Cambodia Vacation - Shopping

When shopping on your Cambodia vacation you should make sure that you spend some time in Cambodia's markets. Here you will get to see the local life as well as pick up some bargains. Cambodia travel and tour companies as well as guides will often point you to more expensive boutique shops where you will often find similar products to those found in the markets.

Cambodian markets are excellent for souveniers of your Cambodia vacation. Be sure to pick up a few cotton Kramers, the ubiquitous scarf that is great for keeping off the sun and dust. The best kramers are made from cotton and may feel stiff at first. Give them a good wash to soften up. Silk scarves make excellent gifts and can be found everywhere. You will also find carvings in both wood and stone of varying qualities. It is unlikely that you will find any real antiques in markets and the sale and export of religious articles is illegal. For the best in Phnom Penh, make sure that you make a visit to Psar Toul Tom Poung, the "Russian Market" for the best Cambodian vacation shopping experience. The Pasr Tmei, or "New Market" in Phnom Penh sells precious and semi precious gems as well as gold and silver and a large selection of cloth. Perhaps this market is more interesting for its French Art Deco architecture then the products on sale.

When staying in Phnom Penh, your Cambodia hotel will be able to give you up to date maps of the city as well as arrange transport to the local markets.

When shopping in markets, expect to bargain.  The rules are simple - when both buyer and seller are happy with a price, the deal takes place.  In markets expect to reduce the price up to 40%.  The key point here is "up to" 40%.  It may be higher, it may be lower.  The trick is to understand two things - one, that the starting price is often different for a similar product depending on who is doing the selling and what impression they have of the buyer.  If you dress up and look wealthy, it is likely that they will see you as that and ask a higher price. That doesn't mean that you should dress up as a peasant!  As a foreigner, you will normally be paying a higher price than locals and that is normal.  Ask around at a few stalls where you see something you like, get an idea of the starting price, then, with a smile, make a lower offer.  And so the bartering process goes on.  If the price does not go low enough, say thank you and walk away.  Please consider that you should not try to drive prices too low. Products in markets are generally cheap and excellent value and the sellers have a living to make.