Grosse Rundreise

It is pleasant to take leisurely strolls around Phnom Penh, browse the shops and take in the city. Boulevards peppered by beautiful colonial buildings and a park like riverfront with cafes and restaurants together make this a beautiful city to visit. The art galleries on Street 178 between the National Museum and Wat Sarawan are a real treat.

Phsar Thmey, better known as the Central Market, is a unique building built in 1937. Phsar Thmey literally means “New Market”. The location where the Central Market now sits was once a swamp area and occupied by a lake known as Beng Decho. Today, this beautiful market has become a prominent landmark in Phnom Penh. This is a stylish Art Décor rotunda with wings extending in four different directions. The dome is said to be among the largest in the world. The four wings and the bean-less dome are very well ventilated by the high ceiling; and it’s an anthill of activity on any given day. The market sells almost anything from fresh produce to souvenirs and clothes. Tourist can certainly get some interesting bargains and unique finds.

The Toul Tum Poung market is often referred to as the Russian Market. This is so named because of its popularity among Russian expatriates during the 1980s. This market is popular to collectors of genuine antiques; also for those looking for good reproductions. Although this market is not as attractive in looks as the Central Market, it has a larger and more varied offering of souvenirs, curios and silk materials. This is probably the best place to find branded factory over-run.

• Sorya Shopping Centre
• Sovanna Shopping Centre
• The City Mall

Development and changes come naturally in any booming economy. New shopping malls have sprung in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. These new developments are a welcome improvement over the traditional market retail shops. Amongst the many modernized shops in these centers, there are restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets. These malls offer great bargains and are also the best places for tourists to mingle with the local people. With the surge of city-style retail shops erupting along with the recent burst of development, the cities are becoming more vibrant. Indeed, Cambodia is fast evolving; tourists will never be lack of the opportunity for shopping.

No shopping experience is complete without the thrills and satisfaction of shopping at night; especially one as a tourist in an exotic destination.

The night market in Phnom Penh is located in front of the Phsar Chas (Old market) near the riverside and is perpetually crowded with tourists who are there for a good bargain. At the moment, more than 150 stalls catering a huge array of goodies from clothes and ornaments to furniture and souvenirs. The entire setting of the Phnom Penh night market is made from natural material and it gives the visitor a sense of satisfaction knowing that here is the place to find a good souvenir to take home with. The night market is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.