Discover Artisans Angkor – Khmer Arts & Crafts

Located at Siem Reap, Cambodia, Artisans Angkor is a remarkable social enterprise dedicated to preserving and revitalizing traditional Khmer crafts. Established in the late 1990s, it aims to sustain Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage while providing meaningful employment opportunities to young people from rural areas. 

Lua Viet Tours is thrilled to offer you an unforgettable experience at Artisans Angkor. Imagine embarking on a journey to Siem Reap, where you will delve into the heart of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

All You Need to Know about Artisans Angkor

Established in 1999, Artisans Angkor embraced rural youth to practice their crafts and pursue a proper vocation while the country was in the hardship of development, awarding the CSR Outstanding Achievement Award. This social enterprise offered jobs with attractive working conditions in Siem Reap province and developed its own training program to employ apprentices and trainees.

Artisans are diligently working at Artisans Angkor, making gorgeous products. (Image Source: Internet)

Artisans Angkor was awarded the title of “Best Vocational Arts & Crafts Training Specialists” in Southeast Asia in 2019. Over the years, this place has become a famous showcase of Cambodian craftsmanship and attracts numerous tourists globally. Today, Artisans Angkor open vocational training in handicrafts for 18-25 year-old Cambodians and offer considerable guides in mastering silk weaving, wood and stone carving, ceramics, jewelry, silk painting, gilding, lacquer, or silver plating techniques.

Key Activities at Artisans Angkor

Artisans Angkor is a vibrant hub of traditional Khmer craftsmanship and a beacon of social enterprise in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of enriching activities.

Witnessing traditional craftsmanship

Coming here, you can witness local artisans working on traditional Khmer handicrafts. With over 800 artisans and 38 workshops currently operating in Siem Reap province, you can also join workshops and take a trial in training programs.

The young people are working at Artisans Angkor (Image Source: Internet)

Exploring the Silk Farm

Visitors may also have interest in witnessing the magic of silk creation from start to finish at Silk Farm. From cultivating mulberry trees to weaving exquisite fabrics, visitors can experience the traditional process that was nearly lost. Located near the largest Angkorian reservoir, the Silk Farm offers a unique cultural experience for any traveler who loves learning about Cambodian history and culture.

• Address: National Road 6, Puok District, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Opening hours: Silk Farm is currently under-going renovation and will reopen July 2024.

The Silk Farm provides a distinctive cultural experience for travelers who are passionate about exploring Cambodian history and culture. (Image Source: Internet)

Shopping for unique souvenirs

Looking for traditional crafts at Siem Reap? Let’s immerse ourselves in the world of Khmer craftsmanship at local boutiques and buy unique souvenirs. That would be a chance to discover a curated collection of unique, handcrafted pieces, from intricate jewelry to elegant home decor. Each item tells a story of dedication, skill, and cultural heritage.

• Address: Chantiers-Ecoles Stung Thmey Street, Siem Reap
• Opening hours: 7.30 AM – 6:00 PM

Alternatively, visitors can purchase unique items at Artisans Angkor. (Image Source: Internet)

Supporting a social enterprise

Artisans Angkor aims to preserve and promote the traditional craftsmanship of Cambodia while providing fair and sustainable employment to the local artisans. The company offers a higher income than average, as well as social and medical benefits, to its craftsmen, who include 5% of people with disabilities, and an equal representation of genders. 

Purchasing products made by artisans also helps support the community. (Image Source: Internet)

The artisans and the organization have successfully revived the ancient skills and techniques of Khmer fine arts and crafts, such as silk weaving, stone carving, wood carving, lacquerware, and more. Its success also contributes to the economic development of the Siem Reap region in particular and Cambodia in general.

Conclusion

Artisans Angkor’s priority is to satisfy its customers with high-quality products that reflect the beauty and diversity of Khmer culture and heritage. Every artisan strives to achieve excellence and creativity in their work and to make Artisans Angkor a unique showcase of the best of Khmer fine arts and crafts.

Let Lua Viet Tours guide you through this extraordinary experience, where every moment is filled with wonder and discovery. Siem Reap and Artisans Angkor await you!