Ultimate guide for Shopping in Cambodia

First thing first, we’d better learn some tips and trick before breaking down the shopping streets. Here are a few tips before you begin your exploration:

1. Bargaining

Bargaining and haggling for a better deal is all part of the experience when shopping at markets in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville. The first price offered is rarely the true price, especially in overly tourist areas.

Tips: 

• Remember that while bargaining is common in markets, it is not accepted or possible in convenience stores like Smile Minimart or upscale shopping malls.
• Look around and check with your guide to have the idea of what you are going to buy. You can check the 8 tips for bargaining in Cambodia for more detail

2. Freshen Up on Your Calculator Speak

Market shopping is all about the bartering. If you pay full price for something at one of Cambodia’s many markets, you have become one of many tourists who overpay at one of these outdoor shopping arenas. If you do not know any Khmer, brush up on your calculator skills. Be prepared to barter with a vendor or merchant, if not just for the banter.

3. Don’t Be Too Proud

While bartering is a must, do be aware when you are taking the situation 100 riel too far. Do not fight with a vendor over an insignificant price, and do not make a scene if you do not get the price that you want.

Be prepared to simply thank the shopkeeper and move on. There is nothing worse than watching a foreigner lose their cool over 1000 riel. Cambodians hate losing face, so if you are losing your temper and getting into theirs, things are bound to end badly.

4. The Friendlier, The Better

Though having a struggling history, the people here are some of the friendliest in the world. That being said, if you enter a shop with all guns blazing, ready to fight to the death for the best deal you can muster out of a shopkeeper, think again. Cambodians are receptive to friendliness, and the more aggressive your attempt to receive a discount, the less likely you are to get one.

5. Know Some Khmer

While this is certainly useful for almost every country you visit, having the knowledge of a few numbers and phrases to help you barter will go a long way. For one, a merchant will appreciate your honest attempt at speaking their difficult language, and they might even give you a discount just for trying. Knowing how to say words like ‘expensive’ or ‘discount’ can help you in all aspects of your visit to Cambodia, not just once you are lost in a maze of stalls at one of its markets. Knowing a few numbers is the best way to ensure you have a positive, and affordable, market experience.

You can check the below video to learn some basic Khmer.

6. Download A Currency Converter

Figuring conversation rates from your home country’s currency to riel will certainly be a struggle. With fluctuating rates and figuring out money that is different from anything you have ever seen before, you are better off downloading an offline currency application to your phone before taking on one of Cambodia’s markets. Things move quickly while you’re bartering, and you will want to know just as fast how much a price is before trying to go any lower. Who knows, you might already be getting an amazing price on something, and you just did not know it.

7. Browse A Little

Do not purchase the very first thing you simply must have. Chances are, there will be an abundance of whatever it is you have your eye on just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Do make note of where something is before leaving it behind, however, just in case.

8. Pay what the locals are paying

If you are one customer behind a local and find they are paying a significant amount less than you are, you are getting a bad deal. Simply being a foreigner can make you susceptible to being ripped off. Make note of what Cambodians are paying and be sure to get the same price.

9. Do not barter for food

Although we are not sure if this is a custom or simply not done, but do not barter for food. Are you wanting to purchase elephant pants? Barter! Are you hoping to buy that hanging tapestry for your room at home? Barter away. But before chowing down on one of Cambodia’s most coveted dishes, do not muster up your bartering skills in hopes of receiving a discount.

10. The more items, the better the discount

You are more likely to receive a discount if you intend to buy more items at once. If you are genuinely only wanting to purchase one thing from a vendor, convince a friend that they need that identical item or something else from that merchant, and chances are you will both receive a slight discount.

11. Don’t overload

You have not so much space in your luggage. Unless you want to send some home over post, try to avoid heavy and massive items. Many stores offer free shipping service so check for your convenience.

Shopping in Cambodia is a culture, a ritual and a lot of fun. It is rewarding for those who really take it more seriously than just getting some souvenirs off the shelf. Whatever reason you come to Cambodia for, make sure shopping is one of the bullet points in your travel agenda.

As with anywhere in the world where haggling is a way of life, there are some general haggling tips to keep in mind in Cambodia.

