SHOPPING

Shopping...

    For Cambodian souvenirs, art, silks, handicrafts and curios, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer an ever growing range and variety of shopping opportunities and products. Traditional Cambodian souvenirs include fine hand-loomed silks, Angkorian and Buddhist themed carvings and statuary, hand-pounded silverwork, colored gems, traditional handicrafts, Cambodian basketry and of course, the most traditional of all Cambodian souvenirs, the krama - a checkered scarf unique to the Khmer people and tourists in Cambodia. The traditional markets, especially Phsar Toul Thom Pong (Russian Market) and Phsar Thmey (Central Market) both offer excellent selections of traditional souvenirs as well as a unique local shopping experience. But there is much more to the Phnom Penh shopping scene these days. Fine boutiques and art galleries offer unique, sophisticated selections of high-quality contemporary Asian art, custom tailored EuroAsian fashions in Khmer silk, home decor and, of particular interest, the artistic works of a new generation of Cambodian artists, coming to the fore after decades of near silence. Several boutiques are clustered together along Street 240 behind to the Royal Palace. Boutiques, silk shops and souvenir shops also dot the riverfront area and the Boeung Keng Kang 1 area. Street 178 next to the National Museum is known as 'Art Street' for the art galleries that line the street from the riverfront to Street 19.
 

What to buy...


Cambodian Silk - Cambodian silks are prized by silk collectors the world over. Most of the silk available in Cambodia is hand-loomed using the traditional ikat method of dying the threads and looming in the patterns. Both raw and fine silks are available in the form of bolts, sarongs, clothing and various handicrafts. Cambodian silk is available at the Russian Market and silk shops and boutiques across town, many specializing in silk creations such as tailored Asian and Euro-Asian fashions, fashion accessories and soft furnishings. To learn more about Cambodian silk check out the book, ‘Traditional Textiles of Cambodia’ by Gillian Green



Silverwork - Silver areca nut containers are popular traditional souvenirs. These pounded silver containers are ordinarily shaped as animals, fruits and vegetables, and were and to some degree still are used in ceremonial and everyday life to hold dried areca nut. (Areca nut, also known as 'betel nut,' is a mild stimulant that is chewed as one chews tobacco. You may notice some people in the countryside, especially older women, with teeth stained black from years of chewing areca.) Nowadays, the silver containers are made primarily for sale as souvenirs but are still hand crafted using traditional techniques and styles. 



Statues and Carvings - Statues and carvings of traditional subjects, often replicas of Angkorian-era works as well as Buddhas and various Hindu gods and personages, are available in stone, wood and brass. Statues make for relatively heavy, bulky souvenirs but are still very popular because of their beauty and artistic value. The replica of an Angkorian era bust of Jayavarman VII with its graceful lines and peaceful smile is truly captivating and is perhaps the most popular piece..






Art - Over the last few of years Cambodia’s art scene has begun to blossom as a new generation of Cambodian artists takes the fore. The chic little silk, art and furniture boutiques along Street 240 and the art galleries and boutiques on Street 178 (‘Art Street’) near the National Museum are both great areas to explore for quality traditional and contemporary Southeast Asian art. Of particular note, the award winning Reyum Gallery on Street 178 offers some of the most interesting and important exhibitions in town, featuring the work of some of Cambodia's best known and upcoming contemporary artists as well as cultural exhibitions. New exhibitions open every couple of months. Other art spaces offering changing exhibitions include Java Café & Gallery ( www.javaarts.org ) and the very active Meta House ( www.meta-house.com ,) the Check the back page of the Friday Cambodia Daily and the 'Listings' section of the Phnom Penh Post for new and on-going exhibitions.


Gems - Western Cambodia, particularly in the area of Pailin, is a fertile source of colored stones, particularly sapphires and rubies. In addition to the listed jewelers, gem dealers can be found at the Central Market and Russian Market. Know something about gems and/or know your jeweler before spending much money.
 
 



Where to buy...
 
