The Best Markets in Siem Reap, Cambodia

| © Konstantin Aksenov/ Shutterstock.com

Cambodia’s markets form the lifeblood of locals, and are also a great place to bag a bargain in the form of souvenirs, especially if your bartering skills are in top shape. With many markets to choose from in Siem Reap, we throw the spotlight on some of Temple Town’s best spots to get shopping.

Phsar means market in Khmer and this is where locals buy everything, from fish, fruit, vegetables and meat, to motorbike parts, textiles, clothes, DVDs and home décor. At a fraction of the price of their counterparts in stores, there are bargains to be had at every corner. However, the quality of items like knock-off movies and electronics can’t be guaranteed.

Whether you’re into shopping or not, a trip to the market while you’re in Siem Reap is a must, if just to get a glimpse into local life, especially at the crack of dawn when Cambodians haggle for the freshest and best bargains of the day. After all, the early bird catches the worm.

Pshar Chas (Old Market)

Market

Local crafts can be bought at the market
© steve estvanik/ Shutterstock.com
Constructed in the 1920s, Phsar Chas sits in the heart of historic Siem Reap. Today, it mainly caters to the mass of foreigners visiting the town, flogging a whole host of souvenirs, slogan T-shirts and textiles. Art is also sold in the form of paintings, sculptures and carvings, with books covering Khmer history also dirt cheap.

Angkor Night Market

Despite stiff competition from many copycats since it opened over a decade ago, Angkor Night Market is still standing as the city’s top night market. While the site is currently undergoing upgrades, it remains open and offers stall after stall selling everything your imagination could desire. It is also home to the lively Island Bar, which goes on until the early hours, and a selection of stalls selling food and drinks. There is also a spot to enjoy a massage in between hitting the shops.

Shoppers at the night market in Siem Reap

Noon Night Market

Bar, Market

Carvings can be bought at the markets © Vassamon Anansukkasem/ Shutterstock.com

Made in Cambodia Market

Market, Cambodian

Fresh fruit from the market
© Pete Niesen/ Shutterstock.com
The Made in Cambodia Market does what it says on the tin: sells and promotes quality crafts and goods, all made in Cambodia. While local markets may well be filled with items from Vietnam and China, this daily market takes in artisan goods from a range of designers and organisations, including Saomao, Rehash Trash and Friends International. With the main aim of the market being to celebrate local artisans, visitors can meet those responsible for making the handicrafts and learn more. Set at the King’s Road Angkor complex on Siem Reap River, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to refuel at.

Phsar Leu Thom Thmey

Market

Meat on sale © Oleskaus/ Shutterstock.com

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article