1. Have an approximate price in your mind

Have a rough idea of what you’re willing to pay for a product or service. It also helps to know the usual average prices to prevent overpaying or having unrealistic expectations. You can ask at your accommodation how much things like transportation, souvenirs, trips, massages, etc. generally cost if you have no idea yourself.

2. Shop around

Compare a few basic prices before handing over any cash to make sure you really have got the best deal. Negotiate with people who start with the lowest prices; you may not have much negotiating to do to reach a great price.

3. Don’t bargain for things you don’t want

While it’s okay to ask out of curiosity how much something costs and then move on, it’s really bad form to go through the motions of haggling if you really don’t intend sealing the deal at any price. Likewise, if the seller agrees to your price it’s really not cool to then say you don’t want the item or service. Remember, people are just trying to make a living. The time that they’ve spent with you is not only frustrating but could have caused them to lose a sale elsewhere. If you don’t reach an agreement that’s acceptable to both sides, however, it’s okay to walk away.

4. Maintain an air of disinterest

While you should definitely be interested in the item or service, don’t show the seller that you’re overly keen. If they think you’re too interested it will be difficult to get them to offer their lowest price.

5. Don’t suggest the first price

Whenever possible, let the seller open the negotiations with a price. It’s common to be asked what you will pay but try to stand firm and make the seller state the first amount. If you open too high, the vendor will accept with a gleeful smile, yet open too low and the seller may give you a look of disdain and not even bother entering into any discussion.

6. Start lower than you’re willing to pay

Part of the haggling dance involves both parties making offers and counteroffers, eventually meeting (hopefully) somewhere in the middle with a price that everyone is happy with. Stating a price lower than you’re ultimately willing to pay lets you increase the amount incrementally until you reach an agreement.

7. Keep your cool

There’s little point in getting angry or frustrated while bargaining; either you find an agreeable price or you don’t. Losing your cool will only result in you looking ridiculous and the seller refusing to negotiate further. Keep things lighthearted and friendly. Remember, Cambodians are very friendly and easy-going!

8. Decide on a fair price. 

Haggling is a lot of fun once you get used to it, but never lose sight of the fact that this is someone’s livelihood. When shopping at markets, be prepared to ask for big discounts (between 40-50%) and then settle on a final price closer to 65-75% of the asking price.

Do not worry if you are not fluent with the language. The sellers tend to give some more discount if they see that you are trying to learn their language.

1. Krama

You will spot the krama everywhere you go because this multi-purpose scarf is the national symbol of Cambodia and used by all. The traditional Cambodian garment is used as a scarf, bandana, to cover the face, carry children, as a hammock for youngsters, to swat away flies and wipe beads of sweat and pretty much anything else in between. The checked fabric traditionally comes in red and white, but many modern designs incorporate a rainbow of colors. These can be bought throughout Cambodia, in varying qualities and prices.

Where to buy: These can be bought throughout Cambodia, in varying qualities and prices.

2. Woven mats

Tourist may feel familiar with woven mats when traveling to Cambodia. Because of the extremely hot weather, Cambodian families prefer to use woven mats rather than mattresses and couches. Woven mats are used for different purposes like sleeping in hot weather, sitting on when guests visit, praying in the temple. The mats are made from different type of materials like grass, rattan and other natural products. 
Where to buy: You can find beautiful ornate woven mats in villages around Cambodia like Osmose Project at Preak Toal, near Tonle Sap Lake.

3. Soaps and candles

Thanks to the diversification in nature, Cambodia tends to use lots of natural ingredients to create scented products like candles and soaps. These are totally natural made and have unique smells and ingredients like Kampot pepper or lemon-grass. Soaps and Candles are very suitable to become a gift which brings Cambodia smells to your home. Khmer curry is one of the most favorite scents in Cambodia that may help you experience unforgettable scents in your life.

4. Rice paper printed

This souvenir is made by putting a rice paper on a shape derived from a bas-relief carving from temples of Angkor, then lighted rubbed over with soft charcoal. Rice paper printed will look more attractive when being framed. The big advantages of this souvenir are small size, decorative, meaningful and affordable.

