Cambodia Landmine Museum and School

When Aki Ra, founder of the Cambodia Landmine Museum and School, was a child, he was recruited as a child soldier in the army of the Khmer Rouge and spent much of his formative years fighting. After the war he returned to try and remove and defuse by hand many of the thousands of mines he planted during his time with the army. In 1997 he founded the Cambodian Landmine Museum and School to care for children wounded by landmines.
Today, the facility houses more than three dozen children from throughout Cambodia who’ve endured various forms of physical, emotional and familial hardships. They’re all given an education, including English language classes, and eventually a university or trade school scholarship.While visitors aren’t allowed into the children’s home, they are encouraged to visit the museum, where proceeds go toward supporting the children’s relief center. Museum exhibits include mines, guns, mortars and other weaponry from Cambodia’s 35 years of war, as well as a mock minefield where guests learn the difficulties of locating and deactivating mines.

Practical Info

The Cambodian Landmine Museum is located 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of Siem Reap. Guided tours are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.