Shopping in Cambodia

The most popular buys in Cambodia are the local handicrafts and gemstones. Throughout the country, religious carvings and intricately carved boxes are sold in the markets and stores. Silversmiths make silver bowls carefully made into the shape of fruits or animals. Dancer's anklets, decorated with tiny silver bells are also popular buys. Gemstones, both precious and semi-precious are sold everywhere both to the knowledgeable and to the unwary. Good buys can be made, but unless you really know your gemstones, be very careful. Cambodian silk is highly regarded and is usually still hand made using traditional techniques. Cotton textiles are also available. A traditional and popular souvenir is a krama, or coloured scarf, usually made from cotton.

To get the most from your shopping trips, it is essential to bargain. Just remember that the vendor expects it and may even be slightly disappointed if you accept his first price. He'll take your money, but miss the ritual. The key to successful haggling is to do so in good humour with a smile on your face. Remember, that very few sellers will accept credit cards and that high value traveller's cheques can be difficult to exchange.

In Phnom Penh, is the French designed, art-deco Central Market which sells everything from jewellery to second hand clothes. This is a good place to pick up souvenirs. For objects d'art, coins, miniature Buddhas, etc. try the Russian Market. Most of the markets will have fine, hand-loomed silks, sold either by the metre or already made up into garments. Similarly, hand pounded silverware animals are to be found in and around the markets. Some vendors may try to convince you that their silverware items are genuine antiques. Usually, the only thing genuinely old will be their story.

In Siem Reap, Phsar Chas or the 'Old Market' is one of the city's largest traditional covered markets. Here you can find the largest selection of souvenirs including handicrafts and curios such as traditional silverwork, silks, baskets, statues, carvings and traditional musical instruments. The market is worth a visit even for non-buyers as it gives a unique and colourful insight to the local people's way of life. Around the market area are several small boutique type shops offering a more upmarket selection, such as higher quality handicrafts, Cambodian silks and artistic works.

Religious statues are a popular souvenir, but remember that although beautiful, they are rather heavy and bulky to carry home. Smaller and more portable, while remaining distinctly Cambodian, are silver betel nut holders. These are mainly made now only for the tourist trade, but are still hand crafted using traditional methods.

Sihanoukville does not hold the shopping opportunities of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, but Phsar Leu or Upper Market, the largest in town has a selection of clothing and jewellery alongside its more daily necessities such as fresh food. There are a few boutiques on shops in Ekareach Street in the downtown area and also along the road to Serendipity Beach which sell silver goods, silks and other handicrafts. Look out for the M'lop Tapang Gift Shop near the beach. M'lop Tapang is an NGO set up to give shelter and teach skills to some of Cambodia's street children. Their gift shop sells handicrafts and silks, plus a range of products made from recycled drinking straws!