Siem Reap Lotus Farm

The Siem Reap Lotus Farm, also known as Samatoa Lotus Textiles, is an innovative hub for sustainable textile production in Cambodia. Located on extensive lotus fields near Tonle Sap Lake, it transforms a millennia-old tradition into a modern ecological project. The primary goal of the farm is to extract fibers from the stems of the lotus plant, which are woven into one of the rarest and most expensive fabrics in the world. This process is exceptionally labor-intensive, as each thread must be manually pulled from the inside of the stems and subsequently spun. Beyond fabric production, the farm utilizes the entire plant for various products such as tea, cosmetics, and handmade paper. The initiative places significant emphasis on social responsibility by predominantly employing disadvantaged local women and providing them with fair wages. Visitors can tour the fields, observe the artisans at work, and learn about the spiritual significance of the lotus in Buddhism. Today, the farm is recognized as a leading model for circular economy and the fusion of cultural heritage with contemporary design.

Nearby cities

Siem Reap

Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.

Kampong Phluk

An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Phnom Bakheng

A temple mountain in Angkor, famous for its breathtaking sunset views over Angkor Wat.

Phimeanakas

A Hindu temple in the shape of a step pyramid, located within the royal palace enclosure of Angkor Thom.

Baphuon

A massive three-tiered temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants

An impressive viewing terrace decorated with life-sized elephant reliefs, once used for royal ceremonies.

Thommanon

A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.

Ta Keo

An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Banteay Kdei

A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Chreav Village Organic Farm

A community-based agricultural project that promotes sustainable farming methods and supplies Siem Reap's markets with fresh vegetables.

Bayon Temple

A Buddhist temple in Angkor Thom, famous for its massive stone faces looking in different directions.

Angkor Wat

The largest religious monument complex in the world and the national symbol of Cambodia, originally built as a Hindu temple.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is a large temple complex in Angkor that once served as a Buddhist monastery and learning center.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a jungle temple in the Angkor area, known for tree roots growing over its walls.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is a small temple on an artificial island in Angkor.

Ta Som

A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.

Roluos Group (Bakong)

Some of the earliest permanent temples of the Khmer Empire, with Bakong featuring the first significant temple-mountain architecture.