Approximately 30 minutes drive back towards Poipet from the ang-trapang-thmar-wildlife-sanctuary, you may wish to make a visit at the silk village of Phnom Sruk (Phnom Srok).
In Phnom Sruk a partnership of NGOs and the Cambodian Government has trained several communities in the art of sericulture (silk harvesting) and silk weaving: cultivating mulberry moths, extracting silk, and then dyeing and weaving beautiful items, such as scarves and skirts.
Learning how the villagers produce silk is quite interesting; supporting these rural communities is worthwhile, and picking up a memorable souvenir is priceless.
Have your driver ask local villagers for directions to the Khmer Silk Village Organization, who can take you around to households where silk is produced, or simply stop by a house that appears to produce silk and politely indicate that you wish to see their ‘operation’ (and purchase something in return).
Getting There
The best way to get to the Saurus Crane Sanctuary at Trapeang Thmor and the silk village of Phnom Srok is with an organized birding expedition from Siem Reap, such as Sam Veasna Center. If hiring a car and driver, its a bit harder to locate as most drivers from Siem Reap are unlikely to have heard of the reserve, let alone know how to get there. If you are intent on trying, make sure you procure an up-to-date map of northwestern Cambodia.
Need to Know
- What is It?: A village that is learning to earn a living through sericulture: the harvesting of silk worms and the production of silk.
- When to Go: During the dry season months, particularly June-April, when roads are in good condition
- Nearest Town: Roughly 35 miles from Sisophan and reachable by car in 1 hour, 30 minutes (when the road is good). The nearest town of importance is Siem Reap, which has an international airport serviced by flights from most other asian countries.