As much as Cambodia’s markets are indispensable to its locals, it is also a great place for tourists to shop for souvenirs and catch a glimpse of how the locals live. Known as “Phsar” in the Khmer language, Siem Reap’s markets are where locals purchase pretty much everything, from groceries to clothes and furniture. Compared to their competitors in bigger departmental stores, these markets are where you go to bargain for a good price.
Whether you like a shopping trip or one filled with sightseeing and sporty adventures, you need to visit at least one market when you’re at Siem Reap. This is where you get to see how locals live, especially in the early mornings when most people get up to haggle for the freshest goods and prices!
With so many markets in Siem Reap that you can visit, here are a few markets that are the best in town and will satisfy your inner shopaholic!
1. Angkor Night Market
Regarded as Siem Reap’s most popular shopping destination, Angkor Night Market is home to many stalls selling a wide selection of both local goods and souvenirs. It has over 200 shops for you to shop at, selling a wide range of products from food to knick knacks.
This outdoor night market was built in 2007, with intentions to help preserve traditional Khmer handicrafts and improve the lives of Khmer people. When you’re there, you could also pop by the “Angkor Recycled” stall, which sells a range of eco-friendly products like bags and wallets made from recycled materials.
After a long night of shopping and browsing through the stalls, you can also look forward to a good massage!
Address: Angkor Night Market St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 5pm to 12am daily
2. Phsar Leu Thom Thmey
Widely referred to as Phsar Leu by the locals, this is Siem Reap’s biggest and most authentic local market. Every day, locals gather here for the best bargains and freshest goods. Patronised mostly by locals, it is a huge maze of stalls selling groceries, electrical goods, and household items. However, while prices here are definitely lower, do note that there may be a language barrier as little English is used here.
If you fancy some French baguettes and pastries, you can head to the main entrance, where they sell baked goods. If you’re just settling into the city or have sufficient baggage weight, Phsar Leu is also a great place to purchase your kitchenware and household goods.
Address: NR6, Krong Siem Reap 17252, Cambodia
Opening hours: 6am to 11pm daily
3. Phsar Chas
Phsar Chas, also known as Old Market, is located in the old town centre and is the most accessible market of the local Siem Reap markets. Besides the many souvenir shops found on the streets of the market, you will also see many fresh produce stalls where the locals sell their homegrown products.
Go early in the morning at about 7am to experience the authentic bustle of the locals’ everyday life as they go about shopping for groceries. However, if you’d like a clearer view for photos ops, you might want to consider going later when it’s quieter and less chaotic.
You’ll be able to find unique homeware and gadgets, such as colourful cotton lacquer bowls and coconut wood servers. If you’d like to try some authentic Khmer food, you can also try the Khmer desserts and buy some of Siem Reap’s famous sausages.
Address: 2 Thnou St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 7am to 8pm daily
4. Made in Cambodia Market
For all you eco-lovers, you’d definitely want to visit Made in Cambodia Market. It is probably the most home-grown and eco-friendly market in Siem Reap and they have stalls operated by independent artists and designers, selling jewellery and accessories made from recycled materials.
They sell all sorts of things from colourful homeware which are hand-woven from plastic bags, and accessories made from can tabs. With the cheery atmosphere of an urban farmers’ market coupled with traditional live music, Made in Cambodia Market is now a favourite for visitors from all over the world. And have I already mentioned? As the name suggests, everything sold here is made locally in Cambodia!
Address: Street 27, Achar Sva St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm daily
5. Artisans Angkor
Artisans Angkor sells everything from stone and wood reproductions of home furniture to statues from the Angkorian era. This market was formed in 1999 to help young people find work in their hometowns by allowing them to work on their crafts while providing them stable career prospects. There is also a strong emphasis placed on maintaining the authenticity of its products relevant to the Khmer culture.
At their main boutique and workshops in Siem Reap, you can explore the traditional Khmer techniques used for stone and wood carving. There are tours catered to guide you to create impressive craftwares using raw materials. These tours are available in various languages, and run daily from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Address: Chantiers-Ecoles Stung Thmey, Street, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 7.30am to 6.30pm
6. Phsar Samaki Vegetable and Fruit Market
If you love browsing through the rows of stalls selling fresh produce at local markets, then you’d love Phsar Samaki. Located right opposite Phsar Leu, many locals claim that the fruits and vegetables are fresher at Phsar Samaki compared to other Siem Reap markets. You definitely need to try some of their fresh fruits when you’re there, labelled as the best by the locals themselves!
This market is a must-visit if you’re up for some budget shopping with an array of outdoor fruit and vegetable stalls laid out under colourful umbrellas. You can also look forward to sections of the market that local food vendors set up their stalls at if you’re up for some Khmer dishes.
Address: National Highway No. 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 4am to 10pm daily
7. Noon Night Market
If you know where Angkor Night Market is, Noon Night Market is just down the road, but on a smaller scale. Nonetheless, you can still expect to see more than 100 stalls selling a wide variety of things from ornaments to clothes, food and even movies. There are also many vendors selling local dishes, and a bar where you can chill at after shopping.
There are also many stalls selling souvenirs, and you will be able to find a wide range of products on sale here. However, the prices can vary among different vendors, so a rule of thumb is to bargain as much as you can and be sure to do a quality check of your items after the deal is sealed. Shopping at Noon Night Market will truly test your haggling skills!
Address: Street 07, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 12pm to 12am daily
Siem Reap is home to one of the most authentic markets in Cambodia, and is also a great place to put your bargaining skills to the test when shopping for souvenirs, local delicacies, or even fresh produce. With so many markets you can choose from to visit in Siem Reap, you will definitely want to squeeze in some time to visit their vibrant markets the next time you’re there.