Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a statuette to US$3500 (not including excess-baggage charges) for a 2.5m-high Buddha
carved from a single block of the highest-quality stone. They are often donated by wealthy
Khmers to wats.
Santuk Silk
Farm
The
Santuk Silk Farm
( 012 906604; budgibb@yahoo.com; during daylight)
is one of
the few places in Cambodia where you can see the entire process of silk production, start-
ing with the seven-week lifecycle of the silkworm, a delicate creature that feeds only on
mulberry leaves and has to be protected from predators such as geckos, ants and mosqui-
toes. Although most of the raw silk used here comes from China and Vietnam, the local
worms produce 'Khmer golden silk', so-called because of its lush golden hue.
The farm employs 18 locals, mostly women weavers. You can watch these artisans
weave scarves (US$20 to US$45) and other items from 7am to 11am and 1pm to 5pm
Monday to Friday and from 7am to 11am Saturday. The peaceful garden site has clean,
top-quality Western toilets; complimentary coffee, tea and cold water are on offer.
The farm is run by Budd Gibbons, an American Vietnam War veteran who's lived in
Cambodia since 1996, and his Cambodian wife. If possible, call ahead before your visit so
they can put the scarves out. Groups of five or more can pre-order an excellent home-
cooked meal.
The entrance to the farm is 200m north of the Phnom Santuk entrance, on the opposite
(west) side of NH6.
Prasat Kuha Nokor
This 11th-century temple, constructed during the reign of Suryavarman I, is in extremely
good condition thanks to a lengthy renovation before the civil war. It is on the grounds of
a modern wat and is an easy enough stop for those with their own transport. The temple is
signposted from NH6 about 70km southeast of Kompong Thom and 22km north of Skuon
and is 2km from the main road. From NH6, you can get a
moto
to the temple.
