VC20 Discover Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (HD)

The Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT) is open from 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday. It is an organization that helps preserve traditional Khmer textiles. It involves restoring the whole process of textile-making in the traditional manner as well as initiating the young Cambodian generation to treasure traditional crafts passed down from previous generations. The workshop is an ideal place to observe skilled local craftsmen working on their final products. Remember to buy a few quality items for your own personal souvenirs as well as gifts for your family and friends. The other section of this organization is the “Wisdom from the Forest” located 35km north of Siep Reap. It is the source for raw materials. Here you may see all the plants used for natural dye production as well as the mulberries which are vital for silk production. You may observe the whole silk-making process from the silkworms munching on the mulberry and building their cocoon out of a single silk thread to the workers weaving silk rugs on their loom. In the late afternoon, visit a pagoda to witness a Spiritual Cleansing. Nowadays, this ceremony remains popular with many Cambodians as the ritual is believed to assist the acquisition of peace of mind and calmness.