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Steve and I never visited the Russian Market before because of its distance from Sisowatch Quay (not walkable), but all that was about to change when we negotiated a tuk-tuk for $2.50. Again, US Dollars is the de facto currency in Cambodia. ATMs only dispense dollars; prices are in dollars; all negotiations take place in dollars; but Cambodians will take their own money. Change some money into Riel and always carry small bills.
This market got its name from the masses of Russians (duh) who came following the Vietnamese occupation of the city in the 1980s.The Russians may have disappeared only to be replaced by tourists hunting for bargains. You “may” find real designer clothes at huge discounts because many factories around Phnom Penh make Levis, Calvin Klein and other brands. I did say “may.” Examine everything closely unless it doesn’t make any different if clothes have small faults.
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ceramics in Russian Market, Phnom Penh
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souvenirs in Russian Market, Phnom Penh
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just one aisle in the Russian Market, Phnom Penh
Spend time attempting to walk down the narrow and claustrophobic aisles looking at: pirated DVDs and CDs, souvenirs, T-shirts ($3-5 per shirt), handicrafts, counterfeit watches and handbags, and supposed antiques. I, personally, cannot tell real from fake and just buy whatever is of interest. Tourists are warned not to buy authentic antique ceramics and Cambodia has strict exporting laws on historic/cultural items.
Steve and I have shopped the Chatachak Market in Bangkok a zillion times and usually walk the perimeter where the “real stuff” is supposed to be sold. Any time we’ve seen something antique-y, one of us usually remarked, “Do they really thing we’re stupid enough to buy this?” Well… On an Earthwatch Archaeological dig in Phimai, a staff member gave a slide show. Guess what… According to him, those items are real, stolen from Cambodia, and volunteers were asked not to buy! Unless you happen to be an antique expert, don’t worry, buy whatever, be happy and go early in the day before heat and humidity brings you to your knees
My usual advice is: bargain hard, walk away if they don’t come down in price, and then return to buy if you are serious, e.g., seller wanted $5 for a cotton sun hat and when I walked, she came down to $1.50.
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stalls ring the perimeter of Russian Market in Phnom Penh
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Buddhist flower offerings in Russian Market, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
There is also an entire section in the central core devoted to fruit, vegetables, raw meat, and stalls serving food. Don’t walk through if dead chickens hanging or an entire pig’s head will upset you and, if you do, watch where your step.
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fresh sausage in the meat section, Russian Market, Phnom Penh
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fresh chicken in Russian Market, Phnom Penh
After browsing both the Russian and Central Markets, I think the Russian Market had more to offer unless you are seriously interested in loose gem stones. If that is the case, Central Market will be more to your liking.
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