Shopping...
For Cambodian souvenirs, art, silks, handicrafts and curios, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a good 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 to Cambodia. But there is much more to the shopping scene these days than traditional crafts and souvenirs. Fine boutiques and art galleries offer unique, sophisticated selections of high-quality contemporary Asian art, EuroAsian fashions in Khmer silk, art deco furniture, 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 and making its mark on the art world. 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, 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 check out the book, ‘Traditional Textiles of Cambodia’ by Gillian Green
 Silverwork - 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. Nowadays, silver betel containers are made primarily for sale as souvenirs but are still hand crafted using traditional techniques and styles. Available at the traditional markets, most souvenir shops and at some jewelry stores such as Sit Down Jeweler.
 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.
Art - The chic little boutiques along Street 240 and the galleries on Street 178 (‘Art Street’) are both great areas to explore for quality traditional and contemporary Southeast Asian art. Art spaces offering changing exhibitions include Reyum Gallery, Java Café & Gallery, two fish gallery café and Sala Art Space. Check out www.javaarts.org for more.
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 (Central Market) is a ‘must see’ when visiting Phnom Penh, both as a historic building and as a shopping destination. The central walkway to the front entrance of the market is lined with a complex of stalls catering to visitors and locals alike, hawking a wide range of souvenir items including statuary, silverwork, silks and kramas, carvings, photocopy books and postcards and the largest selection of souvenir t-shirts and caps and town. The book sellers right next to the entrance also have a complete selection of Cambodia maps including topographic maps. The central interior of the market houses an amazing display of gems and jewelry. (Phsar Thmei means ‘New Market’, but ‘Central Market’ has caught on in English.)
 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
 Apsara Art Gallery
Art gallery/framing shop. Apsara Art Gallery offers a variety of contemporary Southeast and East Asian art (Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese) including paintings, oils, watercolors, creations, photographs, posters and cards. The gallery also offers matting and framing including bamboo framing. Located next to the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) near the Cafe Yejj and Rajana Crafts.
#170A, Street 450
Tel: 012-867390
 Asasax Art Gallery
Art gallery. In the words of Asasax, “Without color, "people die"” The Asasax Art Gallery exhibits the unique paintings and other works of art of the well-known contemporary Cambodian artist, Asasax. Asasax’s works, much of it in oils and watercolors, offer a colorfully modern lens on traditional/historical images and icons. Asasax Art Galleries are located in both Phnom Penh (opposite the entrance to the National Museum) and Siem Reap (on ‘Pub Street’ in the Old Market area.)
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#192, Street 178 (near the National Museum)
Tel: 012-363030
asasax@camnet.com.kh
www.asasax.com.kh
 Baskets of Cambodia
As the name implies, Cambodian basketry is the specialty at Baskets of Cambodia. High quality Cambodian baskets and mats are renowned for their quality and beauty. They are made from a Cambodian reed known as ‘la peuk,’ which after natural drying, turns a light, clean yellowish hue - brighter than the reed used in baskets in other Southeast Asian countries, giving Cambodian basketry a much cleaner appearance. Baskets of Cambodia offers only the best Cambodian basketry, hand made in northeastern Cambodia, and acquired through ‘fair trade’ practices. The shop displays innovative designs in basketry, women's accessories, mats and bamboo displays, including the signature 'tatami style’ bars. Tours available. Wholesale and retail sales.
#28, Street 86
Tel: 012-698752
baskets@verizon.net
www.basketsofcambodia.com
 Bazar, art de vivre
Bazar art de vivre offers concise collection of high quality furniture, antiques, home textiles and lighting. Examine the collection closely. There are some wonderful older pieces of art as well as unique contemporary pieces. Located on Sihanouk Blvd, not far from the Independence Monument.
#28, Sihanouk
mai_ioa@yahoo.com
 Camory Cookies
Exclusive cookie boutique bakery offering unique, freshly baked designer cookies, perfect as a gift, a snack or an eatable souvenir of Cambodia. Camory offers twelve flavors of cookies created through a fusion of Western baking techniques and Cambodian food culture and ingredients. Flavors include Battambang Orange, Royal Lotus, Palm Sugar and more.
