ARTISANS ANGKOR Official

#Social business #Cambodia #SiemReap #PhnomPenh #Culture #Arts&Crafts #Trends #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #Fashion #Travelling #Tours #Traditions #Handmade #Craftsmanship

[artisansangkor-blog]

At Artisans Angkor, we also care about men! Look at all those fancy silk ties :D #artisansangkor #siemreap #phnompenh #cambodia #handwoven #handmade #silk #pure #naturel #fabric #formen #tie #elegant #classy #business #party #shop #colorful #style #textile #traditional #looms #silkworm #mencollection #enjoylife

[artisansangkor-blog]

What being a social enterprise really means

“Some people believe in telling stories. Some believe in doing things about which stories will be told in times to come.”  Sharad Sagar – social entrepreneur

Somehow, producing and consuming “ethical” has become a trendy lifestyle today, more than it reveals a true strive for change. Indeed, people often know they want ethics in their life, clothes and coffee, without being able to explain why.

Thinking ethical is not just about saying you care about poor people, only wear organic cotton nor eat lots of quinoa. As a consumer, it is about knowing what the long-term consequences of one single purchase are. As an organization, it is about implementing tangible actions in order to durably improve the living conditions of the communities you are collaborating with, while making sure that the production process allows the preservation of natural resources. It is far from being easy, but it is essential.

Of course, if you are passionate about Cambodian traditional fine Arts & crafts, you will surely find what you are looking for while visiting our crafts workshops, and quench your thirst for exotic journeys and beautiful works of art.  It is still important to remember that Artisans Angkor is way more than just a tourist attraction or souvenir shop.

We have a real and authentic social project indeed; Take 5 minutes to discover and understand it!

Providing vocational training in the handicrafts sector

“When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people.” – Chinese Proverb 

Artisans Angkor started as the offshoot of an educational project, aiming at helping rural youth find a job near their home villages. Today, we keep offering vocational trainings in handicrafts to Cambodian young people (18-25 years old), and teach them how to master silk weaving, wood and stone carving, ceramics, jewelry, silk painting, gilding, lacquer or silver plating meticulous techniques.

Not only those apprenticeships are - of course - free of charge for the trainees, they receive a compensation during that time. At the end of the 9 months training period, they are guaranteed a steady job if they are happy with their experience and willing to stay with us!

Today, we employ more than 800 artisans in 48 different workshops (Siem Reap Province).

Guaranteeing safe working conditions

“The greatest wealth is health.” - Virgil

When it comes to production processes, you should always care first about the employee’s well-being and safety at work. At Artisans Angkor, all the 1100 employees’ offices and workshops are provided with drinkable water (that we have analyzed once a year), fans (have you any idea of how hot it can get in Cambodia? ;)) and first-aid boxes. First-aid training sessions are also carried out by the Cambodian Red Cross twice a year, so our artisans can be ready to react at work, but also at home!

Needless to say that we give our artisans Personal Protective Equipment (protective glasses and headsets, handling gloves, protection shoes, masks…) that they wear when needed.

  Offering fair compensation packages

“There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness” - Mahatma Gandhi

All our profits – made thanks to the works of art we sell – are reinvested for social purposes, including fair compensation packages for our 800 artisans. In that regard, we try to set up selling prices that are fair to both our customers and artisans. As the doctor Jane Goodal said “generally if you are getting something very cheap—clothes or food—that’s almost certainly proof that people weren’t paid the way they should be paid for it.”

Fair compensation packages include of course fair salaries, but also lots of social advantages, like free and easy access to healthcare (hiring of doctors and specialists), free insurance (accidents are covered 24/7) and pregnancy covering (compensated maternity leaves).

We are also striving to make our organization a happy place to work in thanks to several events we organize (cultural activities for children, team-building trips…) and buy building canteens and daycare centers in the artisans’ workplaces.

Using quality and traditional production processes

“Call it ‘eco-fashion’ if you like, but I think it’s just common sense.” – Livia Firth, Founder of Eco Age

We try to use first-rate quality raw materials that come from Cambodia as much as possible. Our production process is not a massive one; every pieces are carefully checked by our quality controllers, one by one, before they are sent to the shops. Indeed, “It’s time to slow down and consider the true cost of choosing quantity over quality.” (Kate Fletcher - Designer)

Artisans Angkor’s environmental commitment can be seen - among other things - in the natural water treatment system that we set up at our Silk Farm to purify dyed water, so it can be used again for local farming or for our dyeing process. Speaking of dyeing process, we also use natural dyers, such as lavender or tamarind :)

All in all: staying deeply attached to Cambodian culture

“One destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things” - Henry Miller

Picture: Artisans Angkor’s employees during the opening ceremony of Khmer New Year 2016

This point may be the most important. As much as we want to revitalize Cambodian traditional Arts & Crafts, we want to add value to Cambodian amazing culture. We should not keep Cambodian History and traditions as a simple ‘’background’’ to sell products, but use it as a pillar for everything we want to implement in Cambodia.

