SINGAPORE, September 13, 2016 – TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice™ awards for Museums. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
“These Travellers’ Choice Museums are world-class institutions that should be at the top of the must-see list for any traveller wishing to immerse themselves in the local history and culture of the places they visit,” said Janice Lee Fang, TripAdvisor’s Communications Director for Asia Pacific. “There are also guided tours that can be booked in advance on TripAdvisor so travellers get additional insights and make the most of the experience.”
TripAdvisor has also identified top-rated bookable tours and useful visitor tips when planning trips to these museums.
Top 10 Museums in Asia:
- The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses – Xi’an, China
Housing one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds, this UNESCO heritage site is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world” featuring thousands of unique life-size terracotta sculptures of soldiers, horses and chariots in battle array that served Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “Do your research about the Terracotta warriors before you go. It will help you understand what you’re seeing. Going on a tour or engaging a guide is also a good idea if you want to get the maximum benefit of your visit. Go early and be prepared to walk.”
Top-rated tour to book: Half-Day Private Tour of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum - tickets start at $89 per person1
- War Remnants Museum – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
As its name suggests, the War Remnants Museum is an evocative experience for travellers who are curious about the consequences of the Vietnam War. Housing a collection of thousands of photographs, artefacts and films, each visit is a reminder of the country’s sombre past.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “The museum closes daily between 12 – 1.30pm, so it’s best to go before 9.30am or after they reopen at 1.30pm to have sufficient time to see everything.”
Top-rated tour to book: War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City - tickets start at $39 per person
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum will shed light on the horror of the Khmer Rouge regime during Pol Pot’s reign. This former high school was converted into a prison where an estimated 30,000 people were tortured, interrogated and killed.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “Take your time, bring some water and get the audio guide. This was another very powerful experience. Little needs to be said but it is a must do while in Cambodia.”
Top-rated tour to book: Half-Day Tuol Sleng Museum and Cheung Ek Killing Fields - tickets start at $54 per person
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum – Hiroshima, Japan
This museum resides in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, close to the hypocentre of the 1945 Hiroshima bombing. Displaying belongings left by victims, photos and documentary films, it serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating effects of war and weapons, and is a symbolism of hope for world peace.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “Save an hour to wander around the museum and see the frame display, the statues and the dome, as well as the many parks with beautiful perspectives.”
Top-rated tour to book: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island Tour from Kyoto - tickets start at $384.42 per person
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Hanoi, Vietnam
Highlighting the ethnic diversity of Vietnam, this museum is a great family-friendly attraction that offers educational activities for younger visitors. Considered to be the finest modern museum in Vietnam, it provides insights to the history and traditions of all 54 ethnic groups in the country.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “There’s an indoor and outdoor section to explore so you might want to plan your visit with outdoor temperatures in mind.”
Top-rated tour to book: Highlights of Hanoi Full-Day City Tour - tickets start at $40 per person
- Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and Walking Trail – Saiyok, Thailand
Located above the Hellfire Pass, the memorial museum recounts the sufferings of thousands of prisoners of war and civilians during the Second World War, when they were forced to build the infamous Burma Railway.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “Use the complimentary audio guide for a better experience and allow at least two to three hours for the visit. For those who are interested in the outdoor walking trail, bringing an umbrella is strongly recommended in case of bad weather.”
Top-rated tour to book: 2-Day River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Experience from Bangkok - tickets start at $174.16 per person
- National Palace Museum – Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei’s National Palace Museum houses the world’s largest collection of historical Chinese artefacts, with over 600,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial objects. The permanent collection displays artefacts dating from 7,000 years ago, ranging from well-preserved Neolithic jade carvings to late Qing dynasty art pieces.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “To avoid queuing up for a long time, go first thing in the morning or during lunchtime when most tour groups would have left the museum. Alternatively, the museum is open till 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, so visiting after 5pm is recommended when crowds are generally smaller.”
Top-rated tour to book: Taipei Half-Day City Tour - tickets start at $37.99 per person
- Islamic Arts Museum – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
With over 10,000 artefacts from China, Southeast Asia, India, Middle East and Iran, the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur is Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art. The museum is situated amidst the lush surroundings of the city’s Lake Gardens and is ranked as #2 things to do in Kuala Lumpur on TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “The museum is situated at Lake Gardens where there is a host of attractions and activities in the area. The Bird Park, National Planetarium and National Mosque are recommended.”
- Hong Kong Museum of History – Hong Kong, China
On top of covering 400 million years of Hong Kong and South China’s history, the museum also features temporary exhibits to cater to a wider audience beyond the history buff. Previous exhibits highlighted local food culture and fashion, Chinese wedding traditions, as well as the evolution of public transportation in the city.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “The museum is closed on Tuesdays but grants free entry to visitors on Wednesdays.”
- Pinang Peranakan Mansion – Penang, Malaysia
Recreated as a typical home of a rich Baba (Straits-born Chinese man) of the 19th century, the interior features an eclectic mix of English floor tiles, Chinese carved-wood, Scottish ironwork and continental European art and furniture. The unique design coupled with the antiques on display showcases the lifestyle and heritage of the Peranakan community.
TripAdvisor Review Tip: “Look out for the special two-seater where prospective couples first meet, while being secretly observed by their elders. Gain an insight into a bridal chamber of the period and figure out what role chickens have there!”
Top-rated tour to book: Private Tour: Penang Georgetown Heritage Tour - tickets start at $55 per person
Top 10 Museums in the World:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City, United States
- Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, United States
- State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace – St. Petersburg, Russia
- Musee d’Orsay – Paris, France
- National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia) – Mexico City, Mexico
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum – New York City, United States
- Prado National Museum – Madrid, Spain
- British Museum – London, United Kingdom
- Acropolis Museum – Athens, Greece
- Vasa Museum – Stockholm, Sweden
For the complete list of winners from the 2016 Travellers’ Choice Museums, as well as reviews and candid traveller photos, go to:www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Museums.
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site**. Travellers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at:www.tripadvisor.com.
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1All currencies are in USD.
