Our tuk-tuk driver waited outside the Russian Market until we finished and then drove us to the Central Market which has been spiffied up. The Art Deco Central Market was constructed in 1937 during the French Colonial period in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out. It was once the biggest market in Asia and is still the first place tourists flock to. The massive area under the dome was filled with open, glass counters from which individual people sell semi-precious jewelry and uncut gem stones. I’m still in mourning over a pricey ($160 US) smoky topaz bracelet left behind. How would I be able to tell if stones were real or synthetic, and were they really set in Silver? Without a definitive answer, we walked away.
Meanwhile, the four wings, inner center and perimeter of the Central Market sell whatever else a person may desire, or not. Electronics, clothes, fake watches and bags, suitcases, dried and fresh foodstuff, T-shirts, krama (Khmer scarves), and lots of souvenirs.
shops around the Central Market perimeter, Phnom Penh
outside the Central Market, Phnom Penh
inside the Central Market, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Open from 5:00a-5:00p, Central Market is walkable from Sisowath Quay or hail a cheap tuk-tuk (bargain).
Central Market located near #142 on map, Phnom Penh
“Jade” items for sale in Central Market, Phnom Penh
It would be impossible to miss this massive building, painted a bright ochre and is another fun, shopping experience. Art Deco aficionados visit just to see this gorgeous building.
buy a Cambodia T-shirt, Central Market, Phnom Penh
And if you didn’t find a Cambodia T-shirt to suit you at the Russian Market, browse even more styles here.
Click here to view the embedded video.