Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap

A 10 minute walk from Psar Chas, the Angkor Night Market offers tourists a chance to shop at the end of the day. Officially opened in early 2007, it is located at the back of Sivatha Road and has expanded from an original 100 stalls to 170 with a planned maximum capacity of 250 outlets. There is wi-fi access throughout the whole market.

It opens from 4pm to midnight, although in low season, it gains life closer to the evening. Designed as the venue for local artisans to sell Khmer handicrafts, it has a higher quality selection than that found in Psar Chas and many of the items sold here are from remote communities and small villages. Within an infrastructure made of wood and bamboo, nicely laid out shops have an open feeling as you can enter from various fronts. The atmosphere is enhanced with night lights draped on trees and across walkways.

Choices and more choices

Angkor Market is a good one-stop shop for those too busy temple touring to do much shopping. Here you can find palm wines, Cambodian silk made into a variety of items such as scarves, bags, wallets, lamps and hanging fabrics, artwork, jewelry, silverwork, books, and even masseurs offering foot and head massages. Since this caters to the tourist trade, prices are higher than in Psar Cha, but bargaining is part of the game.

Food and Island Bar

For those less enchanted by shopping, there is an Asian food court, and an island bar which is housed under a giant palapa. The island bar fuses the atmosphere of a tropical jungle with that of a cosmopolitan hangout. Under soft lighting provided by large lamps shaped like upside down stupas, watch the bartenders with cool moves as they mix drinks of your choice. Otherwise, while your time away in its small cinema offering documentaries about Cambodia.