Andong Russey Pottery Village

Andong Russey Pottery Village is a paradise of traditional crafts located in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia. This village showcases Cambodia's ceramic art through many different generations. Andong Russey Pottery Village is a place that attracts many tourists to Kampong Chhnang and those who love the art of pottery making.

 Andong Russey Pottery Village is a haven for traditional craftsmanship (Cre: Teng Yalirozy - Cambodianess)

Location of Andong Russey Pottery Village

• Address: Andong Reusey Pottery Community, Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia.

Andong Russey Pottery Village is about 7 km from the central town of Kampong Chhnang. With its picturesque location, it makes for a convenient day trip destination. In addition to Andong Russey Pottery Village, visitors can also explore Tonle Sap Lake, which is about 20 km north of the village.

Near Andong Russey Village, there are other attractions such as Wat Phnom Robath and Phnom Ta Pi, offering more opportunities to explore the culture and history of the surrounding area.

History of  Andong Russey Pottery Village

The crafting of pottery and other decorative items from red clay is an ancestral tradition of the local people in Kampong Chhnang province, particularly the village of Andong Russey, which has safeguarded this heritage of craftsmanship secrets and passed it down from generation to generation to this day.

These red clay pottery wares not only bring a livelihood to many villagers but also create a special identity for the people of Kampong Chhnang, as the jars and earthenware made there have been identified by people both inside and outside the province as a special product of the land.

History of  Andong Russey Pottery Village (Cre: Hong Menea)

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Pottery art in Andong Village

The potters of Andong Russey have maintained a production technique that has remained unchanged for generations: hand-shaped pottery. The process begins by placing a ball of fired or workable clay on a stand adjusted to the size of the craftsman. Initially, the artisan works the blank manually, finding a way to give it an approximate cylindrical shape.

Next, the craftsman refines his pot by keeping the upper part intact and then working on the lower part to form a dome. Reactive powder is used inside the container to raise the walls and harden them. This step is very important and delicate, as at this stage the device is very fragile and should not be punctured or cracked.

After the shaping stage comes the decoration step. The craftsman completes the opening of the pot by turning it over with damp cardboard, taking the opportunity to draw the desired patterns. Once decorated, the piece is left to dry before being placed in the oven, where it will be baked for several hours. 

Andong Russey potters have maintained production techniques unchanged for generations (Cre: heritage_line)

Activities for visitors of Andong Russey Pottery Village

When you visit Andong Russey Pottery Village in Cambodia, there are several interesting activities for tourists to engage in:

• Visit pottery workshops: You can visit pottery workshops and observe the pottery-making process from shaping, decorating to firing. This is a great opportunity to understand more about Cambodia's traditional pottery-making process.
• Participate in workshops: Some pottery villages offer pottery-making workshops for tourists. You can join in to create small pottery items based on the guidance of local artisans.
• Shop for pottery products: Explore local shops and markets to shop for unique pottery products such as dishes, decorative items, or everyday objects handmade by local artisans.
• Learn about the history and culture of pottery: There may be museums or pottery cultural centers in the pottery village where you can learn more about the history and role of pottery art in Cambodian culture.

You can create small pottery items based on the guidance of local artisans (Cre: Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa)

How to get there? 

Getting to Andong Russey Pottery Village is extremely easy. You can travel by motorbike or bicycle or by taxi or tuk-tuk. In addition, you can choose a local travel agency for more proactive travel and a guided tour.
You can choose means of transportation that suit your preferences and finances. Learning about the means of transportation to tourist destinations will give you more experiences.

You have a few options to reach Andong Russey Pottery Village (Cre: flo_zirkus)

Tips for visiting Andong Russey Pottery Village

Here are some tips for visiting Andong Russey Pottery Village: 

• Wear comfortable clothes: Since you may be walking around and exploring the village, wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
• Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of the local customs and traditions while visiting the village. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people or their property. 
• Enjoy local cuisine: Sample the delicious Cambodian food at the local restaurants. You can try dishes like amok (fish curry), lok lak (beef stir-fry), and nom banh chok (Khmer noodle soup). 
• Enjoy the Experience: Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, appreciate the craftsmanship, and enjoy the unique experience of visiting Andong Russey Pottery Village. 

You can try Cambodia dishes at Kampong Chhnang (Cre: passporttodinefood)

Conclusion

A visit to Andong Russey Pottery Village in Cambodia provides a captivating insight into the rich tradition of pottery-making in the region. If you are looking for a tour of Cambodia, don't hesitate to contact the team at Asia King Travel for the best support. We are always ready to provide you with a truly memorable and unforgettable holiday experience.

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