If there’s one thing Phnom Penh has plenty of, it’s markets. The city is home to a range of bustling squares, from street food markets to markets hawking tourist trinkets. This is the only guide you’ll need to explore markets in the capital city.
For scrumptious street food
Russian Market
In the mood for street food? This is the place for you. The food court section of this busy market is home to a number of stalls peddling delicious Cambodian street food, like Lort Cha – traditional noodles with vegetables, beef, and eggs made fresh, and the iconic Khmer iced coffee. Most dishes and cut fresh fruit are under two dollars a plate, and with a mind-boggling array of options to choose from, you’ll want to come on an empty stomach.
For souvenir shopping
Central Market
Built in 1937 to serve the needs of a growing population, this bright yellow art deco building is synonymous with good deals. This is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for loved ones without burning a hole in your pocket. The four “arms” of the dome are home to hundreds of craftsmen and peddlers, so be sure to have a good look around before committing to any purchases. Haggling is encouraged, and will often score visitors a significantly lower price on items than initially quoted.
For an authentic experience
Phsar Chas
For an authentic local experience, the Old Market is the place to go. This is where the locals shop, and is the perfect way to get involved in traditional Cambodian life. Live poultry and fish are sold here, as is fresh meat, and tropical fruit. The market stalls themselves are pretty disorganised and chaotic, so be prepared. The locals are extremely friendly and always happy to talk about their wares in their limited English.
For late-night adventure
Night Market
Get to know the hip local crowd at the traditional night market. Located on the riverside, this vibrant market hosts stage performances, which can get pretty rowdy at times. The market itself has a number of stalls selling traditional clothes and accessories, as well as several unique food stalls hawking street food.
