The Russian Market, or Phsar Toul Tom Poung, is one of the most visited covered markets in Phnom Penh. Located in the Chamkar Mon district, it houses several hundred shops organized by theme, where crafts, textiles, food and spare parts rub shoulders.

Why visit the Russian Market

This market brings together in a single location several facets of Cambodian commerce: traditional crafts, branded items from local factories, food stalls and tailor shops. It's a useful stop for bringing back souvenirs, observing daily life in Phnom Penh or having clothes made to measure during a few days' stay in the capital. Unlike the central market, which is more monumental and jewelry-focused, the Russian Market retains a labyrinthine and popular atmosphere.

History and origin of the name

The nickname "Russian Market" is intriguing, as there are no Russian products to be found there. It dates back to the 1980s, during the period of Vietnamese occupation of Cambodge, when the Soviet community settled in Phnom Penh regularly frequented this market in the south of the city. The name stuck, even as the clientele changed. It was during this same period that Phsar Toul Tom Poung developed into one of the capital's major markets.

What to see and buy on site

The market is organized by themed sections, which makes it easier to navigate the narrow aisles.

Textiles, fashion and bespoke tailors

A vast area is devoted to fabrics, clothing and accessories. You'll find counterfeit items alongside authentic branded articles such as Diesel, Calvin Klein or Banana Republic, sourced from Cambodian subcontracting factories. Several tailor stands offer made-to-measure garments: dresses, shirts, suits. Lead times vary from a few days, so it's best to plan this order early in your stay.

Crafts and souvenirs

The craft sector brings together wooden sculptures, Buddha miniatures, silks, betel boxes, buffalo bells, traditional musical instruments, and silver objects and jewelry. Fake antiques are plentiful: it's better to view these pieces as recent decorative objects rather than authentic antiques.

Food and fresh produce

The food section mixes fresh and dried fish, frog legs, chicken, pork, beef, tropical fruits, roots and a wide array of aromatic herbs. Cooks prepare soups and stir-fried noodles to order for visitors. As for spices, Kampot pepper is widely available, sometimes vacuum-sealed, which makes it easier to transport in luggage.

Hardware, tools and supplies

Part of the market remains dedicated to mechanical parts, tools and hardware, a testament to its original role serving the local neighborhood. Travelers spend little time here, but it offers an interesting insight into how the local economy functions.

Practical information

• Location: Chamkar Mon district, south of Phnom Penh city center.
• Opening hours: open daily, from early morning until late afternoon. Visitor traffic and supplies are better in the morning.
• Payment: cash only, in riel or US dollars. Bring small denominations.
• Bargaining: haggling is the norm for textiles and crafts. Expect to pay 30 to 50% less than the initial asking price.
• Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours are enough for a complete tour, longer if you plan to place an order with a tailor.
• Heat advice: the market is covered and can become stuffy in the middle of the day. A morning visit is more comfortable.

How to get there

The Russian Market is known by all tuk-tuk drivers in Phnom Penh; simply mention "Russian Market" or "Phsar Toul Tom Poung". From the Mekong riverfront or the Royal Palace, allow 15 to 25 minutes by tuk-tuk depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps such as PassApp or Grab operate in the capital and allow you to avoid price negotiations.

What to see nearby

A visit to the Russian Market can easily be combined with other stops in the capital or extensions to the south of the country:

• The central market of Phnom Penh, with its yellow Art Deco architecture, more focused on jewelry and electronics.
• The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument, in a park near the center.
• The crab market in Kep, to pair with a coastal extension to the south.

Frequently asked questions

Including the Russian Market in your trip

The Russian Market fits naturally into a stay in Phnom Penh, whether it's a few days' urban stop or the starting point for a larger circuit. To build a tailor-made itinerary incorporating the capital, Angkor and the southern coast, consult our Cambodge trips.