Shopping Siem Reap

Siem Reap is an excellent place to buy Cambodian souvenirs, silks, handicrafts, textiles and contemporary art. Only Phnom Penh offers a comparable selection. In addition to the tradition shopping venues, over the last few of years there has been an explosion of new shops, galleries and boutiques, offering a varied selection of quality handicrafts and silks as well as original artistic creations in a variety of media.

Phsar Chas (the ‘Old Market’) is one of Siem Reap’s largest traditional covered markets and offers the largest selection of souvenirs under one roof in town. In fact, this market is really a ‘must visit’ in itself for the unique, colorful, local shopping experience. Of all the local markets, the Old Market offers the widest variety of souvenirs as well as the best selection of handicrafts and curios, including such items as traditional silverwork, silks, baskets, statuary, carvings and traditional musical instruments. See the Old Market area map. Also check out the just opened Angkor Night Market off Sivatha. The new night market promises an interesting after hours shopping venue.

Individual little boutiques, art and photo galleries are scattered across the town, though there is a concentration of places in the Old Market area. The boutiques tend to offer higher quality, more unique and sophisticated selections of items than the Old Market - some focusing on Cambodian silks and tailoring, others on high quality handicrafts, NGO-based crafts, Asian-inspired photographic and artistic creations or specialty items such as local candles, spices and teas. Perhaps most interestingly, a new generation of Cambodian artists is making its mark and contemporary Cambodian art is coming to the fore after decades of silence. In addition to the listed galleries, check out The Arthouse Gallery at The Warehouse and the The Arts Lounge at Hotel de la Paix, both featuring regularly changing exhibits featuring the works of contemporary Cambodian artists.

What to Buy

Hand-woven Cambodian silks, stone and woodcarvings, statues and castings, contemporary Cambodian art, Cambodian handicrafts and traditional musical instruments, temple rubbings, silver betel containers, colored gems and basketry are among the most popular souvenirs. The most useful and one of the cheapest souvenirs that you can buy is a traditional checkered Cambodian scarf (krama). If you don’t mind looking like a tourist, wear it around your neck like the locals to keep the intense tropical sun off the back of your neck.

Cambodian Silks
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. Many of the pieces available are potential collector’s items. A fascinating way to learn about Cambodian silk is to visit the National Silk Center (see listing page 56) where visitors can witness start-to-finish silk creation - growing and harvesting mulberry (food for the silk worms), the breeding process and life cycle of the silk worm, collection of cocoons, separation and spinning the silk, the dying process and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden, multi-harness hand looms. Cambodian silk is available at silk shops and boutiques across town, many specializing in silk creations such as tailored Asian and Euro-Asian fashions, pillows, blankets, purses and other decor and accessories. To learn more about Cambodian silk check the bookstore for ‘Traditional Textiles of Cambodia’ by Gillian Green

Statues and carvings
Statues and carvings of traditional subjects, often copies 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. Statues and carvings are

available at the Old Market and most souvenir shops, though it pays to shop around for the best price and quality. Highly-recommended is a stop at one of the local workshops such as Artisans D’Angkor to see craftsman producing wood and stone carvings. At Artisans d’Angkor visitors can observe artisans making traditional wood and stone carvings and lacquerwares following traditional techniques. Of special interest is the traditional polychromy finishing technique that is being practiced in the workshops. Polychromy imparts a unique patina to stone and wood pieces. Free tours available. See the Artisans d Angkor listing. Silver betel containers

Silver betel containers are popular, traditional souvenirs. These pounded silver containers are often shaped like animals, fruits and vegetables, and were originally used in ceremonial and everyday life to hold dried betel nut. (Betel is a type of palm nut that is chewed as a mild stimulant.) In the traditional market, betel looks like coin shaped, dark red plugs. You may see people, particularly older women from rural areas, with teeth stained deep red from years of chewing betel. Nowadays, silver betel containers are made primarily for sale as souvenirs but are still hand crafted using traditional techniques and styles. And in comparison to statues and carvings, they are comparatively light weight and transportable.