Traditional Markets


Central Market (Psah Thmei) 
The distinctive yellow domed Phsar Thmey (also known as the ‘Central Market’) is a ‘must see,’ both as a historic and architecturally interesting building and as a shopping destination. Phsar Thmey is currently undergoing renovation but a good part of the project has been completed. After a brief relocation the souvenir vendors are all back in place along the central entrance walk offering statuary, silverwork, handicrafts, silks and kramas, carvings, photocopy books and postcards and the largest selection of souvenir t-shirts and caps and town. way. And the central section of the main building is recently reopened as well, once again housing an amazing display of jewelry and gem

Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung) 
Of all the traditional markets, the Russian Market offers the largest and most varied selection of souvenirs, curios and other items of interest to the visitor. The south side of the market is the place to begin your shopping foray, lined inside and out with stalls selling carvings, handicrafts, silks and fabrics, curios, CDs and inexpensive electronic goods. This market offers the largest selection of bootlegged VCDs, DVDs and CDs in town, with vendors located near southeast entrance. There are also several fabric vendors making it a good place to pick up fabric to take to the tailor. (This market became the foreigners market during the 1980’s when most of the foreigners were Russians, hence the name ‘Russian Market.’)


Boutiques, Silk Shops and Art Galleries


Fine gems and jewelry at the Amy & Co. jewelry store in the Phnom Penh Hotel. Specializing in diamonds, complete with international certificate. Also offering a wide selection of other gems - rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc. All products from the USA. Settings made to order in the latest styles. Wedding rings made to order. Engraving.
#53, Monivong (Phnom Penh Hotel), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-497278
Tel/Fax: 023-992838
amy.n.company@gmail.com

Artisans d'Angkor, long-established and well respected in Siem Reap for its fine Cambodian art and crafts, has opened its first ever boutique in Phnom Penh, located in the old district opposite the Post Office. Featuring wood and stone carvings, lacquer wares and silk items and introducing a prestige gold collection finished with gemstones inlay.
Open daily 9:00AM - 6:00PM.
#12AE0, Street 13 (opposite the Post Office), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-992409
www.artisansdangkor.com
 

 Bambou has an extensive range of originally designed, high quality t-shirts for men, women and children. The collection, inspired by the images of Indochina, is hand printed on 100% cotton and available in a full range of European standard sizes and many colors. Also offering a beautiful collection of casual and cool resort wear. “We pride ourselves on quality you can trust – even when you get home, so don’t leave Cambodia without a Bambou on you!” Two boutiques also in Siem Reap @ Alley west and Lucky Mall.
Visa/MC
#7, Street 178, near the riverfront, Phnom Penh, Cambodia  
bambouindochine@yahoo.com



Street 240 boutique and spa. Very well-regarded Street 240 boutique offering a unique Eurasian fashions designs, silks, quilts, pillows, soft furnishing, bags and exotic homewares. Spa, massage, skin treatments, steam, sauna, plunge pool. Open 9AM-9PM.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#29, Street 240, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-215754


A variety of Cambodian handcrafts, silk clothing and products sold at the Pour un Sourire d'Enfant's boutique shop are made by the children's mothers. Your purchases benefit the children and their mothers who previously worked at the Stung Mean Chey dumpsite in Phnom Penh. Open from Monday to Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM. Saturday closed at 12:00PM.
Visa/MC/JCB/ANZ
#402, Trea Village, Stung Meanchey
Tel: 023-995660


 
NGO-based Souvenir and handicraft shop. The Rajana shop has a wide variety of items including silk products, silk paintings, silver jewelry, bamboo crafts, handicrafts, cards, drawings, iron works, hilltribe crafts and even local coffees, spices and condiments. “The Rajana Association is an income generation and skills training project that produces Fair Trade products using traditional Cambodian skills with contemporary designs.”
Visa/MC
Streets 450 & 155 , Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-364795
rajana@rajanacrafts.org
www.rajanacrafts.org


Cambodia Silks and Silk Products Riverfront silk boutique displaying an impressive choice of authentic hand-woven Cambodian silks and silk products - literally a wall of fine and raw silks in a variety of colors and patterns. Silk clothing - custom tailored and off the rack, bags, accessories and homewares. Other quality Cambodian products and handicrafts also available.
#221, Sisowath Quay (on the riverfront), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-212612
vsilkshowroom@yahoo.com
 
 
Located in Wat Than pagoda, Watthan Artisans - Cambodia (WAC) is a worker-run cooperative of Cambodian artisans with disabilities. The focus of the retail shop is on Cambodian silk fabrics and scarves, bags and office accessories and homewares. Other materials used include Cambodian cotton, straw and wood. Wholesale enquiries are welcome.
#180 Norodom Blvd. (Wat Than pagoda), Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
NGO based Cambodian handicrafts shop specializing in Cambodian silk products and wood carving and statues but also works in beads and coconut shell. Silk handbags. Comfortable shop also serving Khmer cake and soft drinks. “Yodicraft provides employment and training for young Cambodian with disabilities.” Yodicraft is part of the Yodifee group.
#172Eo, Street 13, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-324548
www.yodifee.org
 


 




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