#167, Sisowath Quay
Tel: 023-224937
www.camoryfoods.com
 Couleurs d’Asie
Street 240 boutique. Now at its new location on Street 240 Couleurs d’Asie offers high quality silks, silk fashions, accessories, soft furnishings and unique creations. Custom orders welcome. Wide selection of high quality Cambodian products and handicrafts.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#33, Street 240, Phnom Penh Tel: 023-221075
and Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel and Lotus Hotel, Siem Reap
info@couleursdasie.net
 CYK Handicrafts
Silk shop. The Caring for Young Khmer (CYK) NGO retail outlet offers hand-woven Cambodian ikat silks, silk products and silks made to order in traditional or custom designs and colors. The silks are hand-loomed in Takeo and Kandal provinces and the patterns created using the traditional ikat method and all natural dyes.
#67, Sothearos
Tel: 023-210849
CYKPP@online.com.kh
 Happy Painting Gallery
Art Gallery. The Happy Painting Galleries, located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and at the airports, display the paintings of Stef Delaprée, a singular artist with a gentle insight into everyday Cambodia. All of the galleries offer original paintings, reproductions, postcards, cards, T-shirts. In the words of art critic Anne-Sylvie Charest, “Stef has tried to make us see, using free figuration, what is more typical and endearing in this part of Asia. Funny and colorful, his art is extremely popular and accessible to all. The universe he offers us in his work is happy and uncomplicated...”. Visa/MC/JCB
Hotel Cambodiana, FCCC
Tel: 023-726100
Phnom Penh Intl. Airport (Domestic terminal)
In Siem Reap at Carnets d’Asie, Angkor Century Hotel, and at the gallery near the Old Market
stef@happypainting.net
www.happypainting.net
 I-Ching Decor
I Ching Décor offers a range of high quality interior design and architectural solutions for home and commercial business needs. Services include expert advice on architectural work, interior design, custom made furniture, home accessories and Feng Shui. I Ching Décor works with Cambodian designers to create smart and unique pieces for the home. The showroom offers a range of interior products from window dressings to kitchen ware, dining, living and bedroom suites, glassware, soft furnishings, lighting and other home accessories. Products are sourced from suppliers in Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Visa/MC
#85, Sothearos Blvd.
Tel: 023-220873
ichingdecor@online.com.kh
www.ichingdecor.com
 Java Café & Gallery
Art gallery. The Java Cafe and Gallery is a café set in an art exhibition space. Regularly changing exhibitions, showcasing up and coming Cambodian artists and of cutting edge contemporary Cambodian art and photography. Also a good place to learn about other art exhibitions and events in Cambodia. The Café offers a selection of coffees, teas as well as salads, sandwiches, veg dishes and lots more. WiFi HotSpot.
Visa/MC
#56 E1, Sihanouk
Tel: 023-987420
www.javacafeandgallery.com
 KNN
KNN offers a wide variety of quality souvenirs, silks and silk products but the emphasis on Khmer reed mats and reed mat products. The reed mat is hand-woven and comes in a variety of colors and designs KNN products often mix fine rough silk with reed mat to create a unique look and feel in KNN bags, purses, accessories and crafts. Located on the riverfront between Streets 118 and 110.
Visa/MC
#169, Sisowath Quay
Tel: 023-223687
knncambodia@yahoo.com.kh
www.knncambodia.com
 Kravan House
Street 178 silk shop and souvenir shop. The emphasis is on Khmer silk at the Kravan House. The Street 178 retail shop offers silks, silk bags, pillows, wraps, purses, blankets and more. Custom designs and special orders for silks and silk products are welcome. Retail or wholesale. Some souvenirs available including stone and wood carvings and statues. Conveniently located just off the riverfront on Street 178 between the National Museum and the FCC.
Visa/MC
#13Eo, Street 178
Tel: 012-954077
Hkravan@yahoo.com
 Kroma Clothes Shop
Clothing shop and vocational center. Housing the Phnom Penh Municipality Vocational Center and the Cambodia Japan Friendship Training Center and retail shop. The retail shop offers products of the vocational and training center - Khmer silks and cotton clothes, bags, pillows, coverings and soft furnishings. Retail and wholesale. Special orders welcome. New product recently added at the retail shop: handcrafted wooden children’s toys.
