The Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Pong)

For shopping, especially souvenir shopping, nothing quite compares to Psar Tuol Tom Pong, otherwise known as the Russian Market. It apparently earned its nickname in the 1980's because of its popularity with Russian expatriates. Consuming an entire city block, the market, which is all under roof, is a labyrinth of walkways connecting hundreds of stalls. The vendors sell an impressive range of handicrafts and fake antiquities, including miniature Buddhas, silks, jewelery, and luggage. One section featured accessories and auto parts for motor scooters (everything from exhaust pipes to engines). There is a food court (if you can call it that).

You can find a large selection of western clothing, partly because there are many brand name factories in Phnom Penh. Although you can easily find such labels as Banana Republic, Columbia, and Gap, buyer beware of suspicious labels like "Calvin Clein."


The market is an experience not to be missed. It is dark and hot and the air quality is awful. It's crowded beyond comfort. The floor is a series of concrete peaks and valleys. The merchandise is packed and stacked so tightly that browsing is reduced to wide-eyed staring in amazement. All that said, the place is an adventure. The vendors could not be nicer. They often greet the customer with promises of the best deal in town, "Hello Sir. I make for you big bargain." The key word is bargain. They expect the customer to haggle, therefore their first price is never the one you can expect to pay. One word of advice though: if you see something and you want it, buy it because there is no guarantee that you can find your way back to the same stall twice.