Shopping in Cambodia
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Samatoa
If you find yourself in need of a party frock, this designer dress shop offers original threads in silk, with the option of a tailored fit in 48 hours. Samatoa promotes fair trade.
reviewed
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Psar Tuol Tom Pong
Haggling at this market requires peering over mounds and mounds of clothing and quality kramas (chequered silk scarf worn around the necks, shoulders and waists of nearly every Khmer). It is often referred to as the Russian Market, as back in the 1980s it was the Russians' retail outlet of choice. It is the best place for souvenir T-shirts, CDs, DVDs and miniature carvings.
reviewed
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Bayon Market
Recently relocated to a bigger premises, Bayon Market has a good range of products, including some nice surprises that don’t turn up elsewhere in the city.
reviewed
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Angkor Night Market
Something different on the Siem Reap shopping scene, this lively night market includes handicrafts, souvenirs and silks. Shopping by night is a great way to avoid tropical torpor, plus there is the Island Bar at the back of the market for a spot of libation.
reviewed
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Eric Raisina Workshop
Renowned designer Eric Raisina brings a unique cocktail of influences to his couture. Born in Madagascar, raised in France and resident in Cambodia, he offers a striking collection of clothing and accessories. Call ahead to arrange an appointment.
reviewed
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Tabitha Cambodia
This cosy little shop stocks silk scarves, cushion covers and throws, as well as an original selection of soft toys. Proceeds go towards community-aid projects like house-building and well-drilling.
reviewed
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Rajana
Beautiful selection of cards, some quirky metalware, quality jewellery, bamboo crafts and a range of condiments from Cambodia. It also has a booth in nearby Psar Tuol Tom Pong.
reviewed
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Bodytune
Pamper that inner princess at this lavish outpost of a leading Thai spa. This is a fine place to relax and unwind on the riverfront, set in a grand old French-era building.
reviewed
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Seeing Hands Massage
Massages from trained blind masseurs. Helps you to ease those aches and pains, helps them stay self-sufficient.
reviewed
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Mekong Blue
A silk-weaving centre on the outskirts of Stung Treng, Mekong Blue is part of the Stung Treng Women's Development Centre. Mekong Blue specialises in exquisite silk products for sale and export. It is possible to see the dyers and weavers in action at this centre, most of whom come from vulnerable or impoverished backgrounds. There is a small showroom on site with a selection of silk on sale, plus a café. The centre is located about 4km east of the centre and moto drivers know the place.
reviewed
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Weaves of Cambodia
The Weaves of Cambodia silk-weaving centre, known locally as Chum Ka Mon, was established by the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF) to rehabilitate amputees injured by land mines. Its artisans - who are at their hand looms from 07:00 to 11:00 Monday to Saturday - produce fine silk scarves and sarongs for export to Australia, Japan and the USA. To get there from the hospital on NH64, head four blocks east and half-a-block south.
reviewed
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Pottery Development Center
The golden-hued mud piled up in the yards of Ondong Rossey is quarried at nearby Phnom Krang Dai Meas and pounded into fine clay before being shaped and fired; only at the last stage does it acquire a pinkish hue. Pieces, including piggy banks, can be purchased at the Pottery Development Center. In Kompong Chhnang, several stalls selling Ondong Rossey pottery can be found on NH5 towards Phnom Penh from the centre.
reviewed
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Isanborei Crafts Shop
Forested and shady, Sambor Prei Kuk has a serene and soothing atmosphere, enhanced by a recent anti-litter campaign, and the sandy paths make for a pleasant stroll. Just past the ticket booth, the Isanborei Crafts Shop sells a worthwhile English brochure, high-quality, hand-crafted basket and wood items, and T-shirts with original designs. Nearby, several small eateries sell drinks and chicken or beef with rice.
reviewed
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marble-carving shops
On the rural east bank, walk south along the river road and you'll come upon a number of small marble-carving shops, where artisans make - and sell - everything from tiny tchotchkes to huge smiling Buddhas (also on sale in shops along NH5, including Chea Phally Marble Carving).You may also see groups of women making naom banchok (thick rice noodles) that they sell fresh in the market.
reviewed
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Pheam Ek
The specialty of the village of Pheam Ek is making rice paper for spring rolls. All along the road, in family workshops, you'll see rice paste being steamed and then placed on a bamboo frame for drying in the sun. The income earned is meagre - 100 rice sheets sell for just 2500r. The coconuts grown in this area are said to be especially sweet. Wat Ek Phnom is 5.5km further on.
reviewed
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Psar Chaa
Located in the heart of old Siem Reap, Psar Chaa (Old Market) is well stocked with anything you might want to buy in Cambodia (and lots of things you don’t want to buy!). Silverware, silk, wood carvings, stone carvings, Buddhas, paintings, rubbings, T-shirts, table mats…the list is endless. There are bargains to be had if you haggle patiently and humorously.
reviewed
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Senteurs d’Angkor
Opposite Psar Chaa, this shop has an eclectic collection of silk and carvings, as well as a superb range of traditional beauty products and spices, all sourced locally. It’s also possible to visit the production line just outside Siem Reap, a sort of Willy Wonka’s for the senses.
reviewed
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Wat Than Handicrafts
Exquisite silk scarves, throws, bags and cushions. Other items: krama (chequered silk scarf worn around the necks, shoulders and waists of nearly every Khmer), shirts, wallets and purses, notebooks and greeting cards. It's set inside Wat Than.
reviewed
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Psar Kandal
Just up the road from Psar Chaa, the old market, is Psar Kandal. This is a newer, smaller version of the old selling the same sort of stuff. If it gets too cramped at Psar Chaa, then come here, it's much quieter and the vendors are less in-your-face.
reviewed
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Rajana
This quirky little boutique offers original wooden and metalware objects, some hewn from the shells of decommissioned weapons. It also has smart silver jewellery and a delightful selection of handmade cards. Rajana promotes fair trade.
reviewed
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NCDP Handicrafts
Exquisite silk scarves, throws, bags and cushions. Other items: krama (chequered silk scarf worn around the necks, shoulders and waists of nearly every Khmer), shirts, wallets and purses, notebooks and greeting cards.
reviewed
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Krousar Thmey
Part of an exhibition featuring life on Tonlé Sap lake, this small shop sells shadow puppets, traditional krama scarves, paintings and postcards. All proceeds go towards assisting blind or disadvantaged children in Cambodia.
reviewed
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Psar Leu
Psar Leu (Upper Market) is where the locals come to shop. This vast complex offers pungent prahoc (fermented fish paste), fragrant fruits, household goods and anything else a Cambodian family might desire.
reviewed
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CHA
This well-stocked boutique and workshop sells fine handmade clothing, scarves, toys, bags and photo albums. It is an interesting place to shop as you can poke your head behind the curtain and watch the process.
reviewed
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Rehab Craft
One of the longest-running shops for a cause, Rehab Craft has a striking selection of silk in every shape and size, including wallets, handbags, ties and more. Profits train and sustain the disabled community.
reviewed