a shared economic system across what are now separate nations. The exhibits also capture the rise and decline of the Khmer economy in a way that feels both informative and deeply human. It’s a powerful experience that leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend this museum to anyone interested in Khmer history, culture, and economic development.

Great museum and very interesting too. Everything is very clearly labeled and the timeline of Khmer history is easy to follow. I was intrigued to read about the pre-currency barter economy and the value of the various goods used to trade in the Khmer empire. Super interesting to see how the economy grew, declined and grew again after the French protectorate. What is the goal of the museum? Is it to explain how currency works? The massive inflation in the pre-Pol Pot era explained in one room is followed by a statement that money is a store of wealth in the next room. Surely that’s a wrong statement to make. Sadly I ran out of time and missed the last section of the museum focused on the modern monetary system. Sadly no photos are allowed, which is a real shame. I could not resist and took one photo (attached) describing the state of the national economy in the 1980s after the Khmer Rouge

This is a must visit in Cambodia! It explains the economic history of cambodia and gives context to a lot of what has happened in cambodia. Can spend hours in this museum. Very modern and AC’d perfect to escape the heat. Very informative and a must visit! Staff are so kind and friendly too!