TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS

Construction of carts. Although there are many wooden carts, you rarely see it under construction. There is an excellent constructor just before Vat Vat (right bank upstream of Battambang). For woodworking fans, this is a very interesting visit, especially when it makes wheels.

Construction of wooden boats. Take the left bank downstream from Battambang, go beyond the Kdol pagoda, cross the cement bridge on the O Trahoul, go beyond the old plant of La and its vegetation invaded by vegetation, 500 m after the bridge, turn right and then again right when you reach the river. The yards are less than 500 m away and the wooden boats are built on the river.

Manufacture of incense sticks. For example, go to the NGO Phare on the RN 5 from Battambang to Sisophon.

Manufacture of rice patties. By going to Ek Phnom, you will notice, between Daun Teav and Vat Somonos, rice patties that dry in the sun. You can ask to visit.

Manufacture of krârlann and other traditional cakes. Going to Vat Knong, you can see several places where krârlann are prepared (glutinous rice in a bamboo cooked in bamboo). In many markets, cakes are made. At Phsar Thmey you can taste "French cakes" (nôm baraing!).

Forges. There are several forges where you can buy traditional tools (sickles, axes…) There is an important forge a few meters after Vat Vat (right bank upstream of Battambang), others near the "old stone bridge" or behind Vat Vat.

Mats to fish. On the right bank 3,5 km from the "new stone bridge", the manufacture of these braided mats will be used to dry the fish.

Drying of fish and manufacturing of prahoc. You can visit the market of Phsar Prahoc (less than 7 km downstream from the "new stone bridge") where the drying of the fish is done in the sun, and salting in the prahoc tanks. Beware of sensitive nose, smells are very strong!