5. Kampot pepper

As one of Cambodia’s premium products, Kampot pepper is used in kitchens across the globe, thanks to its sharp bite and intense flavour. Granted Geographical Indicator status, the pepper is grown in droves throughout Kampot province, where the cooler climate makes it perfect for growing the pepper. It is produced in green, black, white and red varieties, with many plantations selling cutely packaged helpings to take home.

Where to buy: The Kampot pepper shop at Old Market Street, Kampot: the shop owners has their own farm so you can buy real Kampot pepper here as well as learn a lot about it and taste every kind of Kampot peppers before making your mind.

6. Cambodian silks

Silk is one of the most famous souvenir products of Cambodian. It is very tempting to know that Khmer local people still use traditional weaving method to make handmade silk. Tourist can easily find scarf, cloth, dress, purse and many other silk products in eye-catching designs in the market.

Where to buy:

• Made in Cambodia Market,  Achar Sva Street, Siem Reap: A little market in the ground of Shinta Mani resort. It opens from 4 pm - 9 pm, every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Artisans d’Angkor is another address you should check out at Chantiers-Ecoles, Stung Thmey Street, Krong Siem Reap. This is a social business creating job opportunities for young people in rural areas, you will find here numerous handmade products with 100% nature fine silk.

7. Basket Weaving

Basketry items are not a new thing for visitors but this is a chance for you to buy them at a reasonable price, a lot cheaper than it is sold in other countries. The dexterity of the local people is perfectly reflected in exquisite products of all kinds, including baskets, bowls, plates, and many other useful items. Although more and more basketry is being replaced by plastic items in the everyday life of the Cambodian, you still find the best bamboo baskets are made near Kampot and small rattan baskets are made around Siem Reap.

Where to buy:

• Sirivan at Kandal Village
• Angkor Handicraft Association at Training Village, Solargram Quarter, Siem Reap: you can also learn some lessons about making simple basket weaving here.

8. Copper arts

This is one of Cambodia most long history and skillful traditional craftsmanship. Compare to other product, copper is not the same familiar because of heavyweight and expensive price. However, copper artwork worth to be highlighted. Artisans spend hours to sculpture pieces of copper on ornate designs. Many of these artworks are shaped according to god spirits and figures, including Buddha.

9. Purses made from trash

There are numerous organizations working tirelessly to fight the poverty that plagues parts of Cambodia. Many of these NGOs train under-privileged Cambodians in arts and crafts, and creating delightful trinkets from trash, such as plastic bags, used cement bags, straws and tyres. Friends International’s stores, Friends ‘n’ Stuff, in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh sell a range of cute crafts.

10. Silver Products

In Cambodia, silver items have started to be widely used in religious etiquette since the 11th century. When travellers start flocking to this country, a great number of silver shops has increased in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, selling jewellery, carved decorative and practical items.

Cambodian silver jewelry doesn’t have high value as they are silver alloys with 70-80% silver but they are uniquely designed with beautiful Khmer patterns, therefore, if you want to bring home a Cambodia spirit, a silver product is a good choice.

Where to buy:

• Siem Reap night market
• Garden of Desire at The Passage Pub Street Alley, Krong Siem Reap: you can find a unique handcrafted silver jewellery that is an ideal gift for your loved ones.

Angkor Handicraft Association

Angkor Handicraft Association is a fair-trade market with over 20 stalls selling authentic handicrafts. Set within Traing Village, visitors can also observe local artisans working on their products, learn about Khmer traditional crafting, and participate in various workshops.

Among the items you can find here are handwoven silk, silverware, stone and bronze statues, paintings, and bags, with 100% of the profits given back to the artisan, their families and the local community. Angkor Handicraft Association also hosts 12 types of activities for visitors of all ages, from coconut carving and palm leaf weaving to oil painting and flute making classes.

• Location: Road 60, Traing Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 9am to 7pm
• Phone: +855 78 341 454

Angkor Market

Angkor Market has been a one-stop place to shop for expats and tourists for years and was one of the earliest supermarkets in Siem Reap. The market has a large selection of imported food and groceries and is still the best place to shop for international items that even the supermarket doesn’t stock. Tourists often come by the busloads here.

• Location: 54 Sivatha Rd, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Phone: +855 63 767 799

Angkor Night Market

Angkor Night Market houses over 200 bamboo huts selling a wide range of clothing and handicrafts by local communities and non-governmental organisations. Set within a landscaped garden in central Siem Reap, the market was founded in 2007 to help preserve traditional Khmer handicrafts and improve the lives of the Khmer people.

