Shopping in Siem Reap

Local Markets 'Phsar' is the Khmer name for a traditional market. Phsars cater primarily to local people and sell everything from clothes and electrical and household goods to fruit, vegetables and meat.

Phsar Samaki Phsar Samaki is located on Nat. Rt. #6, east of the traffic lights. The market offers sundries, clothes, perfumes, gems, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Phsar Chas Phsar Chas (Old market) is located in the former, French Quarter close to I Pub Street and the numerous western bars and restaurants in this part of town. It is tourist-orientated and sells a wide range of souvenirs and handicrafts. Phsar Chas is also the place where many locals buy food and household items. The aroma in the fish and meat halls can be very pungent but these are popular areas to photograph. There are sever- al small restaurants within the market selling local soups and snacks.

Phsar Kandal Phsar Kandal (Central II Market) is fairly new, land is located on Sivatha Road in the center of town. This market is aimed squarely at the tourist with many souvenir and silver shops, agencies and money- changers. Many of the shops open until 9pm.

Phsar Leu
Phsar Leu (Upper Market) is the largest local market in Siem Reap and sells food, clothes, household goods & jewelry. On Nat. Rt. #6, east of Phsar Samaki on the opposite side of the road.
 
Markets
Angkor Trade Center A new and Modern Shopping Center near the old Market, in the heart of Siem Reap. Shopping is easier & more convenient with a wide variety of shops for all your shopping needs. Visit the Angkor Trade Center Shopping Complex for the best shopping in Siem Reap. Location: Pokambor St., just east of the Old Market Bridge

Angkor Market Large selection of imported food, including beer, cheese, canned goods, cold meats, etc. Good selection of wine and spirits. Freshly-baked bread. Newspapers and Magazines. Your One-Stop Shop! Corner of Sivatha St. and Oum Khun St.

Angkor Night Market A new addition to the Siem Reap shopping scene, the Angkor Night Market has many stalls selling a wide variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, paintings, and silk and bamboo products. There is an Island Bar where you can enjoy a cool drink after a hard night of shopping. Open from about 4:30pm til midnight. Located just off of Sivatha St. in downtown Siem Reap

Max Mart Two locations on the west side of Sivatha St. in the Old Market area. Somewhat limited selection. Friendly staff.

Sin Kong Shop (sign says Sin Kong Drink Shop) On the north side of Nat. Rt. #6, east of the traffic lights. It offers canned and packaged goods, cheese, liquor and wine. Reasonable prices.
 
Star Mart Located at the Caltex gas station on National Rd. #6, west of the Sivatha St. Good selection of snacks, toiletries and drinks. ATM on site.

Souvenirs 
Angkor Naga Designs Fashionable - Natural & Original Designs with a touch of Tribal Reminiscence & Simplicity. Now you can order your own design on a T-shirt, Stubby Holder, or even a pair of Slippers. Custom printing ready by the next day - OK. Location: Angkor Night Market, Stall #3 .

Angkor Silk Farm (Artisans d'Angkor) Located at the National Silk Center in Puok. Entrance and guided tours are free of charge.

Artisans d'Angkor Helps young people to develop craft skills. Location in Siem Reap is called the Angkor Crafts Center. Shops in Siem Reap and  PhnomPenh airports. Located off of Sivatha St. in
Siem Reap.

Bamboo Shoots-The Shop Supports young Cambodians and villagers in production and marketing of Cambodian en Special product orders taken. Location: Angkor Night Market (near The Island Bar)

Banteay Srei Art Handicraft Specializing in stone carving, creating beautiful, traditional stone work; they are known as  the "Masters" of stone carving. They also offer a wide selection of very high quality woodcarvings and silver art, as well as more modern paintings of Cambodian life. Well worth the trip to see the showroom and the artisans at work. Located near Wat Thmey. Commaille St., Tor Peang Sess Village, Kokchork Commune, Siem Reap District, Siem Reap Province

Iyv Hoursim Khmer Crafts Center
Retail & wholesale sales of a wide variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. Khmer sculptures at very reasonable prices. Also selling antiques and Buddha statues. Location: 315 Sivatha Blvd., Siem Reap
 
Naturally Cambodian Handicrafts I the Modern and traditional crafts and souvenirs  from independent, village crafts people. They assist with income generation for small businesses and self-employed persons. Excellent, quality crafts made from Cambodian silk wood, coconut, etc. Really worth taking a look Location: near Old Market, Siem Reap (Shop also in Phnom Penh).