‘Temple rubbings’
‘Temple rubbings’ are for sale everywhere in Siem Reap - the temples, the souvenir shops and the Old Market - but are, in fact, neither actual rubbings nor from the temples. They are in fact made from a heavy paper that is moistened then molded over recreations of original and imagined Angkorian-era temple carvings. Nevertheless, these rubbings are distinctive, light weight, transportable, inexpensive and uniquely Cambodian souvenirs.

Gems
Gems are a tempting souvenir. Western Cambodia, particularly in the area of Pailin, is a fertile source of colored stones. The markets in Siem Reap are full of jewelers specializing in Cambodian sapphires and rubies. Know something about gems and/or know the jeweler before spending much money.

Boutiques, Galleries and Shops

Angkor Cookies-Madamsachiko
Specializing in edible souvenirs, especially the locally made confection, ‘Angkor Cookies.’ Available in small and large quantities. Angkor Cookies also offers a selection of Cambodian teas, coffees, palm sugar, chocolate, pepper and other locally produced products. Fully air-conditioned. Attached to Café Puka Puka serving shaved ice, fruit shakes and juices, tea and coffee in comfortable a/c. Open 9:30AM - 7PM.
Road to Angkor Wat, opposite Sofitel Hotel
Website: www.angkorcookies.com

Angkor Shopping Center
Two expansive floors of a/c shopping. The main focus is on gems and jewelry, offering a huge selection of gems. Custom orders welcome. Goldsmith always on site. Also offering a wide selection of Cambodia souvenirs including silks and silk clothing, stone, wood, marble and jade statues and carvings, Cambodian silver and foods. The Joan Yen Lau Restaurant on the third floor of the Shopping Center offers Hong Kong style Chinese cuisine and a full bar.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Opposite the Royal Gardens
Tel: +(855) (0)63-963522
Fax: +(855) (0)63-963606
E-mail: akshopping@online.com.kh

Artisans D’Angkor
Free guided tours of the workshops of wood and stne carving. Polychromy lacquering and guilding, silver plating and silk painting, and then discover the fascinating boutique displaying a variety of arts and craftsmade by artisans from the workshops using traditional cultural craftsmanship. 7:30AM-6:00PM.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
100m off Sivatha, near the Old Market area
Tel: +(855) (0)63-963330
E-mail: infos@artisansdangkor.com
Website: www.artisansdangkor.com

Artisans d’Angkor at National Silk Center
Discover the world of silk from the growing of mulberry trees to the production of silf fabrics including tradional silk cloths such as Hol Silk, Phamung and Lboeuk, as well as other accessoriews made from pure silk. Free daily guided tours. Located 20 minutes from Siem Reap town. Free shuttle bus at 9:30AM and 1:30PM from Artisans d’Angkor. Open daily from 8:00AM-5:30PM

Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Rte #6, 16km west of town

Tel: +(855) (0)63-963330
E-mail: infos@artisansdangkor.com
Website: www.artisansdangkor.com
 

Asia Craft Centre (ACC)
Unique showroom of Cambodian, Southeast Asian and South Asian traditional crafts and products. A good selection of quality handicrafts including silks and silk products - shawls, ties, table cloths and sets. Lacquerware and inlayed marble paintings. Wide selection of high quality handmade south Asian rugs, primarily from Kashmir. Silk looming and stone carving on-site. Special orders welcome. 9AM-8PM Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#0216, Road to Angkor Wat

Tel: +(855) (0)63-760321, +(855) (0)12-958467

Fax: +(855) (0)63-760320
E-mail: hilcambodia@yahoo.com   

Bambou Company Indochine
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 in Siem Reap @ Alley West and in Lucky Mall. Also a boutique in Phnom Penh at #7 Street 178, near the riverfront.

