Shopping in Siem Reap: the old market

Siem Reap is one of the best places for shoppers in all of Cambodia, with only Phnom Penh perhaps a comparable alternative location. Not only is it a great place to shop for Cambodian souvenirs such as handicrafts, silks, textiles, and contemporary art, but in recent years the traditional shops have been supplemented by modern shops, including boutiques and art galleries.

The area has two main markets, known as the Central Market and the Old Market. The Old Market (known locally as Phsar Chas) is the largest “traditional” type of market in Siem Reap, and is an absolute must for the keen shopper, as well as those interested in Cambodian culture in general, as it offers a very unique and very ‘local flavor’ of the shopping experience. The Old Market has the largest selection of traditional souvenirs such as curios, handicrafts, baskets, carvings, statues, as well as traditional musical instruments and silverware. While there are shops like art and photography galleries, boutiques and others located everywhere, the fact is that there is a higher concentration of these establishments in the Old Market area than anywhere else in the city. The boutiques tend to offer more “high class” and higher quality products than elsewhere, with more emphasis on specialty items, silks, and even the burgeoning new culture of modern Cambodian art.

Siem Reap-style accommodation offers easy access to most markets, and staying in a hotel (Siem Reap can suit all budgets) and then traveling to the Old Market is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.