SHOPPING IN PHNOM PENH

For Cambodian souvenirs, art, silks, handicrafts and curios, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer an ever growing range and variety of shopping opportunities and products. Traditional Cambodian souvenirs include fine hand-loomed silks, Angkorian and Buddhist themed carvings and statuary, hand-pounded silverwork, colored gems, traditional handicrafts, Cambodian basketry and of course, the most traditional of all Cambodian souvenirs, the krama - a checkered scarf unique to the Khmer people and tourists in Cambodia. The traditional markets, especially Phsar Toul Thom Pong (Russian Market) and Phsar Thmey (Central Market) both offer excellent selections of traditional souvenirs as well as a unique local shopping experience. But there is much more to the Phnom Penh shopping scene these days. Fine boutiques and art galleries offer unique, sophisticated selections of high-quality contemporary Asian art, custom tailored EuroAsian fashions in Khmer silk, home decor and, of particular interest, the artistic works of a new generation of Cambodian artists, coming to the fore after decades of near silence. Several boutiques are clustered together along Street 240 behind to the Royal Palace. Boutiques, silk shops and souvenir shops also dot the riverfront area and the Boeung Keng Kang 1 area. Street 178 next to the National Museum is known as 'Art Street' for the art galleries that line the street from the riverfront to Street 19.

 

What to buy...

Cambodian Silk - Cambodian silks are prized by silk collectors the world over. Most of the silk available in Cambodia is hand-loomed using the traditional ikat method of dying the threads and looming in the patterns. Both raw and fine silks are available in the form of bolts, sarongs, clothing and various handicrafts. Cambodian silk is available at the Russian Market and silk shops and boutiques across town, many specializing in silk creations such as tailored Asian and Euro-Asian fashions, fashion accessories and soft furnishings. To learn more about Cambodian silk check out the book, ‘Traditional Textiles of Cambodia’ by Gillian Green

Silverwork - Silver areca nut containers are popular traditional souvenirs. These pounded silver containers are ordinarily shaped as animals, fruits and vegetables, and were and to some degree still are used in ceremonial and everyday life to hold dried areca nut. (Areca nut, also known as 'betel nut,' is a mild stimulant that is chewed as one chews tobacco. You may notice some people in the countryside, especially older women, with teeth stained black from years of chewing areca.) Nowadays, the silver containers are made primarily for sale as souvenirs but are still hand crafted using traditional techniques and styles. 

Statues and Carvings - Statues and carvings of traditional subjects, often replicas of Angkorian-era works as well as Buddhas and various Hindu gods and personages, are available in stone, wood and brass. Statues make for relatively heavy, bulky souvenirs but are still very popular because of their beauty and artistic value. The replica of an Angkorian era bust of Jayavarman VII with its graceful lines and peaceful smile is truly captivating and is perhaps the most popular piece..

Art - Over the last few of years Cambodia’s art scene has begun to blossom as a new generation of Cambodian artists takes the fore. The chic little silk, art and furniture boutiques along Street 240 and the art galleries and boutiques on Street 178 (‘Art Street’) near the National Museum are both great areas to explore for quality traditional and contemporary Southeast Asian art. Of particular note, the very active New Meta House (www.meta-house.com ) the award winning Reyum Gallery and contemporary art focused Java Café & Gallery (www.javaarts.org,) all offer regular events and changing art exhibitions. Look for Meta House event schedule fliers at restaurants and bars. Also check Asia Life magazine and the back page of the Friday Cambodia Daily for new and on-going exhibitions

 

Over the last few of years Cambodia’s art scene has begun to blossom as a new generation of Cambodian artists takes the fore. The chic little silk, art and furniture boutiques along Street 240 and the art galleries and boutiques on Street 178 (‘Art Street’) near the National Museum are both great areas to explore for quality traditional and contemporary Southeast Asian art. Of particular note, the award winning Reyum Gallery on Street 178 offers some of the most interesting and important exhibitions in town, featuring the work of some of Cambodia's best known and upcoming contemporary artists as well as cultural exhibitions. New exhibitions open every couple of months. Other art spaces offering changing exhibitions include Java Café & Gallery ( www.javaarts.org ) and the very active Meta House ( www.meta-house.com ,) the Check the back page of the Friday Cambodia Daily and the 'Listings' section of the Phnom Penh Post for new and on-going exhibitions.

Gems - Western Cambodia, particularly in the area of Pailin, is a fertile source of colored stones, particularly sapphires and rubies. In addition to the listed jewelers, gem dealers can be found at the Central Market and Russian Market. Know something about gems and/or know your jeweler before spending much money.

 

 

 

 

 

Where to buy...
 

Traditional Markets

Central Market (Psah Thmei)
The distinctive yellow domed Phsar Thmey (also known as the ‘Central Market’) is a ‘must see,’ both as a historic and architecturally interesting building and as a shopping destination. The Central Market is a good place topick up souvenirs, books, and if you now what you are doing, gems and jewelry. Souvenir vendors line the entrance walkway offering statuary, silverwork, handicrafts, silks and kramas, carvings, photocopy books and postcards and the largest selection of souvenir t-shirts and caps and town. The central dome of the main building houses an amazing display of jewelry and gems.

Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung) 
Of all the traditional markets, the Russian Market offers the largest selection of souvenirs, curios and other items of interest to the visitor. The south side is the place to begin your shopping foray, lined inside and out with stalls selling carvings, handicrafts, silks and fabrics, curios, CDs and inexpensive electronic goods. This market offers the largest selection of bootlegged VCDs and DVDs in town, with vendors located near southeast entrance. There are also several fabric vendors making it a good place to pick up fabric to take to the tailor. (This market became the foreigner’s market during the 1980’s when most of the foreigners were Russians, hence the name ‘Russian Market.’)