The 6 Best Markets in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Art Deco design that forms the hub of bustling Central Market
The Art Deco design that forms the hub of bustling Central Market | © Davide Calabresi / Shutterstock
Marissa

The market forms an integral part in Cambodians’ lives, with daily visits made to stock up on food for the day as well as other items. That means the capital of Phnom Penh is dotted with markets both large and small. Here are the capital’s top markets to visit.

1. Central Market

Market

© Davide Calabresi / Shutterstock
Established in 1937, Central Market, known locally as Phsar Thmei, is a unique Art Deco interpretation of a traditional market, with a well-designed dome forming the centrepiece. Stalls sell everything from jewellery, gems and trinkets to homeware, food, souvenirs and handicrafts. The central dome is surrounded by stalls. This market is popular with tourists, with prices reflecting that.

2. Russian Market

Market

© gary yim / Shutterstock
Natively known as Phsar Toul Tom Poung, this market is another popular spot with the tourist crowd, who flock there to barter a bargain on the range of handicrafts and handmade goods sold there. They include woodcarvings, silks, musical instruments and miniature Buddhas. Clothes, accessories, bootleg CDs and DVDs, fruit and veg, household items, motorbike parts and everything in between can also be found in the spiderweb of stalls.

3. Phnom Penh Night Market

Market

Phnom Penh Night Market
© Phnom Penh Night Market

Popular with the young Khmer crowd, the Night Market, or Phsar Reatrey, is an open-air evening affair located on riverside. A collection of stalls sell clothes, accessories and food, with a central stage hosting live performances in the form of singers, musicians and dancers. It can get lively at weekends and while the stalls don’t sell anything of particular interest, it makes a good spot to stop off before dinner and drinks on riverside.

5. Orussey Market

Market

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© Elzbieta Sekowska / Shutterstock
Orussey Market is another authentic affair and can be daunting to the untrained. Spread across three floors, this is a cramped and crowded spot, with stalls selling everything from clothes, fresh food, household items, electronics and motorbike parts. Expect crowds and chaos, and come armed with heaps of patience.

6. Jet's Container Night Market

Market

Jets Container Night Market
© Jet's Container Night Market

The container market trend has swept over from Thailand, with Jet’s Container Night Market proving popular with the young, cool Khmer crowd who flock there each evening to snack on food, drink beer or iced coffee, hang out with friends and listen to live music. There are also stalls selling quirky T-shirts and other items designed by entrepreneurial locals.

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