Shopping

For fine silks, textiles, statues and carvings along with silverwork and even art, Cambodia is a treasure trove. The Buddhism-themed items are sold in boutiques, on the street and in large markets both in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and, generally speaking, specific items for sale are to be found in specific parts of the towns. However, in certain markets, without a basic foundation in the Khmer Language you'll find it nigh on impossible to bargain prices down so make sure you take a Khmer-speaking friend along or stick to the big markets.

Phnom Penh Shopping

You'll find Cambodian silk for sale in Phnom Penh at the Russian Market (a Cold War era goods depot) and silk shops and boutiques across town, many specializing in silk creations such as tailored Asian and Euro-Asian fashions, accessories and soft furnishings.

Also available at traditional markets are pounded silverwork, often in the shape of animals. Statues and carvings of traditional and religious subjects are widespread but don't for one minute believe you are buying an antique; these are replicas through and through.

In the last few years the art scene in Cambodia has flourished and you can see evidence of this is streets 240 and 178 and if you are after gems from West Cambodia make sure you know enough about your subject otherwise you could end up regretting it back home when you verify the stones.

Markets in Phnom Penh
Designed by a French architect, the bustling art-deco style Central Market opened in 1937 and is a famous city landmark offering a wide range of goods, including souvenirs, jewelry, silks, electronic goods, stationery, secondhand clothes, and bric-a-brac.

The Russian Market is good for souvenirs such as objects d'art, trinkets, coins, miniature Buddhas, etc. The Olympic Market is a three-story covered market near the Olympic Stadium which was upgraded and reopened in 1994 and now specialises in wholesale items.

The most searched-for item in Phnom Penh's markets and shops is textiles. Fine hand-loomed silks are a real bargain here but expect to haggle to get prices down or you'll have your 'head shaved' – meaning you'll be ripped off in the local language. Buddhist-themed carvings and statues are also popular purchases as is hand-pounded silverware and gems.

Hint
Not many retailers will accept credit cards so make sure you take small denomination US Dollars (nothing above 20 US$) or a healthy wad of Cambodian Riel. To change money there are a number of currency booths along Sisowath. Traveller's cheques above 100 US$ and useless as no bank will accept them.

Siem Reap Shopping

Only Phnom Penh has better shopping than Siem Rep and that's really saying something.

Siem Reap has two main markets: the Central Market and the Old Market. Here, bargaining and haggling skills will be needed as you negotiate prices for the many items on sale such as glassware, freshwater pearls, natural Cambodian silk, and bed covers.

You can get tailor-made suits and dresses along with blouses and hats at the three-storey boutique Samatoa. If you want to shop out of town head to the Angkor Night Market; this Balinese-influenced market is open from 16:00 to midnight daily and makes a cool change from the heat and clutter of the inner-town markets. Here, you'll find around 130 stalls offering a vast array of products, many of which you won’t find elsewhere. The many silver betel nut holders, often in the shape of animals, make good souvenirs or presents for back home.

Sihanoukville Shopping

More a tourist destination than Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, there is less emphasis on traditional crafts for sale here. Still, you can buy a wide variety of products such as hand-loomed silk scarves, clothing, accessories, home accessories, decorative ornaments, coffee, condiments, handmade cards, notebooks, wall hangings, photo albums, and a variety of games including puzzles in Rajana, a centrally located shop.

On the Beach Road there is a range of beachwear, jewelry, bags and the items you'd come to expect from a Southeast Asian seaside town.

Phsar Leu, or upper market, is the largest traditional market in town. It is a dimly lit, partially roofed expanse of stalls selling everything from meat and vegetables to auto parts, jewelry, and of course clothes. Open at sunrise, closed at sunset, it is found on 7 Makara, near Omui Street.

Battambang Shopping

Battambang may not have a night life but it does boast interesting shopping opportunities. At the souvenir market you can buy woodcarvings from Battambang, marble sculptures from Pursat Province, and sapphires from Pailin.

Many of the hotels as well as the small souvenir/art/curios shops on Road 1 on the river in the centre of town offer a selection of wood and marble products. The art shops have a better selection than the hotels and a couple have very interesting collections of curios, old trinkets, coins, antiques and oddities; well worth a look.

Raw rubies and sapphires from near the Thai border are brought to Battambang to be cut and polished then graded so there are some bargains to be had but be careful as gem scams are extremely frequent when the dealer perceives inexperienced and wet-behind-the-ear buyers.

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