Unlike most markets in Cambodia, Angkor Night Market offers mostly one-of-a-kind goods such as silk paintings, shadow puppets, handbags made from recycled materials, as well as intricate stone carvings embellished in silver or brass. Of course, you'll also find a smattering of mass-produced items that are a requisite of all markets in Southeast Asia. There are also several dining venues within the market, where you can enjoy live music performances, local delicacies, beers, cocktails, and smoothies at attractive prices.

• Location: Sivatha Rd, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 4pm to midnight

Artisans d’Angkor

Artisans d’Angkor is a good option for those looking to purchase authentic Khmer handicrafts, textiles and homeware. Its numerous workshops not only provide employment to over 1,000 local artisans, but all profits go back into funding its training programme for impoverished youths.

Visitors can also join a complimentary tour of the establishment, where they can observe the meticulous techniques of stone and wood carving, lacquering, silver plating, and silk painting. Artisans d’Angkor also runs 3 duty-free outlets that are located at Siem Reap International Airport, Phnom Penh International Airport, and Hong Kong Airport.

• Location: Chantiers-Ecoles Stung Thmey, Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 7.30am to 6.30pm
• Phone: +855 63 963 330

Blush Boutique

Blush Boutique is a veritable Aladdin's cave that you can find in a quiet pedestrian alley in central Siem Reap. The boutique offers a huge variety of items ranging from clothes, swimwear, shoes and boots to a full range of spa and beauty products. You can also find accessories ranging from hair bands, rings, bracelets, necklaces and nose-studs to a selection of handbags and clutches, mobile phone 'bling', stationery, wax, hair-colouring… and much more.

The design is unique, fresh and inspiring, with a water feature as the backdrop and a spacious changing room in the back. A tester area is also provided, equipped with a stylish wash basin to try all the spa and beauty products.

• Location: The Lane (north of Pub Street), Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm
• Phone: +855 17 915 309

Gemological Institute of Cambodia

The Gemological Institute of Cambodia is an independent company that stocks a wide range of authentic gemstones from all over the world. If you're looking for precious stones in Siem Reap, this is a far more reliable source than the local markets.

Founded by Jean-Philippe Lepage, the laboratory is fitted with an exhibition room with over 150 varieties of gemstones from Cambodia, Myanmar, New Zealand and Colombia. The Gemological Institute of Cambodia also offers half-day and hour-long classes on gemmology in English and French, where visitors are introduced to gemstones found in Cambodia, such as zircon, rubies, sapphire, garnet, topaz, aquamarine, crystalline quartz and chalcedony.

• Location: Night Market Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 8.30am to 10pm
• Phone: +855 92 615 288

Khmer Ceramics Centre

The Khmer Ceramic Centre, founded in 2006, not only offers a deep insight of the ancient ceramic arts and culture between the early 9th and 15th century, but also a wide range of activities and handmade souvenirs.

Located along Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, the ceramic centre and boutique store displays top-quality handmade ceramic items such as jars, cosmetic bottles, serving bowls, decorative bowls, tableware, oil burners and accessories. You can also participate in pottery and ceramic painting classes for US$20 onwards. The workshops are guided by an English-speaking teacher, and inclusive of a free gift, hotel transfers and refreshments.

• Location: 130 Vithey Charles de Gaulle, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 8am to 8pm
• Phone: +855 17 843 014

Made in Cambodia Market

Made in Cambodia Market is a vibrant outdoor market that’s set along the Siem Reap Riverside, offering a wide range of live performances, tasty local food, and Cambodian souvenirs. Held every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, renowned local artisans set up booths to showcase their creations such as clothes, cosmetics, jewellery, paintings, and toys.

One of the most unique items sold here is the Sombai rice spirits, which is infused with cinnamon, mangoes, star anise, and red chillies. If you’re feeling peckish, Made in Cambodia Market also hosts a number of food stalls, all of which are run by some of Siem Reap’s most prominent restaurants.