Concretely, we love organizing events for important Khmer celebrations, during which all employees are invited to participate. We also contribute to the organization of Cambodian religious celebrations.

If we had to sum-up what being ethical means in one sentence, maybe it would be “remembering that you have a lot to receive from the communities you are interacting with”.

Stay committed ;)

Support Artisans Angkor’s social project

[artisansangkor-blog]

[artisansangkor-blog]

Artisans Angkor’s new Concept Store for fine crafts lovers

We just opened a Concept Store in Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra's galleries! This beautiful boutique showcases several of Artisans Angkor’s authentic works of art - silk fabrics, sculptures, small decoration & tableware… - in a luxury and cozy environment that looks just like a house interior. Ready to live a unique shopping experience?

[artisansangkor-blog]

Top 10 things to do in Siem Reap and around (2016)

Walk, Watch, Rest and Eat!

According to Trip Advisor 2016 travelers’ choice awards, Siem Reap (still) is people’s favorite destination in Asia! We are far from being surprised and would like to take this opportunity to remind why visiting Siem Reap is a once in a lifetime experience, from unusual and funny places to breathtaking landscapes.

That’s the reason why, after seeing more and more bloggers personal tops 3, 5, 10 and more about “things to do in Siem Reap”, we decided to publish our own. You may already know some of the attractions below, but we are willing to bet that there are several of them you’ve never heard of!

Of course, the following top won’t include the most renowned majestic Angkor temples - number 1 for everyone, and forever - nor our own organization which is not the main topic of this article; as a reminder for those who don’t know it: you can enjoy free guided tours in Artisans Angkor’s crafts workshops & silk farm every day, and see talented master artisans producing - entirely by hand - traditional Cambodian works of art. Just so you know, we also are about to launch rural tours & crafts classes in Cambodia.

That being said… are you ready?

  1. Phare (The Cambodian Circus – about 10min from Siem Reap city center)

© Phare 

A great example of a creative & trendy social business. If you are looking to enjoy a high-quality show with your loved ones, you won’t be disappointed.

Why we love it: Phare offers free vocational training in performing arts to Cambodian young people. The troupe performs every night an original play deeply related to local culture, thanks to talented musicians, expert dancing acrobats and beautiful backdrops. Needless to say that they reinvest their profits and donations into their social project. What touched us the most was the steady bond that all artists seem to have with one another; it’s like visiting a very happy family.

See the list of current shows and the schedule & rates.

How to get there

2. Bug’s Café (Insects Bar & Tapas – Siem Reap city center)

© Bug’s Café 

We have so many things to say about Bug’s Café: how friendly the owners are, how pleasant the terrace is, how good the food is, how varied the choice is, how fun the staff is… Let us tell you:

Why we love it: the founders decided to merge the Asian custom of consuming insects with high quality and fine cooking recipes; the result is impressive and surprisingly… delicious! If you never tried eating bugs before, this is the place to start with. And for the most reluctant, a “regular” menu – just as tasty - is also available ;)

What we preferred: the crickets and silkworm Wok with Mediterranean seasoning / the feta and tarantula samosas

How to get there

3. Phnom Krom (Angkorian temple on top of a hill – about 30min from SR city center)

If you can rent a small motorbike, going to Phnom Krom is the most easy-to-reach peaceful and romantic excursion.

Why we love it: As the place is not extremely famous, it won’t be crowded - especially in low season. The road you will take to reach the hill is surrounded by Lotus flower grounds and rice fields. Moreover, Siem Reap is quite a flat city; it’s pleasant to be a bit higher for once (the view of the Tonle Sap lake is spectacular from there). The temple in itself may be very small, but it belongs to History: built at the end of the 9th Century during the reign of King Yasovarman, it is dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.

What we preferred: the sunset upon the rice fields during the rainy season.

How to get there

© K. Issiakou 

4. West Baray Lake (Resting area – about 25min from SR city center)

© K. Issiakou

Wanna enjoy the quiet atmosphere of a local beach but don’t have time to make it to South of Cambodia’s renowned littorals? You can find a back-up plan just next door.

Why we love it: It is surrounded by Nature and is 100% local: a few tourists, a lot of Cambodian people. You can rent a hammock in a shady place for nothing and even head out for a dip! The perfect place for a smooth afternoon of relaxation and board games, with your family and friends.

How to get there

5. Kyung Yu Fun Fair (Night market & funfair – about 10min from SR city center)

© Rémi Abad 

Speaking of local… here is another place where you won’t run into lots of western people. And yet, it is definitely a must see.