 Khmer Angkor Art Workshop  The workshop has been operating for almost  11 years, and trains the vulnerable among sat Khmer society, especially those who are disabled and orphaned, and who have no opportunity  for employment. They are trained in carving skills so they can earn an income, and provide a better future for their families. The training takes from one to three years, and they are given financial support during their training Everyone is welcome to visit the workshop, and help support the project, and those who are trying to make a better life for themselves. Location: Tro Peang Sess Village, Kokchok  Commune, Siem Reap (north of Killing Field)

Rajana Khmer Art & Craft Shop Features both contemporary and traditional Cambodian crafts. Silk paintings, Silver Jewelry, Cards, Bamboo Crafts, Drawings, Iron Work, Hill Tribe Crafts, and more. Open Mon. - Sat. 8am - 10pm Sun. 4pm - 10pm Location # 1: Old Market Shop on Pub Street between Red Piano & Angkor What?
Location #2: 153 Sivatha Street (opposite the street to the Night Market)

Rehab Craft Cambodia RCC is a non-profit organization providing long-term, sustainable employment opportunities for Cambodians with physical disabilities by producing and marketing quality handicrafts including silk handbags, wallets, accessories, home decoration, wood/stone carving, silver jewelry and recycled items. Help them to continue to promote their high quality Cambodian crafts internationally. All your purchases offer a better standard of living for disabled persons. Open Daily from 9am-7pm. In Siem Reap, drop by and check out the great gifts and decorative items at their shop at: #8, Pi Tnou Rd. (across from the Old market)

Samatoa 
1 Natural silk clothes specialist using only high quality silk and tailoring. All clothing is guaranteed, and produced by a team of experienced tailors. Open since 2004.

Silk Weaving - A Cambodian Heritage Silks with names like Hol, Pamuong, Sampot Alounh, sarong, Kniew and  Krama are produced in vibrant colors, and adorn many specialty shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. This Cambodian handicraft has been passed down from generation to generation. Khmer natural silk has a unique quality, and is called the Golden Thread because of the original color of the natural silk. Cambodian silk is still produced by traditional methods in the village of Phnom Srok, 1 hour & 30 mins from Siem Reap. This unique skill has been passed down from generation to generation, and Phnom Srok is one of the remaining villages producing natural silk in Cambodia.

Wats and Shrines
Wat Bo is the most historic structure in Sierr Reap Province, other than the Angkorian ruins. It is located off Wat Bo Road and its quiet surroundings contain stupas, flowers and shrubs and the monks’ living quarters. However, the main attractions at Wat Bo are the wall paintings depicting the Ramayana and scenes from the life of the Buddha. The elegant style and subtle colors of the murals contrast sharply with the current vogue for bright, garish temple paintings. Unfortunately, the poor condition of the building in which they are housed means that many scenes have already been damaged or destroyed by rainwater. While teams of specialists have rightly been dedicated to the preservation of the Angkor Temples, this treasure-trove of Khmer art is now at great risk.

Free Meditation and Conversation Sessions at Wat Bo The monks at Wat Bo offer meditation sessions from 4.00pm-5.00pm Friday-Sunday and hold informal conversation sessions about Buddhism and their daily life Monday- Thursday from 4.00pm-5.00pm. These sessions are free and anyone is welcome to attend. For further information contact 012 756490 or ask at the Wat (Siem Reap Map F-11).

Wat Thmei (New Wat) contains a unique glass- walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well, while others are the remains of soldiers. Located 500m west of the road to Angkor about 1.5km north of town. (Temple Map).

Wat Damnak is also a very old temple and houses the Center for Khmer Studies (a public library) in its compound. There are also colonial style-buildings around the temple. (Siem Reap Map B-15). Siem Reap has several important and interesting shrines two of these are located on National
Road No.6, across from the Royal Residence.

Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Charm This shrine holds two standing Buddhas. The figures have great local significance and are believed to provide protection for the town. A local legend tells that Khmer Rouge cadres attempted to remove the two statues from the shrine, but the statues became heavier and heavier and the cadres were unable to lift them. Eventually they gave up and left the figures in situ. Flowers and incense are sold from a stall in front of the shrine. A constant flow of visitors comes to pay homage and the shrine is often busy in the evening. The shrine to Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm is considered a place of good fortune and it is common for newly-married couples and their families to visit the shrine. Wedding parties can often be seen outside. (Siem Reap Map D-9)

YaTep Cambodia's provinces and towns have their own local spirits and protectors. In Siem Reap, Ya Tep is a sort of patron saint' who is believed to have the power to protect travelers. The shrine dates back to the 18th century. It attracts local worshippers on a daily basis and is very busy during the principal Buddhist holy days. The shrine to Ya Tep is easy to find, being located on an island in the middle of National Road No.6, next to the Royal Residence. (Siem Reap Map D-9).

Countryside Tours
One of Cambodia's great tourists attractions is the country itself. If you are enchanted by rice paddies and water buffalo, houses on stilts and little villages; you will find a tour through the Cambodian countryside truly worthwhile. There are several interesting areas within easy reach of Siem Reap. Head south from the Old Market area along the road to Phnom Krom and the Tonle Sap Lake. There are lots of local industries along the roadside and superb scenery as you get close to the lake. Alternatively, the road to Banteay Srey, north east of the main temple area, passes through a classic Cambodian landscape of sugar palms and paddy fields. The numerous villages along the way provide an idea of the daily hardship and poverty in rural Cambodia. Villagers in this  area are used to seeing tourists but it is still important to be respectful when taking photo-graphs. Arrange countryside tours through an agency or hire a tuk-tuk or moto-taxi for a day.