• Location: Street 27, Achar Sva St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday from midday to 10pm
• Phone: +855 10 345 643

Noon Night Market

Noon Night Market in Siem Reap is the 2nd oldest, and 2nd largest of the night markets in the Angkor gateway town. You can find the market right off Sivatha Boulevard, and along the same street as Angkor Night Market. The stalls within the market also sell the same type of souvenir items at the Angkor Night Market.

You can find a wide range of products on sale here, although the prices can be irregular among vendors. A rule of thumb is to bargain hard and make sure to check your items after you've made a deal. It can be a great proving ground for putting your haggling skills to the test.

• Location: Street 07, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from midday to midnight
• Phone: +855 63 963 775

Samatoa

Samatoa is a tailor shop in Siem Reap that specialises in tailor-made clothing using natural silk. They can help you design your elegant suit, dress, blouse and even hat. There's also a good range of fashion accessories available to help you mix and match.

• Location: Kolkran, road 63, Siem Reap 93160, Cambodia
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 8am to 5pm (closed on Sundays)
• Phone: +855 92 529 001

Siem Reap Night Market

Siem Reap Night Market is one of the newest and smallest night markets in Siem Reap. The market offers mostly souvenirs, but you can also find a great selection of antiques here.
Start bargaining from half the offered price and work your way up. Another good rule is to not be fixated on 1 section of the market as there remains so much more to explore.

• Location: Sivatha Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 11.30am to 10pm
• Phone: +855 92 239 928

Theam’s House Gallery

Theam’s House Gallery is a quaint art studio within Siem Reap’s Veal Village, where you can purchase original lacquer paintings and pottery by Cambodian artist and designer Lim Muy Theam. Upon entering the vicinity, visitors are guided through a private showroom of ornate Buddha sculptures, followed by the onsite workshop where 55 artisans under Theam’s tutelage produce lacquered clay animals, paintings, and textiles. Due to its rather hidden locale, the best way to get to Theam’s House Gallery is via tuk tuk – it’s a 10-minute ride from the Angkor National Museum.

• Location: 25, Veal Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 8am to 7pm
• Phone: +855 78 208 161

Louise Loubatieres Gallery

Louise Loubatieres Gallery is a minimalist, all-white boutique that stocks lacquer homeware, ceramics, and textiles from local artisans. As a graduate from London’s Royal College of Art, Louise also often collaborates with local craftsmen to produce traditional goods with a contemporary twist.

Priced between US$20 and US$55, visitors can find plenty of souvenirs for loved ones back home, from brightly coloured bowls and trays to silk-covered bead necklaces and silk shawls that come in any colour. Louise Loubatieres Gallery also stocks a collection of antiques, cushions, and vases from the UK and Vietnam, among other places.

• Location: 7 Hap Guan St, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 10am to 6pm (closed on Sundays)
• Phone: +855 12 902 986

Phsar Leu Thom Thmey

Phsar Leu Thom Tmey is a huge indoor market just east of central Siem Reap, where most locals go to buy their daily necessities. The stalls within the market sell a wide range of items such as food, clothes, shoes, tools, electronics, homeware and almost anything else, all in a single market site.

You can walk through the lanes between stalls in the outdoor courtyard and discover all types of delicious local snacks on display. Although slightly chaotic with the local crowd and motorcycles passing by, it's a great spot to witness local trade and try out local flavours.

• Location: Highway No. 6, Siem Reap 17252, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 6am to 11pm

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

The Central Market in Phnom Penh is an architectural stand-out that was the work of famous Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann. The art deco-inspired and cross-shaped building sits under a golden dome. It’s worth a look even if you’re not hunting for souvenirs and knick-knacks.

Jewellery, watches and gold stands dominate the central area under the dome. Some of the gems are real, from Cambodia’s near-exhausted gem fields, and most of the silver and gold items are real, though you'll pay current trade prices, so don’t expect to get them for a steal.

Each of the 4 wings sell clothing, shoes, household items, and electronics. It’s fairly haphazard but adds to the enjoyment of wandering around inside the huge space. Around the outside – in the space between the wings – you can find some stands selling tourist favourites (T-shirts, Buddha statues, Angkor Wat paintings) and souvenirs as well as a good selection of stands selling fresh flowers. The food stalls are on the western side, towards Monivong Boulevard.

