The building of the former pagoda and other training facilities on the pagoda land are used for a development programme for Kratie wicker-workers. Kratie province is home of about 4.000 female wicker-workers. Furthermore traditional house construction workers from Kratie rural areas will be trained in using eco-friendly materials as bamboo, tree leafs and rattan for village houses.

On the way back, make sure to drop in to the Roka Kandal pagoda, which is on the southern outskirts of the city.

It’s one of the loveliest pagodas we’ve seen in Cambodia, an unusual example of restraint and simplicity, and also one of the oldest. A neighbouring family will be keeping an eye out for you, and your tip for opening the doors.

Wat Roka Kandal pagoda offers :

• an exhibition about traditional crafts in Kratie and other parts of Cambodia and projects of the CCC - Koblenz Chamber to preserve and innovate this important economic sector
• a small sales shop of wicker-work (basket) products products from Kratie province and pottery products from Kampong Chhnang province, and silk products from Takeo province.
• an information board about the pagoda renovation
• an information board about the Irrawaddy dolphin in Kratie