Uong Chanthorn crafts bags and baskets from dried water hyacinth to supplement her income. Yousos Apdoulrashim
Floating atop the Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Thom’s Phat Sanday Ecotourism Community is fast becoming a popular destination for Phnom Penh day trippers and international guests, who enjoy the stunning natural scenery surrounding the resort.
Some local residents have capitalised on the newfound popularity of the community by crafting a range of attractive souvenirs and mementoes, which they can sell to visitors as keepsakes of their journey.
Among the more than 1,000 families, most of whom are fishermen, Uong Chanthorn has taken a different path; she produces water hyacinth souvenirs to supplement her family's income, while also running a floating restaurant.
“This is a protected area, as well as a major tourist destination. My family, who migrated here, are not fishermen, but I opened a floating restaurant and now I have taken the opportunity to use water hyacinths to make souvenirs,” she told The Post.
With support from VSO Cambodia, she has enhanced her restaurant and handicraft shop to better serve tourists. She collects the water hyacinths that float in the Tonle Sap Lake, crafting gifts while also helping the environment.
She noted that one water hyacinth can absorb up to 5 litres of water, impacting the environment by blocking waterways, affecting biodiversity and obstructing sunlight and oxygen from reaching underwater plants.
“First, I cut the water hyacinth that floats near my house along the river, then wash and sun-dry them. Once they are thoroughly dried, they are washed with soap before being woven into baskets and bags,” the 40-year-old explained.
Phat Sanday Ecotourism Community in Kampong Svay District, Kampong Thom Province, is renowned for its stunning natural scenery. Yousos Apdoulrashim
Due to the lack of a drying machine, the process is done entirely by hand and is weather-dependent. During the hot season, drying time can be reduced to 15 to 17 days, while at other times of the year, it can take up to a month.
While VSO Cambodia taught the process to several villagers, Chanthorn was not among them. The challenges involved have led many of the course graduates to abandon the craft.
“I didn’t attend the organisation’s course like about 10 other community members. I learned on my own, and from my younger siblings who attended the course,” she said.
“My family members made hammocks, mats and shoes, and I learned from them. I also know how to make bags. This is a special kind of work, and they gave it up,” she added.
Water hyacinths can absorb up to 5 litres of water, and block natural sunlight. Yousos Apdoulrashim
She crafts various souvenirs, such as bags, hats, coasters, plate coasters and pot holders, which are reasonably priced. Selling her handicrafts now generates more income than her food business.
“I can make bags in various sizes and shapes, costing from $5 to $40. The more expensive bags are made to order, while the less expensive ones are usually in stock,” she explains.
She plans to expand her business further if additional support or opportunities arise. She also aims to organise skilled water hyacinth craftsmen and women and buy their finished products to sell, improving the lives of community members and boosting the Cambodian handicraft market.
“I urge the public to support Cambodian products rather than foreign ones, so Cambodian children have jobs and do not have to migrate,” she continued.
The Phat Sanday Ecotourism Community was established in 2019 and spans approximately 23,000 hectares.
Recently, the community introduced a one-day tour package service with a fee of $29 from Kampong Chhnok Trou in Kampong Chhnang province, or $39 from Phnom Penh, including food from Chanthorn’s floating restaurant.