• Location: Calmette St. (53), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 7am to 6pm

Kravan House

Kravan House was established in 2003 to help land mine victims and family groups. They have a line of quality silk clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Kravan works directly with individuals and groups to improve their quality of life and support their families through the income they earn by producing these products.

• Location: #13 Street 178, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: From 08:00 to 21:00
• Phone: +855 12 731 770

Lucky Supermarket

Lucky Supermarket has several locations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Lucky is the largest supermarket chain in Cambodia. They are not quite on the scale you would find in more developed countries, but they are actual supermarkets with a good selection of local and international brands. There's also a department store at the Sihanouk Blvd. store.

• Location: Preah Sihanouk Blvd (274), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 8am to 9.30pm
• Phone: +855 81 222 028

Old Market (Phsar Chas)

The Old Market in Phnom Penh has been in its current location since the French colonial times and is the oldest market still operating in Phnom Penh. This is truly a locals' market, popular with Khmer people, so a visit will give you the experience of a truly authentic market. 

Phsar Chas offers a wide range of clothing, handicrafts and textiles, along with motorcycle parts and fruits and vegetables. Towards the evening on weekends, the food vendors will set up mats along Street 13 for the evening market. The market closes at sunset, but the stands located on the south side selling souvenirs will often stay open until well after 8pm. You can reach the market on Street 108, just behind the Night Market and next to Freedom Park.

• Location: Phsar Chas, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 5am to 6pm

Orussey Market

Orussei Market (also called OuRuessei Market or Phsar Orussey) is the largest old-style market in Phnom Penh, which is spread across 3 floors. Not very well-known to tourists or even expats, this large building is just 5 minutes by tuk tuk from Central Market, and is the place where many Cambodians shop for everyday items.

You can find everything from food, household items, garden tools and electronics on the ground floor to jewellery, tailors, fabric and clothing on the 2 other floors. The top floor is especially popular with locals as a factory-style outlet for a lot of the well-known brands that manufacture their clothes in and around the city.

Prices at Orussei Market are much cheaper than you will pay at home, but you'll find mostly smaller sizes to suit the Cambodian shoppers. While bargains can be had, this market is so big that you can easily get lost in the labyrinth of aisles and stalls. You can find the market on Street 182, west of Monivong Boulevard.

• Location: Oknha Tep Phan St. (182), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 8am to 5pm
• Phone: +855 85 833 315

Phnom Penh Night Market (Phsar Reathrey)

The Phnom Penh Night Market is a popular spot for tourists and locals and has a relaxed atmosphere. The locals mostly come for the evening entertainment on the main stage (such as singers, performers or company promotions) and to eat at the food stalls.

While there is more on sale by locals for locals here, tourists and visitors can find handicrafts, clothing, wood carvings, etc. The main reason to come here is to mingle with the locals and try the local food at the open-air food court behind the main stage. You'll be able to sample some traditional Khmer street food while eating with the Khmer families sitting down on mats, set up on the grass, or (if you’re lucky) at one of the tables with plastic chairs.

• Location: Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 5pm to midnight
• Phone: +855 23 222 839

Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)

The Russian Market gets its name from the 1980s, when it was first popular with foreigners, most of whom were Russian. That's contrary to the popular myth that this is where Kalashnikov rifles were readily sold! These days, you’ll find expats, locals and tourists from all over the world winding their way through the market’s inner maze.

You can find almost everything here: clothing, souvenirs, artefacts, antiques, paintings, jewellery, lamps, kitchen utensils, shoes, silk scarves — even parts for your scooter! You also have a nice display of the usual tourist fare in the form of knock-off watches and luggage. The food area is very interesting to wander around, though be careful of the wet floor near the fresh food area as it can be slippery. Stop for lunch or a snack on the delicious local food offerings to recharge between your bargain hunts.

The streets immediately surrounding the Russian Market also house many interesting shops that are worth checking for antiques, silk or even western food. Find the market on the corner of streets 440 and 155, south of Mao Tse Toung Boulevard in Boeung Keng Kang.

• Location: St. 163 Corner of St. 444, Phnom Penh 12310, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 6am to 5pm
• Phone: +855 77 333 818

Street 240

Street 240 is a nice, quiet street behind the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, with a lot of shops and eateries in old French colonial houses. You'll find a mix of boutique fashion shops, souvenir shops, cafés, shops belonging to charities, and NGOs promoting fair trade and goods made by locals.