Monivong (in Boeung Trabek HS)
Tel: 023-211886
jsrc.ph@everyday.com.kh
 Le Lézard Bleu
Street 240 boutique, art gallery and design shop. Le Lézard Bleu offers an excellent selection of high quality, traditional and contemporary Cambodian art, carvings, hangings, unique creations and curios, art-deco furniture and home decoration. Custom framing.
Visa/MC
#61, Street 240
Tel: 023-986978
le.lezard.bleu@online.com.kh
 Lotus Pond
Street 178 boutique, silk and design shop. Fine Cambodian silks, carvings and statues, spirit houses, handicraft products, home accessories. Professional interior decoration, high quality draperies/soft furnishings made to order, custom furniture. Located on Street 178 -’Art Street’ - next to the National Museum.
Visa/MC
#57, Street 178
Tel: 023-426782
lotuspond@online.com.kh
 Mekong Arts
Street 178 boutique and art gallery Mekong Art offers a select collection of high quality contemporary and traditional Cambodian art, statuary, silks, silk products, curios and furniture. Located on Street 178 - ’Art Street’ - near the front entrance to the National Museum. Drop in after a visit to the Museum.
#33, Street 178
Tel: 023-210387
mekong.arts@online.com.kh
 NCDP Retail Outlet
Souvenir and handicraft shop. The National Center for Disabled Persons is an NGO-based retail out offering a large variety of Cambodian crafts and souvenirs including silks and silk products including handbags, pillows, hangings cards, carvings. The NCDP was formed in 1997 and operates under the auspices of the Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs with the goal of assisting disabled persons to receive health and rehabilitation services, skills training and income generating opportunities. Located on Norodom Blvd. about 200 meters from Wat Phnom. Combine with your visit to Wat Phnom.
Visa/MC/JCB
#3, Norodom
Tel: 023-210140
ncdp_retail@online.com.kh
www.ncdpcam.org
 New Art Gallery
Art gallery/framing shop. The New Art Gallery, next to Phsar Kapko not far from the Independence Monument, has been popular tourists and expats for more than a decade. The gallery displays a wide variety of contemporary Southeast Asian art, primarily paintings (watercolor and oil,) hangings, posters and photographs. Known for their reliable matting and framing services.
#20, Street 9
Tel: 012-824570
 Pavillon d’Asie
Boutique Nice boutique, spread over two floors. Offering a good variety of artwork, handicraft products, posters and postcards, hand-tinted B&W photographs, oil and water paintings by some of Cambodia’s most interesting contemporary artists (Chhim Sothy, Heng Mony Phal, Nhem Det) and an excellent selection of traditional furniture. Located near the Independence Monument.
#24-#26, Sihanouk Blvd.
Tel: 012-497217
pavillondasie@yahoo.com
www.pavilliondasie.com
 Princess and Princess
Ladies clothing boutique and tailor. Princess and Princess offers original fashions, custom designs, tailor made clothing by Japanese apparel designer Hiromi Yamaya. Hiromi Yamaya studied design in Tokyo and worked as lady's clothing designer at companies such as Sanyo corporation. At Princess and Princess Hiromi Yamaya offers original designs in hand-woven Khmer silks, Indonesian batiks and more. Hand embroidery, bead work, bags and accessories also available. Open Monday - Saturday, 9:00AM-5:30PM
#6A, Street 65 (Next to Oasis Hotel)
Tel: 012-708053
h-yamaya@online.com.kh
http://pprincess.web.fc2.com
 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
Streets 450 & 155
Tel: 023-364795
rajana@rajanacrafts.org
www.rajanacrafts.org
 Reyum Gallery
Art Gallery. The Reyum Gallery is one of the most important art galleries in Phnom Penh, hosting regular exhibitions, lectures addressing topics related to art, architecture and archaeology and a offering a complete selection of Cambodian art and culture related books from the Reyum Publishing house. The gallery offers some of the best traditional and contemporary Cambodian art exhibitions in town. Retail art and book sales. Located next to the Royal University of Fine Arts.
#47, Street 178
Tel: 023-217149
 Sala Artspace & Café
Combination art space and café on Sisowath Quay overlooking the river front. Sala Artspace aims to support the growing art scene in Cambodia through creative projects/workshops, artist exchange, publicity and building a community of artists. The gallery hosts regularly changing exhibitions and scheduled art-related events and activities. Small café with balcony seating and a brilliant view of the river offering a full bar, cocktails, juices, coffees, snacks and meals. All profits supports the Sala Artspace activities in developing contemporary art in Cambodia. Located above Mekong Web between Cantina and Frizz. Enter through Mekong Web and go upstairs.
