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Shopping in Cambodia

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Unlike many other Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia has only recently seen an emergence of shopping malls, but you should not be expecting anything like the air-conditioned shopping centers found in Bangkok or back home.

Instead, head for the many street markets and get sucked in to the huge collections of handicrafts, antiques, and silks readily available. As in most marketplaces in Southeast Asia, bartering is the common.

Never accept the first price given, don’t show too much interest in a product and try to keep the process jovial and polite.

The country is a country that is awash with unique artisans recreating traditional art forms or putting their own modern spin on ancient styles. The result is a plethora of souvenirs and memoirs to remind you of your trip.

A major shopping area of Cambodia remains the capital’s Psah Tmhey, an outstanding piece of Art Deco architecture constructed by the French in the 1930’s. It’s one of Phnom Penh’s major tourist attractions due to the wide range of goods available at low prices.

Anything from Chinese coins, swords, and handicrafts, to cheap Levis, electronic goods, and flowers can be purchased in this vibrant, garishly decorated dome.

One thing to keep an eye out for at the stalls of the country’s markets is the abundance of cheap brand name clothes. With an economy characterized by garment production, some products slip through the cracks and end up being sold at a fraction of the price you would pay back home.

However, the country’s number one shopping attraction is its world-renowned silk and textiles, much of which is still hand-woven and mechanically dyed. Most of the silk farms are situated near to Siem Reap, so this is one of the best areas to shop for top quality textiles.

Sculpting is big business here, with locals carrying on the prized tradition of their forefathers. On many streets you will see shops bursting with stone sculptures of Buddhas, Jayavarman VI, and Hindu deities, different in size, quality, and price.

Woodcarving is also a strong part of of the country’s heritage. Again, here you will see many reproductions of deities and Buddhas which make for perfect souvenirs to take back home.

Many antiques can be discovered around the markets also, but it is worth remembering that counterfeits are commonplace in this part of the world, so always check your supposed bargain closely before purchase.

We are committed to assist you to naviagte the best malls and shopping spots in cambodia the Asian style! All you have to do is let us help anytime anywhere! When shopping in the markets, feel free to bargain.

If you want to get an idea of how much you should be paying, visit the state-run craft markets, which have steady rates. Shops here are mostly open from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 2:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m on weekdays. Most are closed at least once a week, usually on Fridays, but you will still find something open every day of the week. 

"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey

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