- Cambodian silk scarf Cambodia’s golden silk is renowned for its purity and soft feel. Those interested in finding out more about the process, from silk worm to scarf, can take a free tour of Artisan Angkor’s silk farm on the outskirts of Siem Reap.
- Krama You’ll spot the krama everywhere you go, because this multi-purpose scarf is the national symbol of Cambodia and used by all. The traditional Cambodian garment is used as a scarf, bandana, to cover the face, carry children, as a hammock for youngsters, and pretty much anything else in between. The checked fabric traditionally comes in red and white but many modern designs incorporate a rainbow of colors. These can be bought throughout Cambodia, in varying qualities and prices.
- Textiles and Batiks Cambodia is a country that has a long history of silk and cotton textile with eye-catching colors and designs. The art of batik fabrics, which incorporate a special dyeing method to paint colorful detail, is considered one of the most popular styles of Cambodian textiles.
- Woven mats Because of the extremely hot weather, Cambodian families prefer to use woven mats rather than mattresses and couches. An ornate handmade woven mat requires careful craftsmanship and traditional skills, so it can be quite a lengthy process.
- Silver The art of the silversmith reached its height in Cambodia when crafted objects were used primarily by royalty and upper classes for ceremonial purposes, including funerals and rituals. You will find city market stalls offering many silver items for sale, including intricate fruit and animal designs as well as traditional accessories.
- Copper Arts Copperwork is one of Cambodia's oldest and most traditional crafts. Artisans spend hours sculpting pieces of copper into ornate designs, many of which are shaped according to divine spirits and figures, including those found in Cambodian Buddhist tradition.
- Carvings Wood carvings reflect strong spiritual beliefs with roots in animism, from the pillars of a house to the elaborate motifs of the moon, stars, fruit and flowers. Miniature “Spirit Houses “are strategically placed at homes and other buildings, and they are used for offerings of food, flowers and incense. Carved boxes and statues are used for ornamentation and furniture.
- Cambodian art Traditional Cambodian art tends to feature replica paintings of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, countryside scenes and workers ploughing the land. However, there is a steadily growing contemporary art scene growing in the country, with many boutique galleries flogging their wares.
- Sculpture reproductions Cambodia has incredible reproductions at very reasonable prices. The local craftsmen will use the same mined stone that was used to construct the ancient temple to produce sculptures. In Cambodian markets, tourist can find bronze images of petite statues, Buddha figures, heads, etc.
- Rice wine with snake inside This super-strong alcohol is produced by infusing a whole snake in locally-brewed rice wine. Originating in China, it is also considered a form of Chinese traditional medicine, which is widely practiced throughout Cambodia, and is thought to reinvigorate and boost virility. The snakes used are usually venomous – but pose no threat to the drinker – with the snake venom dissolving in the liquor.
- Kampot pepper As one of Cambodia’s premium products, Kampot pepper is used in kitchens across the globe, thanks to its sharp bite and intense flavor. Granted Geographical Indicator (GI) status in 2010, the pepper is grown in droves throughout Kampot province, where the cooler climate and quartz-rich soil make the perfect climate for growing the pepper. It is produced in green, black, white and red varieties, with many plantations selling cutely packaged helpings to take home.
- Soaps and Candles Cambodia tends to use lots of natural ingredients to create scented products like candles and soaps. These are totally natural made and have unique smells and ingredients like Kampot pepper or lemon-grass.
- Purses made from trash There are numerous organizations working tirelessly to fight the poverty that plagues parts of Cambodia. Many of these NGOs train under-privileged Cambodians in arts and crafts, and creating delightful trinkets from trash, such as plastic bags, used cement bags, straws and tires. Friends International’s stores, Friends ‘n’ Stuff, in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh sell a range of cute crafts.
- Palm sugar Cambodia is studded with palm sugar trees – the country’s national tree – and, if you’re lucky, you can catch some of the men and women who climb their skinny trunks to reach the fruit at its towering tip. The palm sugar tastes akin to brown cane sugar, with more caramel notes. It is used in cooking and as a traditional medicine, and is another local product that has secured GI status.
- Betel nut boxes These boxes are mainly made from silver with ornate designs and crafted animal shapes. The manufacture of these boxes is mostly handmade, because of the complicated and traditional skills involved.
- Rice paper prints This souvenir is made by putting rice paper on a shape derived from a bas-relief carving from the temples of Angkor, then lightly rubbing over it with soft charcoal.
- Mekong Quilts These quilts are produced by rural Cambodian women to support their living, can be durable enough to last a lifetime. The quilts attract buyers for their vivid colors and beautiful ornate design.
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