When it comes to traveling in Cambodia, no destination is more famous than Angkor Wat. This ancient city in northwestern Cambodia is indeed captivating, but to truly understand Cambodia, we need to step away from this tourist hotspot and explore the country’s diverse facets.
Fortunately or unfortunately, while Cambodia may not have the developed economic and social infrastructure of more advanced nations, it has long benefited from the dedication of many foreigners who have established social enterprises and non-profit organizations here. On my trip to Cambodia, I visited several of these initiatives, and I’d like to introduce two of them.
The first is the Small Art School in Cambodia, founded single-handedly by a Japanese individual. It offers free art education to local children, aiming to help them develop their artistic talents.
![[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat](https://travelwithreporterhk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_6790.jpg?w=500 "[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat")
![[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat](https://travelwithreporterhk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_6784.jpg?w=500 "[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat")
![[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat](https://travelwithreporterhk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_6807.jpg?w=500 "[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat")
In this small school, aside from classes, there is also a student gallery that showcases their artwork.
The second is also a Japanese-founded initiative called Kamonohashi. Its founders started it when they were university students. Concerned about human trafficking, they traveled to rural Cambodia, learned traditional mat-weaving techniques, and later established a workshop in a Siem Reap village.
![[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat](https://travelwithreporterhk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_6864.jpg?w=500 "[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat")
Workers first sort the mats—those that are too coarse or too fine cannot be used.
This workshop is located in a rural area of Siem Reap and takes about an hour to reach by tuk-tuk. It produces a range of “I Love Cambodia” products, from stationery and accessories to sandals.
![[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat](https://travelwithreporterhk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_6888.jpg?w=500 "[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat")
Next comes the coloring process, where workers add dye to vats and then heat them.
![[Post-90s Travel the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat](https://travelwithreporterhk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_6900.jpg?w=500 "[Post-90s Around the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat")
Every stitch is made entirely by hand.
![[Post-90s Travel the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat](https://travelwithreporterhk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_6958.jpg?w=500 "[Post-90s Travel the World] Cambodia Beyond Angkor Wat")
These carefully woven mat products, with every stitch crafted by local hands, combined with the meticulous spirit of the Japanese team, not only enhance the value of the products but also boost the income of local villagers.
The story of making good use of local natural resources and improving the lives of residents by helping them find better life goals is one worth reflecting on and sharing.
Related reading: Fever Travel’s 8 Selected Attractions in Cambodia
Text and photos: A Story of a Half Travel Journalist
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