Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the nearest town to the Khmer temple complex of Angkor. It used to be a sleepy countryside town and even amongst all the new international hotels it still hasn't lost this charm. The main focus is now clearly on tourism and the little town is growing rapidly.

MAIN SITES BESIDES THE TEMPLES

Les Chantiers Ecole
Founded in 1992, is a handicraft centre located in the centre of Siem Reap and its aim is to revive that ancient art of Khmer workmanships. In co-operation with the Minister of Education, this organization gives young people the opportunity to learn the art of stone and wood carving, silk weaving methods and polychromy technique. It is possible to visit the different workshops where the students improve their skills. The finished products are for sales.

Centre of Khmer Studies
is an independent, international institution dedicated to facilitating the study, research, and teaching of Khmer civilization. A tutor of the centre is Professor Chandler, the writer of the most important recent history books about Cambodia.

Puok Silk Farm
This silk farm has been established by a French non-governmental organisation to revive Cambodia's beautiful silk production.  It is possible to visit sheds to see every step of silk production  from cultivation of mulberry bushes, to the silk worms, to cocoons, to spinning, to weaving, to the finished products which are on sale.

© Diethelm Travel