Visa/MC
bambouindochine@yahoo.com

Cinderella Girl’s Shop
Very pleasant little fashions and tailor shop in the heart of town. Ladies', girl's and some men's clothing, mostly in cotton, available off-the-rack and custom tailored. Two-day turn-around on tailored clothes. The tailor speaks Japanese and English. Fashion accessories and soft homewares.
Sivutha Blvd., Center Market Area

Tel: 012-876835

Diwo Gallery
The gallery featuring statues sculpted in the distinctive art style of the Angkorian period. These artworks were produced by Cambodian artists commissioned to create artworks with the same techniques and materials: bronze, silver, stone and wood used by their Khmer ancestors. The photo exhibition features the work of Thierry Diwo, a Cambodia-based French photographer and publisher who has been haunted by Angkor’s temples since first visiting them in 1992. His extensive collection on Angkor, an everlasting work in progress, includes images of monuments devoid of people, taken when the archeological park had but a few visitors each year.
Wat Svay, Tonle Sap Road Siem Reap

Tel: +(855) (0)92-930799

+(855) (0)92-876252
Website: www.tdiwo.com 
 

D’mouj International Co.
High quality carpet and handicraft shop specializing in South Asian crafts, particularly handmade silk carpets, wall-hangings and embroidered scarves from Kashmir. Other crafts and objects of art also available. Everything in the shop is handmade. Comfortable a/c shopping. Attentive, professional service and assistance. Custom orders and wholesale enquires welcome. Shipping. Carpets shipped for free.

Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Road to Angkor Wat

Tel: +(855) (0)63-966431

Fax: +(855) (0)63-966430
E-mail: info@kashmirhandicraft.com 
Website: www.kashmirhandicraft.com 

Happy Painting Gallery
Galleries featuring the paintings of Stéphane Delaprée (Stef), a singular artist with a gentle insight into everyday Cambodia. Since 1993. Sold: Original paintings, prints, limited edition reproductions, postcards, exclusive T-shirts, statues. Galleries in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Shipping arranged. Credit cards accepted. Visa/MC/JCB
Galleries at the Angkor Century Hotel, Siem Reap Airport, Old Market area and at hotels in Phnom Penh.

Tel: +(855) (0)23-726100

E-mail: stef@happypainting.net  
Website: www.happypainting.net  

Kokoon
Boutique, next to Blue Pumpkin, offers a wide range of local crafts : delicatessen corner (teas, spices, honey), fragrant oil, incense, original table-art (tea sets, coffee spoon, table set, plaited bamboo trays), jewelry and copper objects. Also shawls, kramas and a silk blanket collections. Kokoon has used the famous Phnom Srok silk to create a 100% Kokoon, 100% Khmer silk collection.  

Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Old Market area 

Tel: +(855) (0)63-963830

Leathers Collection
Offering a wide election of high quality, international standard crocodile leather products - bags, belts, wallets, footwear, cigarette boxes, watchstraps and more. Also offering a similarly wide selection of stingray, sea snake and ostrich leather products. Retail shop and farming, breeding, tannery and factory.
Road to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Tel: +(855) (0)17-777740
E-mail: thaidarith@yahoo.com

McDermott Gallery
Fine art photography of Angkor and Asia by John McDermott and other international photographers. A cool, relaxing atmosphere and comfortable chairs make this upscale gallery a pleasant place to browse. Limited edition photographs, reproductions, posters and cards for sale. Two locations. The original gallery, showing John McDermott’s images of Angkor, is at the FCC, along the riverfront. McDermott Gallery 2 is located in the Old Market area on The Passage and exhibits work by several international photographers. Open 10:00AM - 10:00PM.  

Visa/MC/AMEX
Gallery) Pokambor, just south of Rte. #6
Annex) Old Market area 

Tel: +(855) (0)12-615695
Website: www.asiaphotos.net

Rajana
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/JCB/AMEX
Old Market area 
Tel: +(855) (0)12-481894
E-mail: 012789350@mobitel.com.kh

Sao Mao 
Stylish Euro-Asian boutique with a variety of quality silks and silk creations, garments, art objects, silver jewelry and decor, tableware, unique coconut crafts, and curios. Cambodian coffee. Some spices and teas.

Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX 
Old Market area 
Tel: +(855) (0)12-818130
E-mail: 012818130@mobitel.com.kh
Website: www.saomao.com

Senteurs d’Angkor
Created in 1999, Senteurs d'Angkor pays special attention to quality, originality and authenticity of its products: statues, marbles, antiques, brass, copper and an important place dedicated to silk (kramas and bolts by meter). Also Senteurs d'Angkor manufactures his own range of products such as delicatessen (savory spices, flavored teas, rice brandy, coffee…) and scents (natural soap, oil, tiger balm…). Senteurs d'Angkor products can be identified by their original packaging, handmade from sugarpalm leaves. Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Opposite the Old Market 
Tel: +(855) (0)12-954815

Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop
The doors of the workshop are now open to the public. Passing through the different workshops, you will observe the manufacture of natural soaps made from coconut oil, of moisturizing creams and of subtly scented balms and candles. Observe the different steps in the treatment of spices, of their combinations to make the traditional curry or amok, and of the creation of flavored coffees and teas. See the coloring of sugar palm leaves and their weaving to produce lovely boxes made from natural fibers, called smoks. Learn to identify various exotic plants and flowers: lemongrass, chili, pepper plant, bougainvillea, frangipani tree, hibiscus, jasmine and more. 7.30AM to 5.30PM, everyday. Free visit. Visa/MC/JCB
Airport Road (Route #6)

Tel: +(855) (0)63-966733; +(855) (0)12-326546
Website: www.senteursdangkor.com

Traditional Markets (Phsar) and Souvenir Markets

Angkor Night Market
"The Angkor Night Market is unique. Not only do the naturally constructed stalls display good quality local wares but many are stocked with original items from outside Siem Reap. This has earned The Angkor Night Market a well-deserved reputation of place where you can find different and unusual products not readily available elsewhere in the local area. The Island Bar and Brick House Bar stand out as two of the only places in town where traditional Cambodian culture and architecture are fused with a cosmopolitan feel in an open-air, ambient setting. Visit 3D Cinema located just beside Island bar. You can choose from several movies, every day. You can see where Brother 1 Pol Pot got the idea to start a revolution that killed millions of innocent. Or you can enjoy amazing documentary about the largest snake market in the world. We provide the WiFi Internet access in Angkor Night Market - Island Bar - Brick House Bar. You can bring your laptop, buy ClickNet prepaid card and check your Email or surf your Internet."
Off Sivatha Blvd.

Tel: 092-654315
Website: www.angkornightmarket.com

Noon Night Market
The Noon Night Market is located in the center of town within easy walking distance of the Old Market area and Pub Street. Look for the lighted signs. Open noon till late. Dozens of stalls and shops offering a complete selection of Cambodian souvenirs, Khmer art, silks, handicrafts, massage and more. Al fresco bar and Khmer food restaurant at the back of the market both offering reasonably priced food and drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. Free wifi at the restaurants. ATM in market..
Old Market area, just off Sivatha Blvd.

Tel: 063-963775
Website: www.noonnightmarket.com

Phsar Chas (Old Market)
The Old Market (Phsar Chas) and the Old Market area are 'must sees' when visiting Siem Reap. Of the various traditional markets in the Siem Reap area, the Old Market is the most popular with tourists and visitors, offering the greatest selection of souvenirs and curios of any of the traditional markets. And the area around the Old Market is burgeoning with shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, massage and more. The Old Market is located on the river at the south end of the Old French Quarter. During the day and into the early evening the south side of the market near the river is alive with souvenir and silk vendors hawking a wide variety of Cambodian handicrafts, textiles, statues and curios. The Old Market is also a good place to pick up post cards, tee-shirts and other small items if you haven't already bought them from the vendors at the temples. The north half of the market caters primarily to the locals, vending fruit, vegetables, meats, clothes, appliances and such. A number of inexpensive food stalls line the northern edge, serving local fare in interesting though sometimes hygienically challenged conditions. The Old Market closes at sunset, but many of the souvenir vendors in south section of the market stay open past 8PM.

While the Old Market offers the greatest variety of souvenirs, the streets in the area around the market harbor several little galleries and boutiques, each with its own particular style, collection, art or specialty. The boutiques and galleries often offer higher quality, more select items, as well as more comfortable, often air-conditioned shopping venues. Other conveniences in the Old Market area include dozens of restaurants and pubs, especially along Pub Street, several travel agents and Internet shops, a couple of bookstores and several roving booksellers, convenience stores, banks and ATMs, and several reflexology/massage shops.

