The Markets, Phnom Penh

	Phnom Penh’s lively markets are loud, colorful, crowded and a must on any itinerary. The major ones, Psar Thmei and Psar Tuol Tom Pong, are nicely laid out and offer huge choices and money changers who will swap foreign currencies in exchange for loads of Cambodian riels. However, sharpen your bargaining skills and be prepared to be bumped – it is the Cambodian way of asking you to make way.

	Art-Deco Psar Thmei Psar Thmei or Central Market is in a unique yellow domed art-deco building, and is well-known as much for its historic design as for its variety of shopping. It is a Phnom Penh landmark and was built in 1937 on a lake which used to receive the runoff during the rainy season. Four wings run out from the central stepped dome, and the building is designed to allow as much ventilation as possible, so that it remains cool and airy inside, even on the hottest days. The shopping kicks off at this busy market’s entrance where a complex of stalls sell everything from souvenirs such as silverwork, statues, silks, krama scarfs, carvings, and the ubiquitous T-shirts and post-cards. Pirated books are widely available from the street sellers; while the quality of items sold here is considered superior to those found elsewhere, it is worthwhile checking for missing or blank pages.

	Huge Variety for Browsing There are several vendors offering electronic goods, although the reliability of the electronics is uncertain, stationery, pretty good selections of Cambodia maps, secondhand clothes and colorful flowers displayed in plastic buckets. The stalls are pretty well laid out for both tourists and locals. In the center, surrounding a tall blue tower of clocks, are amazing displays of gems and jewelry in well lit glass shelves. Locals consider prices here higher than in other markets, so be prepared to bargain. Phsar Thmei actually means ‘New Market’, but it is widely known as ‘Central Market’ in English. It is not to be confused with Psar Kandal, another market close to Wat Unalaum and the Riverfront, which does translate in English to “Central Market”.

	Transport Hub The area around Psar Thmei is the commercial centre of Phnom Penh. Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh's very busy main shopping street, is one block west. In the northwest corner of the market is a station for taxis going to Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Kratie and other places. Buses are found in the station in the southwest corner.

	Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Pong) Less interesting architecturally, this is the real deal with a larger and more varied selection of souvenirs, blue and white ceramics and silks than the Central Market. This is the best place to buy the bootlegged DVDs and CDs. Most of the CD vendors are located on the southeast corner of the market. Fabrics are plentiful here and although most of what a tourist might want can be found on the south side, the rest of the market is well worth exploring. Psar Toul Tom Pong or Russian Market as it is known among foreigners, gained its name because the Russians shopped here in the 1980s during the Vietnamese occupation.

	Discounted Designer Clothes Find designer clothes at huge discounts here, as flawed production from the garment factories which make western clothing are sold at this market. Look out for labels such as Levi’s, CK, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and Gap. Most of these clothes are deemed unfit for export due to very small mistakes in the construction. Fake watches, pirated software, musical instruments, wood carvings and loads of fabric are found here. In the food section, dried fish and squid hang in neat displays next to rings of stuffed sausages. Pull up a plastic chair at the food stalls and make sure you specify you want your meat cooked. Some tourists maintain it has the best ice coffee in the city. While the Russian Market is located away from the normal tourist hangouts, most moto drivers will know it.

	Watch out for those motorcycles Eventhough it is an indoor shopping mall, it is not uncommon for the Cambodians to drive their motorcycles through. Vendors accept US dollars and prices are well below those found in the hotel or airport shops. Nonetheless, bargaining is expected as thousands of tourists pass through ever month.

	Old Market Known as Psar Chas to the Cambodians, it is a local market selling vegetables, second hand clothes, hardware, household goods and jewelry. Food vendors and fruit sellers spread their wares and set up their stalls in the late afternoon ahead of the evening shoppers. The rush during dinner time is quite a scene.

	Psar O Russei While similarly sounding, it is not be to be confused with the Russian Market. This place sells imported toiletries and luxury food items, costume jewelry and a whole lot more. It looks like a shopping mall from the outside and hundreds of stalls are found inside.