Shopping in Phnom Penh is now quite diverse, and you can find most anything you want or need to buy. There are three main local markets, and many other, smaller local markets scattered though out the city.
In addition to the traditional local markets where people can buy everything needed for daily life, there are now several shopping malls, supermarkets, mini marts, silk shops, souvenir shops, boutique shops, art galleries, and shops and stores of every size and description.
Most retail shops both large and small accept credit cards now. Prices are in US Dollars, and there are now ATMs in many locations across the city dispensing US dollars. It is best to exchange money at banks, especially large amounts but after banking hours, you can change money at moneychangers.
Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, although there is a fee. In most shops where prices are marked, you cannot bargain. But at the local markets, and at some smaller shops, you can bargain the price. Always be very careful when purchasing expensive jewellery and gemstones.
Night Market (Phsar Reatrey)
The new Night Market in Phnom Penh, located on the riverfront, is definitely targeted at visitors. It has a wide selection of all the usual tourist items including handicrafts, silks, art, T-shirts, curios, knickknacks, and souvenirs. While it is an open market like a local market, it has a bit more of a relaxed and festive atmosphere than a typical local market. The night market is a different addition to Phnom Penh’s shopping scene.
Opening Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 17:00 to midnight
Location: Sisowath Quay between Street 106 and Street 108
Olympic Market (Phsar Olympic)
This is a three-story market near the Olympic Stadium, and features mostly wholesale goods. For this reason, it is popular with local residents buying in bulk. They have fabrics, clothes, religious items, and traditional Khmer dresses. Buyers can perhaps find big discounts, and the market is worth a visit.
Location: south of Sihanouk Blvd., on Street 199 and Street 193
Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
The name of this market came from the 1980s after the Vietnamese occupation when it was a market for foreigners, and most foreigners were Russian. The Russian Market has a large selection of souvenirs, curios, antiques, carvings, Buddha statues, handicrafts, silks, fabrics, DVDs, inexpensive electronic goods, and many other things of interest to visitors. It is also the place to buy clothes at big discount prices. Jewellery and gemstones are big here, but as always, you need to be careful, and be aware of scams and fakes.
Location: West of Street 155, between Street 440 and Street 450
Lucky Supermarket
With several locations in Phnom Penh, and one in Siem Reap, Lucky is the largest supermarket chain in Cambodia. They are not quite on the scale as you would find in developed countries, but they are actual supermarkets with a good selection of local and international brands. There is also a department store at the Sihanouk Blvd. store.
Opening Hours: From 08:00 to 21:00
Location: Sihanouk Branch - #160E Sihanouk Blvd., just east of Monivong Blvd.
Sorya Shopping Center
This 12-storey western-style mall was the first real mall in Phnom Penh. It is quite large, and contains many restaurants, and a variety of shops selling mostly clothes, shoes, jewelry, toys, and some electronics and appliances. It also has the first supermarket set up in Phnom Penh, Lucky Supermarket. There is a food court, roller skating rink, and games arcade on the upper floors.
Opening Hours: From 09:00 to 21:00
Location: Street 63, one block south of the Central Market
Read more: Shopping in Siem Reap