After the sun goes down, the focus shifts a block or two east of the Old Market to 'Pub Street,' so named for the numerous and varied restaurants and pubs that line the street from one end to the other. You can always find Khmer, Thai, French, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian and a variety of other international foods on at the 'Pub Street' restaurants. Most of the bars are open all day but don’t really get going until around 5PM as people return from the temples and come to take advantage of the various happy hour deals. In the later evening the street is blocked to motor traffic, allowing pedestrians to stroll easily. It's then that Pub Street really comes alive as the restaurants move their tables to the curbside and the bars crank up the music. The whole 'Pub Street' area is the center of nightlife in Siem Reap these days with most places staying open until at least midnight and few until near dawn. 'Pub Street Alley,' running parallel about a half of a block over, offers a somewhat different atmosphere - a quaint, shaded, tranquil retreat from the Pub Street crowds. The alley is a narrow lane lined with little galleries, shops, bars, cafés and Khmer restaurants. See Old Market for more.

Phsar Leu Thom Thmey (Big, New, Upper Market)
Phsar Leu is the main traditional market for the locals - an expansive market building full of vendors and stalls hawking everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to motorcycle parts, clothing and rice by the bushel. Not a good place to shop for souvenirs but a great place to see a bit of real Cambodia. The old Phsar Leu was torn down a few years ago and a new market building constructed and renamed ‘Phsar Leu Thom Thmey’ (Big, New Upper Market). Opens and closes with the sun. Busiest in the morning.
Route #6, east of town center

Supermarkets, Convenience Stores and Other Shopping 
Shops and businesses of various types stretch along Sivatha Blvd from Route #6 to the Old Market area - souvenir shops, convenience stores, banks and money changers, massage shops, travel agencies, photo shops and more. LuckyMall containing Lucky Supermarket, Monument Toys & Books, Lucky Burger, U-Care and a dozen other stores is the newest addition to international-style shopping scene. Convenience stores are located all over town with several along Sivatha Blvd, all offering selections of groceries, sundries, drinks and more.

Angkor Making Shoes
Siem Reap's only cobbler, making all-leather shoes and boots to order. Chose from a catalogue or bring a pair of shoes to replicate. All shoes individually made to your personal size and requirements. Individual and bulk orders welcome. Hotel and restaurant shoes for uniforms. Very reasonably priced.
Located on Street 05 just off of Sivutha Blvd. 

Tel: 012-941474

angkorshoes@yahoo.com

Angkor Market
One of the first and most complete international-style convenience stores in Siem Reap. Food, drinks, spirits, wines, ice cream...
Sivatha Blvd.

Tel: 063-767799

Angkor Trade Center Shopping Mall
Modern, air-conditioned shopping center in the Old Market area on the river road. Supermarket, restaurants, pizza shop, ice cream parlor and lots more.
Pokombor Ave., Old Market area.

Tel: 063-766766

Reasmey Tep Pranom
Airport Road international-style convenience store.
Airport Road (Route #6)

U-Care
Pharmacy, beauty products, toiletries
1) Old Market area
2) Lucky Department Store
3) Siem Reap International Airport
4) Cultural Mall at the Angkor National Museum

Photography Shops & Processing

Siem Reap has a more than ample number of photo shops. Almost all offer digital camera to print/CD services for around $3 per CD. Though some specialty films may be difficult to find, fresh supplies of most print and slide films are available from shops in town and vendors at the temples. Most shops offer one hour processing as well as a limited selection of photographic equipment and supplies.

Book Stores

Most book vendors in Siem Reap focus on Cambodia and Southeast Asia related books, Angkor temple guides and travel books. Some places offer proper, original copies but most sell bootleg versions at cut-rate prices. Monument Books at the Museum Mall offers the best selection of new, original books in town and Monument Books at Lucky Mall carries children’s books. In the Old Market area, D’s Books on 2 Thnou Street opposite the hospital has new and used books and Siem Reap Book Center on 2 Thnou at the end of Pub Street offer a selection of Cambodia related titles. Several roving book carts prowl the Old Market area offering selections of the most popular Cambodia related titles. Book stalls on the riverside of the Old Market sell temple guides and Cambodia-related books, as do small vendors near the temples.