Why we love it: At Kyung Yu, you can have a drink with your friends in a festive ambiance, buy local clothes and goodies that you won’t find at the Old Market (and at the cheapest price), and enjoy a small but lovely fairground. If you feel like having a picnic time, it is also possible to rent a mat on the grass and sit comfortably to savor your street food.

6. Siem Reap’s Pagodas (everywhere)

Visitors often forget to drop by the pagodas that can be found at every corner in the city center and around. Yet, they all are worth seeing. It’s just the right activity for those who are looking for a very calm, spiritual atmosphere, and who love to admire wall paintings, offerings and sheltering statues. Here is a small selection of the pagodas we enjoyed the most:

-          Wat Damnak – Maps

-          Wat Polanka - Maps

-          Wat Preah Prom Rath - Maps

© K. Issiakou

7. Kaya Spa & Café (Siem Reap city center)

© Kaya Spa & Café

After all these hours walking under the sunlight, you deserve a treat! A massage/body scrub and a fine meal will immediately refresh you. You can do both in one single place; how convenient!

Why we love it: The whole place (not only the spa) is relaxing. If you have lunch/dinner upstairs, you will appreciate a nice view upon the colorful streets of Siem Reap. They offer traditional Cambodian food, reinvented through fine cooking recipes, and the prices are totally fair! As for the drinks, they will ravish tea, coffee, smoothies and cocktails lovers. Everything is made with fresh products, and all the cocktails are based on the high-quality infused Cambodian liquor Sombai.

What we preferred: the Khmer desserts selection, different every day.

See the Spa activities

See the Restaurant menu

How to get there

8. The River Garden Hotel’s cooking classes (5min from SR city center)

© The River Garden 

Located in an area full of vegetation, this hotel definitely knows how to entertain people. Open to non-clients!

Why we love it: Besides their quiet pool that you can use for free (even if you don’t buy anything), The River Garden offers funny cooking classes for those who are too tired to keep walking through Cambodian ‘’jungle’’ but still want to experience something exciting. What’s quite unusual is that they first bring you to local markets in order to select and buy the ingredients, and then bring you back to the hotel for the Khmer cooking lessons. Only fresh products indeed!

9. Artillery Café (Vegetarian and organic Restaurant - Siem Reap city center)

© Artillery Café 

One of the best choices to taste fresh, original, organic and not too expensive cooking. For natural and healthy food lovers.

Why we love it: The terrace beneath shady trees makes you feel like you’re far from the noisy city, although it’s located on the highly frequented Wat Bo Street. They manage to offer very healthy and light courses, full of vegetables, brown rice, quinoa… that are still really mouthwatering. No worries, the non-vegan still can enjoy meat add-ons.

What we preferred: Their homemade hummus and elaborated smoothies.

How to get there

See the Menu

10. Cambodian Cultural Village (Theme Park – 15min from SR city center)

© K. Issiakou

The perfect family trip.

Why we love it: This large park is composed of “artificial” villages, corresponding to diverse themes, events and cultures. You can revel in entertaining shows all day long, in lots of different and beautiful places. A final night show is scheduled every day. Going to Cultural Village is like visiting a playful and open-air museum, and a very easy way to learn Cambodian culture’s main specificities.

What we preferred: the Khmer Wedding ceremony show

See the list of all traditional shows

How to get there

We really hope you could find what you were looking for thanks to this top! There are a hundred more attractions that we couldn’t rank but that we love, as Siem Reap is overflowing with surprises, even in the most remote and small areas. 

Please share your favorite places in Siem Reap with us in the comments, and feel free to give us a feedback if you visited something on our advice! 

Be Happy, 

 Artisans Angkor 

[artisansangkor-blog]

[artisansangkor-blog]

[artisansangkor-blog]

Join our Khmer New Year photo contest! It is opened to anyone - no matter what country you are living in - and only requests a beautiful picture :)

[artisansangkor-blog]

GREAT BUDDHA ORNAMENTED, TWO HANDS UP Hand carved wood, ornamental painting and gilding with real gold leaves.

[artisansangkor-blog]

Artisans Angkor’s staff party for Khmer New Year! 

[artisansangkor-blog]

Lacquered panel Buddha under a tree

[artisansangkor-blog]

JOIN OUR KHMER NEW YEAR PHOTO CONTEST The contest is opened to anyone - no matter what country you are living in - and only requests a beautiful picture! All details are to be found in the pictures above ;)  

[artisansangkor-blog]

Khmer New Year is coming !

[artisansangkor-blog]

Apsara wooden handmade statue. See our complete collection here!

[artisansangkor-blog]

Artisans Angkor Lotus Ceramics Collection

[bwook]

@ Weary man and woman are made.

Artisan Angkor, Cambodia

Leica MP , 50mm Summilux  f/1.4 ASPH

Kodak T-Max 400

http://www.bangwook.com

[artisansangkor-blog]

Artisans Angkor Lotus Jewelry Collection.