From street markets to shopping malls, Phnom Penh has it all. Whether you want to buy groceries or some handcrafted Cambodian items, we’ve got you covered. Check out this list for the ten best places to shopping in Phnom Penh.
1. Central Market
The Central Market was first opened in 1937 and is located under a dome and four extending ‘legs’(hallways) of the structure. It’s an Art Deco building of Cambodia with a bright splash of yellow on the outside. It has countless stalls ranging from gold and silverware to electronic goods to food stalls. It’s a prominent market in Phnom Penh and is usually pretty busy with locals and tourists shopping for goods.
Address: Calmette St. 53, Phnom Penh
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
2. Russian Market
Another noteworthy street market is the Russian Market. This is the hippest market in town and one of the largest in Phnom Penh. Stalls selling wooden handicrafts, antiquities, miniature Buddhas, fruits and veggies, jewellery, etc occupy this market. And of course, you’ll see plenty of knock-off products with various brand tags. The market is also famous for Khmer iced coffee, elephant pants, grilled bananas, and bargaining.
Address: Street 163, Phnom Penh
Timings: 6 AM to 4.30 PM
3. Aeon Shopping Mall
If you like shopping in a modern mall, Aeon is the place for you. With over 190 retailers and food outlets, it is one of the largest malls in the city. It has 2 indoor playgrounds for kids, an ice-skating rink, karaoke lounge, bowling alley, arcade room, and the biggest cinema complex in the city. The shopping mall also has its namesake supermarket for grocery shopping and a substantial food court on the top floor.
Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh
Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM
4. Sorya Shopping Center
Sorya Shopping Center is the first shopping centre to be opened in the city. It has 7 floors with a cinema, arcades room and an entertainment complex. It has an extensive food court on the fourth floor and has many reputed brands and stores. This shopping centre is quite popular among the city’s population due to its convenience and variety of shops.
Address: Street 63, Phnom Penh
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
5. Phnom Penh Night Market
If you like touring a city at dusk, the night market of Phnom Penh is as fun as it gets. It has authentic street food and the main stage with different performers every evening. You’ll witness live music, company promotions, or theatre performances on this stage. The stalls sell stuff like souvenirs, statues, watches, wallets, clothes, along with coconut ice-cream, barbecue dishes, and luscious drinks. It’s the coolest place to hang out in the evening with chill vibes and the locals.
Address: Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
Timings: 5 PM to 11 PM
6. Street 240
Street 240 is a quiet street behind the Royal Palace. It has various fashion boutiques, cafes, souvenir shops, shops supported by charities and NGOs, and a volunteer library with a reading room. This is the place to explore for finding something original and unique. It is particularly for shops with handcrafted items and cafes with a beautiful aesthetic. Two of the stores in the street are mentioned further in the list.
Address: Oknha Chhun St. (240), Phnom Penh
Timings: Most shops from 8 AM
7. Artisan Designers (A.N.D)
Artisan Designers, more popularly known as A.N.D, is a handcrafted goods shop in Street 240. This shop hosts items made by disabled and disadvantaged (yet talented) artists, including indigenous minority groups. You’ll find true Cambodian art here, with hand-woven blankets, clothes, and bags. Their items are fair-priced and contribute to a larger benefit. They have now expanded to two stores in the street for hand-woven textiles and contemporary items respectively.
Address: Street 240, Phnom Penh
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
8. Watthan Artisan
Another store supporting the bigger cause of disabled artists is Watthan Artisan. They are primarily known for hand-loomed silk scarves which you won’t be able to resist. They also sell handcrafted souvenirs, intricate wooden designs, designer dresses, and much more. You can visit their wood-working and weaving workshops as well. Watthan Artisan is a cooperative of landmine and polio victims, with fair prices and exquisite products.
Address: Street 240, Phnom Penh
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
9. Monument Books and Toys
If you want a good book on your vacation, look no further than Monument Books and Toys. This is the leading international book store in Cambodia, with travel guides, children’s books, international newspapers and magazines, and a cafe upstairs. The majority of the books are in English, alongside Khmer and French. You can conveniently grab a good book from this store and walk up to Enso cafe right across the street for a perfect vacation chill.
Address: Preah Norodom Blvd (41), Phnom Penh
Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM
10. La Porte du Cambodge
This is the place to shop for souvenirs for your friends and family. La Porte du Cambodge is a cosy shop selling original products such as handmade soap, balm, bamboo crafts, coconut tree crafts, clothes and fabric, traditional souvenirs, etc. These products made by Khmer people support a higher cause of combating minefields.
Address: Street 13, Sangkat Chiy Chomnak Khan Doun Penh, Phnom Penh
Timings: 10 AM to 8.30 PM
So that was our top ten list of the best places to go shopping in Phnom Penh. While we certainly are yet to include so many great places where you can spend your money, let us know down in the comments below if you have been to any on our list!