#339E2, Sisowath Quay (on the riverfront)
www.sala-artspace.org
 Sap Bay
Street 240 boutique specializing in tableware, interior decor and gifts. Cambodian silks and silk handbags, cards, local spices and teas. Upstairs, a pleasant air-conditioned café serving coffees, teas and Cambodian snacks.
#85, Street 240
Tel: 012-369867
 Sit Down Jeweler
Jeweler The Sit Down Jeweler is a riverfront jewelry and silver shop specializing in Cambodian gems, jewelry and gold and also offer a very large selection of silver works - both art and jewelry - including a very nice collection of pounded, animal-shaped silver betel boxes.
#277Eo, Sisowath Quay
Tel: 012-969036
sitdown_jeweler@online.com.kh
www.sitdownjeweler.com
 Sopor Khmer Silk Shop
Silk Shop. The walls are piled from floor to ceiling with an amazing array of hand-loomed Khmer silks from Takeo province. The shops offers silks and silk fashion accessories, and home decor including pillows, bags, ties, coverings - off the rack and custom orders. Custom silk designs and quantities made to order.
#183, Norodom
Tel: 023-223911
soporkhmersilk@yahoo.com
 Subtyl / Kashaya Silk
Street 240 fashion boutique. Housing collections of fashions and fashion accessories from both Kayhaya Silk and Subtyl, providing a unique and fresh selection of French and Euro-Asian designs. Original clothing in Khmer silk and more, quality fashion accessories, bags, silk creations and home decor. French and Euro-Asian designs, Cambodian silks and fabrics. Handbags, purses, luggage, belts, jewelry. Open everyday 8:00AM - 9:00PM. Subtyl products are also available at the Subtyl Asia shop at the Cambodiana Hotel.
#55Eo, Street 240
Tel: 023-992710, 023-992714
subtyl@online.com.kh
kashayac@yahoo.com
 Subtyl Asia
Design boutique Fashion boutique offering unique French and Euro-Asian fashions and fashion accessories - clothing, handbags, purses, luggage, belts, clothes, scarves, jewelry, silk creations and home decor.
Hotel Cambodiana
Tel: 023-218189
subtyl@online.com.kh
 Tabitha Cambodia
NGO-based silk shop. The Tabitha Cambodia retail shop offers Cambodian silk products of all sorts: purses, pillows, bed covers, clothes, shawls, toys, silver, cards. Tabitha Cambodia employs a unique community development model: Disadvantaged women undertake a six-week training course, at which point they have usually made enough money to purchase a sewing machine to take home. Tabitha then places orders handicrafts, and the workers receive a fair price, ultimately providing a regular income and employment.
Corner of Streets 360 & 51
Tel: 023-721038
Visa/MC/JCB
tabitha@forum.org.kh
www.tabithafoundationaustralia.com
 Ta Prohm Souvenir Shop
Silk shop. Tiny, welcoming silk shop, absolutely stuffed with silks. Offering Khmer silk products of all sorts: purses, pillows, hangings, clothes, clothes, table cloths. Custom orders are welcome. Located on Street 178 near the National Museum.
Visa/MC/AMEX
#49BEo, Street 178
Tel: 023-224729
vitouso@camnet.com.kh
 Up to You
Souvenir and silk shop. Located amongst a cluster of interesting little shops, boutiques and bookstores on Sothearos Blvd between the National and Wat Ounalom. Up to You is an NGO-based shop serving as an outlet for NGO created products and offering an array of Cambodian silk products, fashion accessories, home decor, books, handicrafts and souvenirs. Employing ‘fair trade’ practices. handicraft.
#3, Sothearos
Tel: 092-720141
 Water Lily
Street 240 boutique. Unique and original designs and creations in beads, buttons, baubles and more by Christine Gauthier. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, funky hats, rice bags and more. bags, beads. New designs and seasonal collections. Original pieces created to measure on request.
Visa/MC
#37, Street 240
Tel: 012-812469
www.waterlilycreation.com
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