Cambodia’s traditional craft villages: Handicrafts and heritage

Nestled across the country, craft villages in Cambodia are the heart of traditional Khmer craftsmanship. Skilled artisans have passed down the art of silk weaving, pottery, wood carving, and silverwork for generations, keeping Cambodia’s rich heritage alive. Visitors can explore bustling workshops in Siem Reap, discover exquisite handmade pottery in Kampong Chhnang, or admire intricate carvings in small rural villages. Each craft tells a unique story of culture and dedication.

Join us in exploring these traditional craft villages in Cambodia and experience the timeless beauty of Cambodian artistry!

Discover Cambodia: 6 Must-visit traditional craft villages

From pottery to silk weaving, the craft villages in Cambodia embody centuries of artisanal mastery. These Cambodian craft villages preserve age-old traditions, offering a glimpse into the country's rich artistic heritage. Each village specializes in unique Cambodian crafts, from delicate silk textiles to intricately carved wood and stone sculptures.

Kampong Chhnang pottery village – The timeless art of Khmer ceramics

Nestled along the banks of the Tonlé Sap River, this handicraft village in Cambodia has been the heart of pottery-making for centuries. The name Kampong Chhnang, meaning “Port of Pottery,” reflects its deep-rooted connection to ceramics. Here, pottery remains a cherished tradition, passed down through generations in these craft villages in Cambodia.

Kampong Chhnang has been a hub for traditional pottery for over 1,500 years. The village of Andong Russei, in particular, is home to numerous artisan families who rely on high-quality clay sourced from the nearby Krang Dei Meas mountain. While modern techniques have emerged, many potters continue to shape clay using time-honored methods. The pieces are then sun-dried before being fired in traditional kilns, preserving the authenticity of Khmer craftsmanship.

From everyday kitchenware to ornate vases, each ceramic piece embodies Khmer heritage. A visit to this village offers more than just observation. Travelers can interact with skilled potters, witness the shaping process firsthand, and even craft their own clay creations under expert guidance—an authentic hands-on experience in Cambodian craft villages.

📍 Location: Kampong Chhnang Province

🕒 Opening hours: 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

🎟️ Ticket price: Free

Takeo silk weaving village – The legacy of Khmer silk

Takeo, a province rich in history, is home to one of Cambodia’s most refined traditions: silk weaving. Once a thriving silk production hub, Takeo has long been at the forefront of crafting exquisite textiles, historically reserved for Khmer royalty.

The process begins with silkworm farming, where cocoons are unraveled to extract fine threads. Using natural pigments, artisans dye the silk in vibrant hues before weaving intricate patterns on wooden looms. The rhythmic motion of the weavers brings these delicate fabrics to life, showcasing Cambodia’s rich textile heritage.

Traditional weaving villages in Takeo, such as those in Bati and Prey Kabas districts, continue to preserve these age-old techniques. Visitors can observe skilled artisans at work, learn about the intricate weaving process, and even try their hand at crafting their own silk patterns. This immersive experience offers a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s silk-making traditions.

📍 Location: Takeo Province

🕒 Opening hours: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

🎟️ Ticket price: Free

Koh Dach (Silk island) – A riverside haven for traditional weaving

Just a short ferry ride from Phnom Penh, Koh Dach - also known as Silk Island - is a tranquil escape where Khmer silk weaving flourishes. This village is well-known for its traditional krama weaving, the iconic Cambodian scarf. This picturesque Cambodian village has preserved its weaving heritage for generations, producing some of the country’s finest handwoven textiles.

Unlike mass-produced fabrics, each silk piece here is meticulously crafted on traditional handlooms, featuring intricate motifs inspired by Khmer culture. The island’s stilt houses serve as both homes and workshops, where artisans weave silk in the same way their ancestors did centuries ago.

Beyond its craft heritage, visitors can cycle through lush orchards, relax by the Mekong River, and even participate in weaving sessions to create their own patterns. Koh Dach offers a unique cultural retreat, blending craftsmanship with natural beauty.

