From food to textiles to consumer goods, Phnom Penh's markets are richly stocked with all manner of products. Set out to discover the Central Market, Russian Market, night markets, and many others to uncover the unique worlds they each contain and take home your souvenirs from a Cambodian holiday.

What Makes Phnom Penh's Markets Special

The markets of Cambodia's capital are not all created equal. When you visit them, you'll notice that while each offers food and shopping opportunities, they also have their own distinctive character. Indeed, the types of products sold vary from place to place. Moreover, they're not all arranged in the same way and don't have the same footprint, offering varying amounts of space to browse the aisles. Furthermore, scattered throughout the city, their locations are completely different. Finally, opening hours for daytime markets may vary slightly, though all operate daily.

Each market has its own vibe

Phnom Penh's Covered Markets

The most well-known markets in Phnom Penh are the Central Market and the Russian Market, which you've likely heard about before. But have you discovered Orussey Market, another of the capital's covered markets? Each one possesses its own unique strengths that will appeal to most visitors.

The Central Market

Phnom Penh's Central Market, also known as Phsar Thom Thmey, is undoubtedly among the main attractions of the capital. Its distinctive architecture provides ample space where numerous merchants operate within different sections of the market. Beneath the dome you'll find an extensive selection of jewelry and watches, while the four wings concentrate most everyday consumer goods. The exterior of the structure is dedicated to clothing and food.

The Russian Market

In the midst of this labyrinth of narrow alleys where small vendors run what feel like genuine Ali Baba's caves, bargain hunters and the curious will feel right at home. The market is full of handcrafted objects, figurines, teapots, and other small items worth bringing back as souvenirs from your stay in Cambodge. As you venture deeper into this maze of curiosities, you'll likely pick up on strong aromas—simply from the dried fish and other foods you'll see on display. Despite this less appealing aspect, the Russian Market offers an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional souks.

"Orussey Market"

This market, far less frequented by tourists, is ideal for discovering a much more traditional shopping experience—here, souvenirs for visitors are not the focus. You'll find food and textiles, but nothing caters specifically to passing visitors, and few vendors speak English. However, it's a perfect immersion into the daily life of locals.

The Open-Air Market

Phnom Penh's Night Markets

To avoid crowds, opt for the night markets. Though they offer less variety in goods, they do provide a sense of tranquility for visitors. The atmosphere is very relaxed—you can, for instance, sit on a "kantel" (កន្ទេល). It's on this traditional mat that you can enjoy your meal and soak in the singular atmosphere while hearing Khmer songs nearby.