Shopping

There are a wide variety of items available for purchase in Cambodia. The country was once well known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving.

After decades of neglect, many of these arts are being revived. Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarong and hols (variegated silks), wood carving, paper mach asks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues. The traditional clothing for both men and women is the krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops.

Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems, many gems are fake and we recommend not to follow anybody's recommendations.

The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture. Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs shopping, if travelers are to obtain reasonable prices.

Traditional Markets

The market places in Cambodian cities and towns always present a hive of activity and a visit to one or two is a great experience for visitors. In Phnom Penh we recommend a visit to the Russian Market and the Central Market. Note that generally most markets open for daylight hours only, from early morning until early evening.

PHNOM PENH

Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
So-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists. Particular items worth seeking out include CD’s, fabrics, jewellery, carved handicrafts and ceramics. There are also a large number of clothing outlets and adjustments can be done readily via the tailors and seamstresses. The food and drinks stalls are a good place to take a refreshment break between the bargaining.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

The distinctive art-deco styling of the Central Market makes it a standout in the architecture of Phnom Penh. Phsar Thmei translates to New Market although Central Market is becoming more common; be assured that whichever name you use the moto drivers will know where you want to go. You will find a myriad of stalls offering t-shirts, jewellery, postcards, flowers, house ware, and electronic goods – in fact just about anything you could wish for!

Orussey Market
Centrally located, Orussey Market is much more geared towards locals than tourists; hence you will not find as much in the way of souvenirs as the other markets mentioned. A huge array of foodstuffs is on offer including the wet market with fresh meat, poultry and seafood. Other items in abundance include house ware, hardware and electronic goods.

Super Market
There are many super market in Phnom Penh city. Such as Soriya Shopping Center, Big A Super Market, Pencil Super Center, Lucky Super Market, Bayon Super Market...

Soriya Shopping Center
The Soriya Market a modern shopping centre. Is conveniently located south of the Thmei Market and just in Trasok Phaem Street (St. 63), Phnom Penh. On the block of the Phnom Penh market scene, it differs from and other market in the city because it is built of quality concrete and transparent glass. The market has its multi-storey parking lots ranging from the lower storey to the upper storey. It boasts many small shops where sell fast food, meat, vegetables, cutlery, utensils, toys, chemicals, cosmetics, deodorants, perfumes, clothing, electronics, VCD, DVD, souvenirs, gold jewellery, silverware, etc for your special needs. The Soriya Modern Market, which is also called, proves very popular with middle-class people and foreign tourists.

SIEM REAP
Much of what is seen on sale in the markets of Siem Reap can also be purchased from children and vendors throughout the temple area. Some people get fed up with the endless sales pitches as they navigate the ancient wonders, while others enjoy the anter and a chance to interact with Cambodian people. Whatever your view, it may be a idea to buy at least some items out at the temples, as many of the families there are descendants of the original inhabitants of Angkor and arguably have more right than anyone to make a living from these spectacular monuments.

It's often children out selling, and some visitors will argue that they should be at school instead. However, most do attend school at least half of the time, if their familiescan afford it.

Items touted at the temples include post-cards, T-shirts, temple bas-relie rubbings, curious musical instruments, ornamental knives and crossbows - the latter may raise a few eyebrows with customs should you try to take one home! Bargain, but not too hard, and remember, you can't bargain at the fixed price shops in town.

When it comes to shopping in town, the Psa Chaa market is well stocked with anything you may want to buy in Cambodia, and lots you don't. Silver-ware, silk, wood carvings, stone carvings, Buddhas, paitings, rubbings, notes and coins, T-shirts, table mats... the list goes on. There are bargains to be had if you haggle patiently and humorously. Do not buy old stone carvings that vendors claim are from Angkor. Whether or not they are real, buying these artefacts serves only to encourage their plunder and they will usually be confiscated by customs. Buy modern replicas and bury them in the garden for a few months - they will soon look the same.

Tourist Market in Siem Reap
Old Market (Psa Chaa), Central Market (Psa Kandal), New Market (Psa Leu)

Artisans d'Angkor (Les Chantiers Ecoldes)
Is a school specialising in teaching wood- and stone-carving techniques to impoverished youngsters. The school has a beautiful shop on the premises, called Artisans d'Angkor which sells everything from elegant stone and wood reproductions of Angkorian-era statues to household furniture. Tucked down a side road, the school can be quite hard to find, but it's now well signposted from Bakong Lodge.
There is also a second shop opposite Angkor Wat and outlets at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. Profits from sales go back into funding the school and bringing more teenagers into the training programme.