The street is a great place to find small, independent fashion boutiques selling unique clothing made of local fabrics and silk, as well as unique jewellery shops tucked away behind a garden and selling items made of “buttons”. There are also stores selling second-hand books and a volunteer library offering a reading room. Textile shops offer their wares for home decoration or clothing, and cooperative clothing stores showcase fabrics locally designed and woven, providing a fair wage to employees. If you’re tired of the usual Southeast Asian trinkets gifts and souvenirs, this is the place to find something different.

• Location: Oknha Chhun St. (240), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Most shops daily from 8am until late

Bliss

Bliss is a unique location with both a boutique and a spa. The boutique specialises in unique Eurasian fashions for men, women and children. They feature silks, quilts, cushions, pillows, bags, bed covers, jewellery, and exotic soft home furnishings. You can relax at Bliss Spa, which offers a range of massage and skin treatments, as well as a steam bath, sauna and plunge pool.

• Location: 29 Oknha Chhun St. (240), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 9am to 8pm
• Phone: +855 12 613 386

Friends 'N' Stuff

Friends 'N' Stuff is right next to the Friends Restaurant. It's a fun shop selling an eclectic mix of souvenirs, clothes and accessories for both children and adults. Products are made by people involved in Friends projects, and you can get a personalised fitting for your clothes by the tailoring service provided by Mith Samlanh sewing graduates.

• Location: Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 11am to 9pm
• Phone: +855 23 555 2391

Le Lézard Bleu

Le Lézard Bleu offers quality and upscale home decoration items and furnishings. They have traditional and contemporary art and custom-designed pieces. If you're looking for art-deco furniture, tasteful home décor, custom frames, and furniture, you can most likely find it here.

• Location: No. 61, St. 240, 12206, Oknha Chhun, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 8am to 7pm, Sundays from 8am to 5pm
• Phone: +855 23 986 978

Sentosa Silk Boutique

Sentosa sells high-quality Cambodian Silk products produced by poor and disabled skilled craftspeople from rural Cambodia who are expert in the traditional forms of silk weaving.
Their luxury items are handmade from 100% pure Khmer silk in a wide range of colours and sizes. They specialise in soft furnishings, accessories, gifts, and offer expert tailoring. They have a reputation for consistency, quality and variety.

• Location: No. 29-33, Sothearos (St. 3), Ang Makhak Vann, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 8am to 6.30pm
• Phone: +855 23 222 974

Silk & Pepper

Silk & Pepper is a silk shop where you can get made-to-order clothes and custom-designed home accessories by choosing your own design and colours. In addition to clothes, they have home decor items such as linens, cushions, curtains, Cambodian handicrafts, gifts, etc. They feature items with unique designs.

• Location: #33, 178 Preah Ang Makhak Vann St. (178), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 7am to 11pm
• Phone: +855-23-222692, 012-851234

Street 178

Street 178 is known as ‘Art Street’ and is definitely the place to go for paintings, sculptures, statues and handmade silverware. If you’re walking down 178 from Riverside, you’ll first see small boutique shops selling designer clothing, bags and accessories. Some of these are charity partner stores, with money going to support the many programmes offering artisan work to Cambodians. 

As you move down the street, you’ll see art galleries selling popular Cambodian art such as paintings, and stone and wooden statues. The local sculptors and artists work in shops and on the street in front of their stores next to Wat Sarawan. You’ll see an impressive collection of giant stone Buddha statues displayed on the pavement – it’s worth the photo opportunity even if you’re not shopping for a 2-metre-tall statue.

Be sure to look around the corners as you walk down Street 178, as you’ll also find a few galleries and silver stores in the area. Several private galleries, such as Reyum and Sa SaBassac, have regular exhibitions of contemporary and traditional artwork. And don’t worry if you get a little tired from all that walking. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars and street food vendors along the way where you can take a break. Opening times differ from shop to shop but are usually around 9am through to early evening.

• Location: Samdach Preah Sokun Meanbon St. (178), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Tabitha-Cambodia

Tabitha-Cambodia is a sustainable non-profit organisation is involved in several programmes helping the poorest people of Cambodia. They work with over 30,000 families in 11 provinces developing community programmes. They use a community development model and are involved in training courses, family savings programmes, water wells, house building, piglets, cottage industry, and patchwork quilts.

