©Vandy Rattana

A walk through the rubber plantations

Cambodian photographer Vandy Rattana spent a month roaming the most famous rubber producing area: Kompong Cham province – which was the home of, allegedly, the best quality of rubber in the world. Day after day, Rattana has followed the workers from small rubber plantations, witnessing and documenting their latex collection. Night after night, too – when rubber trees produce more sap to be collected by early rising workers.

Though he had made some research before getting there, and reflected on the story, Rattana prefers to say that he just went there, met some people, talked to them. He discovered how rich this area is and how big its economical potential… and how deeply he was in love with his country.

He wanted to share his promenade through the rubber plantations, his fascination for the beautiful landscapes and for this way of life. And he chose to do so in the only photo gallery run by Cambodians, SaSa Gallery.

So, with Vandy Rattana, let’s go watch, smell and hear the world of rubber plantations…