VISITING THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF YANGON

14th DECEMBER 2019 ~ When I planned to visit the National Museum of Yangon, I did not set a high expectation at all. I was not ready for the surprise - Yangon had a world class museum and I was truly impressed.

The was a security check at the museum entrance and camera was strictly prohibited. Visitors however were allowed to take photos using their smart phones, which did not really make much sense.

The museum was huge, with many exhibition halls in the five-storey (or was it four) building. 

Why we did not learn about the history and the ancient government of Myanmar in schools, unlike other Southeast Asian countries? It could be because of the close-door policy imposed by Myanmar long time ago.

We spent quite some time in the museum. One of the sections that we loved the most was the art gallery. I was glad that my travel partner, Mr. Mutalib Amat Sairin, was an avid museum-goer so we had a great time learning new things about Myanmar.

Kudos to all the people who had developed the National Museum of Yangon which proved the people of Myanmar are serious in preserving their history and heritage.

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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA - THE EXHIBITION

13th AUGUST 2019 ~ It was a huge place so you will need more time if you really want to see each and every item put on exhibit. You could find the complete pieces or broken artifacts of the past - mostly related to the practice of Hindu or Buddha and its huge influence to the people for centuries. It reminded me of the history lesson I had to learn in school when I was in form one which was about the ancient government of the South East Asia.

We had to pay extra so that we could rent the audio head set which would describe and give the essential explanation to most of the items on display.

There were benches for people to sit down at a few spots with wind blowing from the wall fans. The building was not equipped with air conditioners so it could be warm at times. At the same time, there were corners where you could see doves poop accumulating and the air was filled with unpleasant smell. I was actually a bit worried as I was once down with lung infection and had to be hospitalized for two weeks. Up until now, I am still healthy - thank God for that.

I could actually see signs of "no camera" at many parts of the room and exhibits. However, everybody was simply taking photos of everything and no one seemed to care. Even the tourist guides were helping to snap their guests photos so I made a conclusion taking photos was alright especially when I had paid USD10 to be here.

There were like thousands of sculptures and statues of Buddha inside here. A few of which were taken from the legendary Angkor Wat as well as other parts of Cambodia. Every piece had their own history and story to tell.

If you want to see a better display of the history of Cambodia, then you should visit Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap. Even though the collections were almost the same, they were bigger in scale and number over there.

If you are thinking of traveling with me in the future, you will have to be ready to tour the museum for hours. Any takers?

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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA - THE BUILDING

13th AUGUST 2019 ~ The first attraction visited in Phnom Penh was the National Museum of Cambodia which was very near to the hotel I was staying in. The building looked majestic and its grand architecture should attract visitors even before entering the exhibition hall.

the ticket booth

The ticket to the museum was actually quite expensive. It cost USD10 which was equivalent to approximately RM40.00. But then, it would be the experience that money couldn't buy.

I spent some time just walking around the place and admiring the design and construct of a Khmer traditional house and it was worth the time and effort.

NEXT: the museum exhibits.

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