Cambodia has been so far well known for its art and culture since the Khmer empire. Art and culture are not only presented in glorious architectures like Angkor temples, but also handed through Cambodian generations in lacquer paintings, ceramics, handicrafts and cuisines. Indochina tours Cambodia
After finishing temple visits, these three must-do things on shopping in Siem Reap will make your cultural trip in Cambodia more enjoyable.
Pottery in Siem Reap
The number one stuff to be thought of on shopping in Siem Reap is pottery as there is a not-for-profit organization called Khmer Ceramics and Fine Arts Centre, “where craftsmanship meets fine arts”. The center has been founded since 2006 with an aim to helping poor Cambodian earn their living by making ceramics.
Potteries, from bowls, bottles, jars to artic accessories, are all made by hand. Such beautiful products are created by highly skilled craftsmen and under high standards. Khmer Ceramic and Fine Arts Centre will certainly offer you a deep inside into the ceramic art of the Khmer by pottery classes, at which you are taught how to make different ceramic products on wheels. The most important thing is that all the money from trading activities is all used to support the poor and the disable people.
Located at Vithey Charles de Gaulle, Khum Slorkram, Siem Reap, along the way to Angkor Wat, Khmer Ceramic Centre is not only a perfect destination for visiting but also the best shop, gallery and workshop to buy ceramics in Siem Reap.
Art Gallery and Handicrafts
Art galleries are effective method to bring travellers back to the Angkorian era. There are several art galleries in Siem Reap, where tourists can find out the techniques of creating lacquer paintings and Buddha statues carved from stone or wood. Superb paintings can be found in Angkor National Museum Angkor Artwork, Diwo Gallery, Theam’s House and etc..
Similar to the ceramic center, there are also art and craft centers functioning not only to reserve craftsmanship but also to facilitate Cambodians to earn their living with their traditional career, typically Artisan d’Angkor established since 1990s. Cambodia travel guide
Cambodia is also famous for its textile products, especially silk clothes. Silk can be woven to make scarfs, handbags, carpets, pillow covers, other home decorators and so on.
On visiting at Golden Silk, a non-governmental organization established in 2002, travellers have chances to witness the full process of silk production from breeding silkworm and mulberry leaves, spinning, dying to weaving. Located about 30km from Siem Reap, the farm has generated employments to many orphans and disadvantaged people in surrounding areas.
Besides, tourists can also visit other handmade shops aiming at helping local communities, including Eric Stocker Laque et Textures (3 km away from the city center), Cambodian Handicraft (Siem Reap Art Center Night Market).
Foods and drinks
Sharing so many features in common with Thai and Vietnamese foods, Cambodian cuisines are also made of fundamental ingredients including rice. As Cambodians prefer soup with strong sour flavors, K’tieu is one of the most popular noodle soup for their breakfast. Made from pork or chicken bones, K’tieu is even tastier when tried with chili power, lime juice and fish sauce. Another famous dish is Amok, made of chicken or seafood and served in coconut with rice. Amok can be enjoyed with some vegetable. There are still a number of delicious dishes to be tried in Siem Reap.
Travelling to Asian countries, fresh coconut is the drink cannot be ignored. In Cambodia, coconut drinks can found everywhere. And travellers are highly recommended to drink it directly from the fruits. Besides, iced coffee and ice tea are also widely favored there with a very cheap price of about US$0.5 per glass. For beers and alcohol, Palm Wine and Rice Wine are familiar with local people, however, tourists should not take risk drinking these home distilled beverages to avoid poisoning. Instead, Angkor/Anchor Beer and Golden Muscle Wine (made from herbs and deer antlers, are more favored by travellers.
Siem Reap is one of the culinary cities of Cambodia with a diversity of cuisines for travellers to try. Street food stalls are the places you can find almost all kinds of cuisines, which offers you fun experiences. However, you should aware of the sanitariness of local street foods. Certainly, there are restaurants in Siem Reap, ranking very high on TripAdvisor, including Cuisine Wat Damnak, Haven, Mia Café and etc.
So these are three things cannot be missed in Siem Reap for your relaxing time after finishing magnificent temples. Why don’t you add them to your must-do list on visiting the mysterious country, Cambodia.
See more:
- Cambodia Discovery 8D – 7N
- Full Day Angkor Wat – Siem Reap Private Tour
- Phnom Penh City Highlights Tour
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