CAMBODIA – OTHER ACTIVITIES

CAMBODIA – OTHER ACTIVITIES

KHMER HOMESTAY

(FOR A UNIQUE AUTHNTIC SLICE OF TRADITIONAL LIFE)

Located in Baray District, Kompong Thom Province, Khmer Homestay is ideally situated along National Road 6 about 120km between the capital of Phnom Penh and the popular tourist destination of Siam Reap , home of the world famous Angkor Temples.

HORSE RIDING (IGNITE YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE AND EXPLORE THE PATHS LESS TRAVELLED)

One may wish to get away from the more touristy areas and escape into the heart of the Cambodian countryside to take in scenic views on horseback or on a bicycle. A favourite with the more adventurous is a 2 hours horseback ride, passing rice fields in the local villages and a visit to enchanting Wat Atvea in cowboy style. There are ranches that offer pure Cambodian breed, a descendant of the Mongolian wild horses, for lease to tour the vicinity of the country side which offers a refreshing side not many People have seen.

A REFRESHING WAY TO TOUR THE COUNTRYSIDE

The horses at ranches in Cambodia are friendly and comfortable with people; not afraid of anything and the trails are like nothing you would ever see otherwise in the cities.

TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS (OFFERING EMPLOYMENT TO SKILLED COMMUNITIES AS WELL AS QUALITY AND TRADITION TO DISCERNING TOURISTS)

Traditional handicrafts in Cambodia flourished in Angkorian times when the finest objects were crafted for temples and the Royal Court. Handed down through generations, the skills of Cambodian craftsmen fulfilled domestic and religious needs for centuries until the dark years of the Khmer Rouge, when production literally came to a standstill.

Today, from stone or wood carving to silver and basket work, traditional handicraft enthused by a growing tourist market, are recovering very well. Cambodian silk pieces are sought by collections worldwide.

Siam Reap and Takeo are important weaving centres although silk is widely available at all tourist spots. There’s good selection at the Russian market in Phnom Penh where popular items include Khmer scarves, sarong and soft furnishings await their new owners.

Cambodian silk is named according to the type of fabric and its use, pa muong for evening dres , hol for going to the temple , pidan for wall hanging.

The stone carving tradition of Angkor continues until today; artists are reproducing ancient pieces to satisfy tourist. While original Angkor stones from Phnom Kulen are reserved for restoration, there are ample suppliers of sandstone in Banteay Meanchey for other requirements. Buddha statues, Apsara dancers and bas-reliefs are all popular tourist collector items, but top of the list are replica busts of Jayavarman VII, founder of Angkor Thom.

Cambodian wood carving has its origins in ancient animist beliefs. Village homes have finally carved shrines and pillars, dedicated to spirits and sometimes carved with flowers, moon or stars to enlist protection. Objects for domestic use range from furniture to kitchen utensils, while carved boxes and ornaments of all kinds are produced for the tourist trade.