Street 240 in Phnom Penh runs through the city center and Daun Penh district from west to east. Over a few hundred meters, it concentrates a selection of craft boutiques, tea salons and workshops that make it one of the capital's go-to addresses for bringing back a souvenir from Cambodia.

Why visit Street 240

Street 240 stands apart from Phnom Penh's large covered markets through its calmer and more refined tone. While the Central Market and Russian Market trade in abundance and negotiation, this artery in the Daun Penh district brings together specialized shops focused on crafted artisanal goods: silks, soap makers, bookstores, furniture and decoration workshops. Many boutiques operate on a short circuit, with the manufacturing workshop set up in the back room of the shop itself.

The neighborhood blends these shops with several cafés and restaurants, sheltered by a row of trees providing shade—a particularly appreciated feature in a city where street vegetation is sparse. It's a great stop near the end of your stay, in the immediate proximity of Phnom Penh's main tourist sites.

What to see and what to bring back

The most interesting stretch of Street 240 lies between the intersections with Pasteur Street (Street 51) and the Wat Botum esplanade. On this section, the offering breaks down into several categories.

Textile craftsmanship

• Kramas in natural silk: this checkered Cambodian scarf, traditionally worn around the neck or head, is available here in refined versions woven from silk produced in the country.
• Typical garments: blouses, sarongs and pieces inspired by traditional Khmer clothing.
• Silks by the meter and accessories (bags, shawls, cushions) from local workshops.

Decorative objects and statuettes

• Buddhist statuettes, reflecting the majority religion in Cambodia.
• Hindu statuettes, a legacy from the Angkor period when Hinduism dominated before the shift to Theravada Buddhism.
• Furniture and interior decoration pieces coming directly from adjoining workshops.

Cosmetics and stationery

• Handmade soaps and essential oils made from local plants (lemongrass, kaffir, frangipani).
• Independent bookstores offering works on Khmer history, Cambodian cuisine or the genocide.

Coffee breaks

Several tea salons and restaurants line the street, ideal for a pause between shops. The atmosphere is more relaxed than in the tourist zones along Sisowath Quay.

Practical information

• Neighborhood: Daun Penh, approximately 10 minutes walk south of the Royal Palace.
• Visit duration: allow 1 to 2 hours depending on your shopping pace and coffee breaks.
• Hours: most shops are open during the day, from morning until early evening. A few close on Sundays.
• Budget: prices are higher than in traditional markets but reflect the quality of the craftsmanship. Haggling is not standard practice in these boutiques.
• Payment: US dollars and Cambodian riel accepted, credit cards in most shops.

How to get there

Street 240 is located in the heart of Phnom Penh, in the administrative and tourist district of Daun Penh. To orient yourself, keep in mind the city's numbering system: even-numbered streets run east-west, odd-numbered streets run north-south. Street 240 therefore runs parallel to the river.

From the Royal Palace, count about ten minutes on foot heading south. From Sisowath Quay, head west for approximately 500 meters. Tuk-tuks and ride-sharing services (PassApp, Grab) serve the entire district for just a few dollars from any central point.

Nearby attractions

• Wat Botum and its esplanade, at the eastern end of Street 240.
• The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, 10 minutes walk to the north.
• Sisowath Quay and the riverfront, ideal in late afternoon.
• The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument, in the park neighboring Wat Botum.

To include Phnom Penh and its craft addresses in a complete itinerary, discover our tailor-made trips to Cambodia.