Museums
Angkor National Museum The new National Museum in Siem Reap has recently opened. The museum's 8 galleries contain original artifacts restored by Angkor Conservation and a collection of 1000 Buddha statues. Other galleries focus on ancient clothing styles; the four principal kings of Angkor; the extant written material from the Angkor temples and the history and religion of the pre- Angkor period. Innovative mixed-media displays tell the story of the Angkor civilization and multi-lingual tour guides and audio units are also available. The Angkor National Museum is located on Charles de Gaul Boulevard heading north towards the Main Entrance to Angkor Wat. Entry: $3 for Khmers and $12 for foreigners. Open 10.00am - 8.00pm (Siem Reap Map D-7)

Mine Museum
Founded by Mr. Akira, a former soldier and domineer, this museum is a fascinating testament to Cambodia's violent past, and to Aki Ra's personal survival. It documents the story of Aki Ra's life and experiences through a quarter-century of war, and houses one of the world's largest collections of decommissioned mines and other ordnance. Aki Ra has founded an NGO, in cooperation with CLMMRF, to maximize his vision of "making my country safe for my people". The museum is home to several young landmine victims taken in by Akira and his wife. This is a unique museum and a thoroughly worthwhile project. The museum is open from 7am to 6pm. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted and much appreciated.
Note: The Mine Museum is now on the right hand side of the road to Banteay Srey.

Cambodian Cultural Village Cambodian history and culture in a kind of over-priced theme park. Good displays of traditional dance plus a wax museum. Admission: $2 for Khmer, $12 for foreigners. Location: National Rd. #6

War Museum A limited display of guns, mines, tanks and other military hardware. Open from 8am to 5:30pm. Entry costs $3. Do not confuse this museum with the Mine Museum. Location: Kasekam Village off of National Rd. #6 on way to airport.

Tonle Sap-Floating Village
Note: it is advisable to book boat trips and transport to the Tonle Sap and Floating Village through a reputable agency or boat company as over-charging at checkpoints can occur.

Tara River Boat For a great experience on the Tonle Sap Lake, the Tara River Boat provides tours to the great lake which include visits to the floating village, Environmental Center, Gecko Center, crocodile & fish farms, and dining on the river boat. The cost of the tours are all inclusive. The "Tara" is the largest ship on the lake, and is a beautifully restored, 50 year old vessel. Ten percent of all profits go directly back to the community. Day trips and Sunset trips are offered. You can spend the day on the lake, and enjoy fantastic sunsets. Air conditioned cabins with all amenities are available for overnight stay. Tours of the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Kompong Phluk, and Kompong Khleang can be arranged. For more information, fees and schedules, con- tact the Tara River Boat at 012-771641, or inquire at your hotel or guesthouse.

Raja Yoga Free one hour introductory sessions, and longer courses if you have the time.  Experienced teachers offering a practical and simple meditation technique. Books & CDs in many languages are available. Registered NGO with branches in over 100 countries. Location: # 138 Mondol 111, Sior Kram Commune, Siem Reap

Balloon Rides The balloon station is 1 km to the west of Angkor Wat. The balloon rises 200 meters in the air on a fixed wire and provides amazing views of the temples and landscape. Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times for a ride.

Trips to Prek Toal The Bird Reserve is part of  the UNESCO declared Tonle  Sap Great Lake Biosphere Reserve. Breeding colonies include large water birds extinct elsewhere in South .East Asia: Oriental Darter, Spot Billed Pelican, Greater and Lesser Adjutant, Painted and Milky. Stork and Black Headed Ibis. OSMOSE, a local NGO working in environmental education and conservation, runs trips to the core reserve in cooperation with the Environmental Research Station in Prek Toal.

Quad Adventure Explore Cambodia and meet Khmer families in a spirit of Discovery, Respect and Safety. Guided Tours from 45 mins. to 1 day tours on our fully equipped All Terrain Vehicles.

Sokha Helicopters Discount Flight packages available. Cambodia has some of the most amazing sites in the world like Angkor Wat. To fully appreciate the wonder and scale of this unique temple region, you need to see it from the air. Sokha Helicopters lets you do this in comfort and style in one our luxurious, air-conditioned helicopters. More comprehensive scenic flights to remote temples are also available. Helicopters are available for private and commercial charters. Flights depart from the Balloon Site in Siem Reap.

Night Clubs 
Zone One Located near the Salina Hotel on Phsar Nge Street, this modern club is popular with Khmers. Its central location ensures it is busy most evenings but it is especially lively at weekends. There is a restaurant area outside and a small bar inside serving beers, cocktails and soft drinks. Upstairs areas contain karaoke and massage facilities. (Siem Reap Map A-11)

Bakheng Club The Bakheng Club has the best sound and lighting system in town and also offers live stage performances. There is an outside restaurant and areas set aside for massage and karaoke. It is difficult to find but most moto and tuk-tuk drivers know its location.

Martini Bar Martini Bar is the most down-market of the town's nightclubs. Its riverside location near the Old Market Bridge makes it easy to get to and it is known to most moto and tuk-tuk drivers. The club serves a wide range of beers and these are promoted by highly persistent beer sellers. (Siem Reap Map E-14)