Workers receive a fair wage, providing regular income and employment. Stop in and see their beautiful Cambodian silk and handicrafts items including purses, pillows, bed covers, clothes, toys, silver, cards, etc., and learn about the work they do for poor families.

• Location: Nos 173 and 174, Street 598, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 8am to 6pm (closed on Sundays)
• Phone: +855 23 231 038

Phsar Lue Market

Phsar Lue Market is a big outdoor market located in the central Sihanoukville. The place is easy to find because of the big blue roof that protects the small shopping stalls from pouring rain or the boiling sun. Here you can go shopping for hours and find almost everything you need to a cheap price that gets even cheaper if you are good at bargaining. Remember that everyone give you a higher price just because you are foreigner. At Phsar Lue you can find clothes, souvenirs, shoes, jewellery, toys, food, electronic etc. You can also buy different services like hairdressers, tailors, blacksmiths and masseurs. Even if you don’t want to buy something it’s a recommendation to visit this market once during your stay in Sihanoukville just to get to know the atmosphere, the crowds, and smell of a real local market.

• Address: 7 Makara St, Krong Preah Sihanouk
• Tel.: +855 (0) 81278187

Samudera

Samudera Market is one of the most popular supermarkets, if you ask a foreigner, as they have a wide range of imported goods. The prices is of course depending on what you’ll buy. Local goods is much more cheap than the imported ones. But if you want that Italian pasta, Norwiegan salmon or Swedish hard bread (knäckebröd), Samudera is the place to go. With over 10’000 different goods Samudera problably has what you’re looking for. Here you can find: food merchandise, condiments, oriental groceries, beverages, vegetables, meat products, cheeses, spices, dairy products, fresh bread, tobacco and a wide range of wines and spirits.  Samudera also offers money change service. Please visit their website for more information.

• Address: 7 Makara Street, Krong Preah Sihanoukville
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.samuderamarket.com/
• Tel.: +855 34 933 441

Orange Market

Orange Market is a city center supermarket located on Eakareach Street. The market has a wide selection of imported groceries and local favorites. They have a good range of dry goods and household items. Amongst the sortiment you can find goods such as, yoghurt, imported cheese, fresh bread, juice, fresh milk, frozen meats, icecream, european and local spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, wine, beer and spirits, beauty products etc. Orange Market offers free delivery, please call for more details.

• Address: N#98 Eakareach Street, Sihanoukville
• Tel.: +855 (0) 34 933 878

Unique Butik

Unique clothes store is located on Serendipity Road, close to Occheteul beach. They offer Western style women’s clothing, bags, swim wear and shoes. There vision and business idea with Unique is to give you as customer a large assortment with high quality clothing,big variety and world-class service.

• Address: Serendipity Road next to Sakal Guesthouse, 18000 Sihanoukville
• Tel.: +855 (0) 12 465 580

Q. Which is the best place to shop in Cambodia?

A. No doubt, it is Street 240 in Phnom Penh, which is an avenue lined with French colonial houses that now serve as homes to numerous boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops. A lot of these stores are owned by charities and NGOs advocating fair trade. The atmosphere here is a lot more relaxed, and you can browse leisurely for handicrafts, clothes, accessories, and secondhand books.

Q. Are there any street shops for shopping in Cambodia?

A. Yes, there are many great streets shopping places in Cambodia, especially in the tourist hub like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or Sihanoukville

Q. What are the best things to buy in Cambodia?

A. The best things to buy in Cambodia are Krama, weaving silk, and Kampot pepper

Q. What is Cambodia famous for?

A. First, Cambodia is famous for its unique Angkor Complex in Siem Reap and surrounding areas, natural landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture.

Here is our Cambodia travel guide

Q. Is Cambodia safe to visit?

Yes, Cambodia is totally safe in every term. There is nothing to worry if you stay on the line of normal daily life.

Here is more about Cambodia Safety and Precautions

Q. Why you should go to Cambodia?

A. You should visit Cambodia to explore the stunning tourist attractions, shop at the streets and to relish the delicious local food.