Artisans Angkor - Ancient temple ruins are reflected in the still water.
1 / 10

Artisans Angkor

4.4
·3k reviews·ក្រុងសៀមរាប, Cambodia

Discover traditional Cambodian crafts at Artisans Angkor, a social enterprise supporting local artisans with free workshop tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

See artisans at work

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Artisans Angkor - Ancient temple ruins are reflected in the still water.

Artisans Angkor

Best Time

Mornings

See artisans at work

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover traditional Cambodian crafts at Artisans Angkor, a social enterprise supporting local artisans with free workshop tours.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"A true gem offering a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Guided Tours!

Don't miss the free guided tours; they offer incredible insight into the artisans' skills.

💰 High-Quality, Pricier Goods

Crafts are beautiful but pricey. Consider it an investment in ethical sourcing.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Silk Scarf Making

Silk Scarf Making

Silk Farm (remote village)

Witness the intricate process of silk production, from silkworms to finished, beautiful scarves.

Stone Carving

Stone Carving

Marvel at the detailed and skillful creation of intricate stone sculptures, inspired by ancient Khmer art.

Lacquer Painting

Lacquer Painting

Observe the meticulous application of lacquer to create vibrant, detailed paintings on various surfaces.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Guided Workshops

Experience the magic of Cambodian craftsmanship with free guided tours of Artisans Angkor's workshops. Learn about silk weaving, stone carving, and lacquer painting. It's an educational and inspiring way to understand the artistry behind each piece.

Ethical Shopping & Fair Wages

Support local artisans and cultural preservation by purchasing high-quality, handmade crafts. While prices may be higher than local markets, they ensure fair wages and contribute to the community's economic well-being.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
See artisans at work
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoons
Why
Less crowded, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Suggestions on what to do in the free time

🎯 Free Guided Tours!

Don't miss the free guided tours; they offer incredible insight into the artisans' skills. Reddit

💰 High-Quality, Pricier Goods

Crafts are beautiful but pricey. Consider it an investment in ethical sourcing. Reddit

🌿 Beautiful Garden

Enjoy the serene garden outside the shop – a lovely spot for a moment of calm. Reddit

🤝 Support Local Artisans

Your purchase directly supports rural employment and cultural heritage preservation. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Guided Tours!

Don't miss the free guided tours; they offer incredible insight into the artisans' skills. Reddit

💰 High-Quality, Pricier Goods

Crafts are beautiful but pricey. Consider it an investment in ethical sourcing. Reddit

🌿 Beautiful Garden

Enjoy the serene garden outside the shop – a lovely spot for a moment of calm. Reddit

🤝 Support Local Artisans

Your purchase directly supports rural employment and cultural heritage preservation. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Artisans Angkor for its free, educational workshops and the opportunity to witness skilled artisans at work. The high quality of handmade crafts is a major draw, though prices are noted as being on the higher side. The ethical mission of supporting local communities and preserving traditional arts is also highly appreciated.

"Found this beautiful place in the center of Siem Reap. They have a beautiful garden outside the shop. We had a tour to their workshops (Free admission). The worker explained to us every step from how to make the silk scarf to the beautiful sculptures and paintings.
All of them are so talented and every piece they make is astonishing.
Would definitely recommend."

A. Anderson

"It was a nice experience to witness the behind the scene process of wood carving, lacquer painting and making of a silk scarf. They have high quality craft but too pricey for Cambodia! The price prevented us from doing any purchase unfortunately."

Susan Steele

"Fantastic free experience. From lacquer to stone carving. Silk tour at remote village. Well worth the time
!

I had read a book on the carvings of the gates of Bayon. The lady created an unique piece for me"

Claude Rochon

What People Like

Free guided tours
Skilled artisans at work
High-quality crafts

What People Dislike

High prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Artisans Angkor is conveniently located in the center of Siem Reap, making it easily accessible by tuk-tuk or a short taxi ride from most hotels. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk if staying nearby. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for tuk-tuks and cars at Artisans Angkor, which is helpful if you're arriving by your own transport or a hired driver. Reddit

Absolutely! Artisans Angkor is a great addition to your Siem Reap itinerary, especially for an afternoon activity. It's often visited alongside the Old Market or Pub Street for a well-rounded experience. Reddit

No, admission to Artisans Angkor and their workshops is free, and guided tours are also complimentary. You can simply show up and join a tour. Reddit

Artisans Angkor is typically open daily from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Artisans Angkor offers free admission to its premises and workshops. This makes it an accessible cultural experience for all travelers. Reddit

Yes, the guided tours explaining the craftsmanship are completely free. Knowledgeable guides walk you through the different workshops, sharing insights into the traditional techniques. Reddit

Yes, Artisans Angkor has a shop where you can purchase a wide range of high-quality traditional crafts. These purchases directly support the artisans. Reddit

Items at Artisans Angkor are considered high-quality and are priced accordingly, often higher than market stalls. While they can be pricey, they represent fair wages for the artisans. Reddit

You can typically join a guided workshop tour as they become available throughout the day. It's a good idea to arrive a little before a tour starts to ensure a spot. Reddit

