Koh Chen Silversmith Craft Village is a renowned traditional craft community in Koh Chen Commune, Ponhea Lueu District, Kandal Province, known for its generations-old tradition of handcrafted silverware and finely decorated metalwork. Located along the Mekong River and within easy reach of Phnom Penh, the village has preserved traditional silversmithing techniques once used to create objects for royal ceremonies, religious practices, and everyday life. Today, Koh Chen offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover Khmer craftsmanship firsthand, from beautifully finished silverware and decorative pieces to witnessing skilled artisans creating their work by hand in local homes and workshops.
A visit to Koh Chen Silversmith Craft Village offers a unique opportunity to experience Khmer craftsmanship beyond the finished product. Visitors can step into local homes and workshops to watch skilled artisans shape, hammer, engrave, and polish metal by hand, using traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations.
Visitors can discover the intricate Khmer decorative patterns that bring each piece to life, including Angkorian-inspired floral designs, lotus petals, vines, naga, mythical creatures, and other traditional motifs. They can also explore handcrafted objects made from silver, copper, bronze, and other metals, from trays, bowls, and cups to jewellery, decorative pieces, and souvenirs.
Meeting the local artisans provides a deeper understanding of how the craft is learned and preserved within families. Visitors can hear stories about the skills, artistic traditions, and family knowledge passed from parents and grandparents to younger generations, while seeing how traditional metalworking continues to be part of everyday community life.
More than a craft village, Koh Chen offers an authentic cultural experience where visitors can appreciate the patience, precision, creativity, and living heritage behind every handcrafted piece.
Connecting Culture, Community, and Nature
Koh Chen Silversmith Craft Village is located in Koh Chen Commune, Ponhea Lueu District, Kandal Province, along the Mekong River. Situated within easy reach of Phnom Penh, the village is surrounded by a peaceful riverside landscape and traditional rural communities.
Its location makes Koh Chen a convenient cultural destination for visitors looking to explore traditional Khmer craftsmanship, local community life, and the heritage of riverside Cambodia beyond the capital.
