Khmer Arts & Cultural Revival
Siem Reap And Surrounding Areas, Cambodia
7 Days / 6 Nights
Learn traditional Cambodian dance, shadow puppetry, and silk weaving while understanding their role in post-war cultural preservation.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will:
1. Understand the cultural significance of traditional Khmer arts and how they contribute to national identity.
2. Learn directly from artisans practicing dance, puppetry, and weaving.
3. Explore how arts have been used as tools for healing and rebuilding post-conflict.
4. Engage in hands-on creative expression and cross-cultural dialogue.
5. Reflect on the importance of cultural heritage in sustainable development.
By the end of the program, students will:
1. Understand the cultural significance of traditional Khmer arts and how they contribute to national identity.
2. Learn directly from artisans practicing dance, puppetry, and weaving.
3. Explore how arts have been used as tools for healing and rebuilding post-conflict.
4. Engage in hands-on creative expression and cross-cultural dialogue.
5. Reflect on the importance of cultural heritage in sustainable development.
Package Include:
Local accommodation or resort stay
Ground transportation
Meals (as per itinerary)
Professional facilitator or guide
Collaboration with a local university
Local expert speaker
Sightseeing excursions
All trip logistical arrangements
Packages Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrival & Cultural Welcome
- Arrival in Siem Reap & hotel check-in
- Orientation: Introduction to Khmer culture and arts in post-conflict Cambodia
- Welcome dinner with live traditional music
Outcome: Students are introduced to Cambodia artistic heritage and
purpose of cultural revival.
Day 2
Khmer Classical Dance Workshop
- Visit an Apsara dance training center
- Learn basic Apsara hand gestures, costumes, and meanings
- Observe a full dance rehearsal and speak with student performers
- Evening: watch professional Apsara dance performance
Outcome: Students learn the symbolism of Khmer classical dance and its
connection to spirituality and identity.
Day 3
Shadow Puppetry & Performing Arts
- Workshop with local artists on Sbek Thom (large leather shadow puppetry)
- Learn how puppets are crafted and the stories they tell
- Participate in a collaborative puppet show with lighting and narration
- Group reflection: What can stories passed through generations teach us?
Outcome: Students understand storytelling as cultural preservation and
performance as resistance.
Day 4
Village Weaving & Silk Dyeing Experience
- Travel to a weaving village or silk farm
- Learn natural dye techniques, loom setup, and the cultural significance of patterns
- Weave your own small textile souvenir
- Dialogue with women weavers about generational knowledge transfer
Outcome: Students gain hands-on experience and learn about livelihoods
through heritage skills.
Day 5
Art as Healing & Social Empowerment
- Visit a local NGO that teaches art to youth as a tool for healing
- Interactive sessions: painting, dance therapy, or music jam with students
- Group discussion: How do arts rebuild communities after trauma?
Outcome: Students reflect on the emotional and social power of creative
expression.
Day 6
Cultural Preservation in the Modern Age
- Workshop: Technology and tradition
- how young Cambodians are reimagining heritage
- Group project: create a short performance, exhibition, or story reflecting what was learned
- Cultural exchange evening with partners and new friends
Outcome: Students co-create and share their reflections using art as a
universal language.
Day 7
Closing & Departure
- Final reflection circle: What part of Khmer culture will we carry forward?
- Certificate ceremony and goodbyes
- Departure from Siem Reap
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