📍 Location: Koh Dach, Phnom Penh

🕒 Opening hours: 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

🎟️ Ticket price: Free

Phnom Penh silver craft village – The art of Khmer silversmithing

Phnom Penh's silversmithing heritage is deeply rooted in Cambodia's history, with origins tracing back to the Angkorian era. Historically, silversmiths crafted items for the royal palace and the affluent, producing weaponry, coins, ceremonial objects, and betel boxes.

Today, villages surrounding Phnom Penh, such as Koh Chen and Kompong Luong, continue this intricate craft. Koh Chen, located about 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh along the Tonlé River, specializes in silver and copper smithing, creating ornamental items like delicately engraved tropical fruits used in traditional ceremonies. Similarly, Kompong Luong is renowned for its silversmiths who employ traditional Cambodian techniques to produce handcrafted silverware.

Visitors can observe master silversmiths at work, explore a stunning collection of handcrafted silver items, and even try their hand at basic silver engraving—a unique opportunity to engage with Cambodia’s artistic legacy.

📍 Location: Phnom Penh

🕒 Opening hours: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

🎟️ Ticket price: Free

You may want to read: Planning a Cambodia Getaway: Essential Tips for a Dream Vacation

Angkor stone carving village – A tribute to Khmer temples

Siem Reap, home to the magnificent Angkor temples, is also a center for traditional stone carving. In nearby craft villages, artisans meticulously chisel sandstone into statues, reliefs, and temple replicas. Drawing inspiration from Angkor Wat’s intricate carvings, these craftsmen ensure that Cambodia’s sculptural heritage endures.

Stone carving is a labor-intensive process, requiring weeks or even months of careful shaping and refinement. The final products range from small decorative carvings to life-sized temple replicas, reflecting the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

Travelers can visit workshops, engage with artisans, and even attempt their own carvings under expert guidance. This immersive experience deepens one’s understanding of Cambodia’s rich artistic traditions.

📍 Location: Siem Reap Province

🕒 Opening hours: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

🎟️ Ticket price: Free

Kampong Speu palm sugar village – The sweet taste of Cambodia

Kampong Speu, a province between Phnom Penh and Kampot, is renowned for its traditional palm sugar production—an iconic element of Cambodian cuisine. Towering sugar palm trees not only define the landscape but also provide the key ingredient for this centuries-old craft.

Local farmers harvest palm sap by climbing the tall trees and carefully extracting it using traditional methods. The sap is then slowly boiled over a wood fire for hours until it thickens into rich, golden palm sugar. This naturally sweet product is widely used in Khmer desserts and traditional dishes.

Visitors to the village can witness the entire production process, taste freshly made palm sugar, and even take part in the sugar-making process alongside local artisans. It’s an immersive cultural experience that offers a deeper understanding of Cambodian rural life and traditions.

📍 Location: Kampong Speu Province

🕒 Opening hours: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

🎟️ Ticket price: Free

For an immersive cultural experience, consider a Cambodia tour that takes you through the country’s renowned craft villages, where you can witness skilled artisans at work and even try your hand at traditional crafts.

Tips for exploring craft villages in Cambodia

✔ Plan your visit: Some villages offer guided experiences, while others are best explored independently.

✔ Respect artisans at work: Many craftsmen welcome visitors but appreciate quiet observation.

✔ Support traditional crafts: Purchasing directly from artisans helps sustain their trade.

✔ Engage with the process: Many villages offer hands-on activities, from pottery-making to weaving.

✔ Choose authentic souvenirs: Look for handmade details to ensure genuine, locally crafted items.

The craft villages in Cambodia are living testament to the country’s rich artistic heritage, where skilled artisans continue traditions passed down for generations. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate silk of Takeo, the timeless pottery of Kampong Chhnang, or the intricate silverwork of Phnom Penh, each village offers a unique window into Cambodia’s cultural legacy.

Ready to embark on a journey through Cambodia’s traditional arts? Let Hanoi Voyages curate the perfect itinerary for you! Contact us today and start your adventure into Cambodia’s handcrafted treasures!