The use of natural fiber and bamboo is an intrinsic part of Khmer life in Siem Reap and its surrounding communities. With fishing being one of the most common occupations, craftsmen have used natural fiber to create essential tools for many centuries, and these skills have been developed and repurposed to fashion beautiful decorative items that are among the most popular products available at the Fair Trade Village.
Artisans are proving natural fiber has incredibly diverse applications. The demand for water hyacinth, bamboo and rattan handicraft products is increasing thanks to the popularity of baskets, trinket boxes, tools, home accessories and gifts available at the Fair Trade Village.
Small enterprises in local communities are steadily growing thanks to the increasing popularity of natural fiber products. Talented new artisans are learning the craft and producing new variations of traditional designs that give visitors to the market an opportunity to buy unique yet very affordable handmade handicrafts.