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

You can witness the creation of various traditional Cambodian crafts, including intricate stone carvings, beautiful silk scarves and textiles, detailed lacquer paintings, and more. Reddit

A guided tour of the Artisans Angkor workshops usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the group size and the number of questions asked. Reddit

While you can observe the artisans at work and ask questions through your guide, direct interaction might be limited to maintain their focus and workflow. Reddit

Yes, Artisans Angkor is generally suitable for children. The visual nature of the workshops and the explanations can be engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

The atmosphere is one of focused creativity and quiet dedication. The workshops are calm environments where you can appreciate the skill and concentration of the artisans. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

You can find a wide array of high-quality souvenirs, including silk scarves, intricately carved wooden and stone items, beautiful lacquerware bowls and boxes, and unique paintings. Reddit

Prices at Artisans Angkor are generally fixed, as they reflect fair wages and the quality of the handmade products. Haggling is not typically practiced here. Reddit

The products are special because they are handmade by skilled local artisans using traditional techniques, preserving Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. Each piece is unique. Reddit

In some cases, custom orders might be possible, especially for unique pieces like the one mentioned in a review. It's best to inquire directly with the shop staff about custom requests. Reddit

Information on return policies is not widely available, but given the nature of handmade crafts, it's advisable to inspect your purchases carefully before buying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Artisans Angkor offers a visually engaging experience that can captivate children. The free guided tours allow kids to see artisans at work, from carving stone to painting lacquer, which can be more interesting than a typical museum visit. The process of making silk scarves is also fascinating. It's a great way to introduce them to different cultures and the value of handmade crafts. Reddit

While the shop has beautiful, potentially pricey items, the experience of watching the artisans is the main draw. Consider it an educational outing that sparks creativity and appreciation for skilled labor. The serene garden also provides a nice break for younger ones. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Souvenirs

For travelers looking for authentic, high-quality souvenirs, Artisans Angkor is a must-visit. You'll find a stunning array of silk scarves, intricate wood and stone carvings, and exquisite lacquerware. These aren't mass-produced items; each piece is handmade by skilled artisans, ensuring you take home a truly unique memento of Cambodia. Reddit

While the prices are higher than at local markets, they reflect the fair wages paid to the artisans and the exceptional craftsmanship. Purchasing here means you're supporting a social enterprise that preserves traditional arts and empowers local communities. It's an investment in quality and ethical sourcing. Reddit

🌍 Culture Enthusiasts

Artisans Angkor is a cultural gem that offers deep insights into Cambodia's artistic heritage. The free guided tours provide an in-depth look at traditional techniques like stone carving, lacquer painting, and silk weaving, passed down through generations. It's a chance to understand the historical and cultural significance behind these crafts. Reddit

This social enterprise plays a vital role in preserving these traditional arts and providing sustainable livelihoods for local artisans. Experiencing the dedication and skill firsthand offers a profound connection to Cambodian culture, making it an enriching stop for any traveler interested in art, history, and community development. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Cambodian Craftsmanship

Artisans Angkor is a remarkable social enterprise dedicated to reviving and preserving traditional Cambodian arts and crafts. It provides employment and training to young people from rural areas, empowering them through skills in wood carving, stone carving, lacquer painting, and silk weaving. The organization emphasizes ethical production and fair wages, ensuring that the artisans are compensated justly for their intricate work. Visitors can witness this dedication firsthand through free guided tours of their workshops, offering a unique glimpse into the meticulous processes involved in creating each beautiful piece. Reddit

The guided tours are a highlight, as they not only showcase the techniques but also tell the story behind the crafts and the artisans. You'll see how raw materials are transformed into stunning works of art, from the delicate threads of silk being woven into vibrant textiles to the patient chiseling of stone into detailed sculptures. This immersive experience fosters a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of Cambodia and the dedication of its craftspeople. Reddit

While the artisans angkor shop offers high-quality souvenirs, it's important to note that prices reflect the skill, time, and ethical labor involved. For those looking to understand the soul of Cambodian artistry, a visit to Artisans Angkor is an essential and enriching experience, offering a tangible connection to the country's rich cultural tapestry. Reddit

Supporting Ethical Tourism

Visiting Artisans Angkor is more than just a shopping trip; it's an opportunity to engage in ethical tourism. This social enterprise is built on the principle of supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage. By choosing to buy from Artisans Angkor, you are directly contributing to fair employment opportunities for rural Cambodians, many of whom are young individuals learning and honing traditional crafts. This model ensures that tourism benefits the local economy and helps sustain traditional skills that might otherwise be lost. Reddit

The artisans angkor silk farm visit, though sometimes located remotely, further emphasizes this commitment by showcasing the entire silk production process, from mulberry cultivation to the final weaving. This transparency allows visitors to understand the full journey of the products and the labor involved. The organization's dedication to fair wages and good working conditions sets a benchmark for responsible tourism in the region. Reddit

When you purchase an artisans angkor scarf or any other item, you're not just acquiring a beautiful souvenir; you're investing in the livelihoods of artisans and the continuation of Cambodia's artistic legacy. It's a way to bring home a piece of Cambodian culture that carries a meaningful story of empowerment and preservation. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2