General information
| Destination | Category |
|---|
| Siem Reap, Cambodia | Sightseeing Tours |
Program details
Learn all about traditional Khmer crafts and see how they are made with this highly informative three-hour shopping tour from Siem Reap to the National Silk Centre and the Artisans d'Angkor cooperative. It goes without saying that you will see an astonishing array of high-quality goods that would make excellent gifts or souvenirs.
The National Silk Centre is set in pretty gardens on the outskirts of Siem Reap. The complex is also a silk farm and here all parts of the silk production process are performed. Hear about mulberry trees (their leaves are eaten by silkworms), silkworm farming, cocoon unwinding, the preparation of the silk threads, the tie-dyeing of threads and weaving. There is also a large showroom, where you can admire and buy these sensational silk products. See the whole process first-hand and admire the incredible skill of the weavers as they produce the finished product.
Continue on to Artisans d'Angkor for an enthralling look into the world of local traditional local products. It is a cooperative of craftsmen who make an excellent range Khmer products from silk scarves and paintings to stone, wooden and polychrome statuettes such as Buddha and ganeisha, lacquer ware and jewellery. Walk around the workshops and see first-hand how the craftsmen work their materials using both ancient and modern techniques. This organisation helps to maintain old traditions alive while benefiting underdeveloped rural communities by providing jobs for 1,300 – of which 900 are artisans – in 42 workshops throughout Siem Reap province.
Meeting/pick-up point: Collection from the hotels in Siem Reap city.
Duration: Three hours.
Start/opening time: 9am and 2pm.
Languages: English.
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