Meet Cambodia's Local Artisans

Cambodia Silk

Khmer silk, beautifully designed and hand-woven, is one of the most popular souvenirs sold all over the country. With traditional weaving techniques and the hand-dyeing process, it can take weeks for local artisans to finish a single piece of silk. You can watch the entire process of silk production in places like Artisans Angkor’s Silk Farm outside Siem Reap or at the historic silk center of Koh Dach outside Phnom Peng. Here are some types of silk products that you can choose to purchase: Silk scarves and clothing such as blouses, dresses, and shirts are made in vibrant colors with intricate designs. Silk textiles for home décor items like wall hangings and pillow covers can add a splash of color to any home. Vintage silks that have been well-preserved are valued for their authenticity and rarity, but new silks from local artisans are often made with the same traditional techniques. Traditional silk scarves can be found for as low as 5 USD. Larger silk shawls or higher quality scarves can cost between 50-100 USD.

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Handmade Paintings

Beautiful handmade paintings featuring unique scenes of local landscapes are a great souvenir for remembering the sights of Cambodia. In local Cambodian markets, paintings of Angkor Wat are commonly available, often done in oil paint or watercolors. High-quality original paintings can be found in local galleries. Traditional style paintings often show scenes of rural daily life. Artists express the deep spirituality of the country with depictions of Buddha or scenes from Reamker, an epic poem and the national epic of Cambodia. In places like the Old Market in Siem Reap or Central Market in Phnom Penh, you can buy original paintings from local artists for 10-150 USD.

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Krama

Krama scarves are a traditional accessory that is ubiquitous in Cambodian daily life. The scarves are made with traditional patterns in a wide range of colors. Most common are checkered designs in the national colors of blue, white, or red. Popular not just for their appearance, Krama scarves are also highly versatile. They are worn as headscarves, neck scarves, and sometimes used as belts. People wear them for clothing, sun protection, and an expression of personal identity. Krama are something you can buy to use during your Cambodia trip while outdoors exploring cultural sites and then take home as a reminder of your experiences there. It can be found everywhere in Cambodia, with the cheapest starting from 1-2 USD.

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Sculpture Reproductions

After seeing Angkor Wat and bas-reliefs carved into ancient temples in Cambodia, you’ll know the impressive skills of local sculptors. Sculpture and carving have a long history in Cambodia. Today there are many skilled artisans making sculpture reproductions in a wide range of sizes. Stone sculptures made with the same locally mined stone used to build ancient temples are not only beautifully decorative pieces for any home but, as souvenirs, also represent a tangible connection to Cambodia’s rich, ancient history. The sculptures feature subjects such as Buddha figures and heads, Aspara Ladies, animals, and mythical creatures like the Garuda and Naha. They can be found made out of bronze, wood, and stone. The prices can be found in the 50-200 USD range.

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