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Central & Russian Market

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holeeling
holeeling
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4 out of 5
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Shopping in Less than Stellar Conditions

  • May 27, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by mh75 from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Although, the Russian Market is obviously not Macy's, the shopping is just as fun and probably far more interesting in regards to the stimulus to your senses. Grilling meats and pickling, spiced fish smells permeate the corugated tin covered 'mall.' Waiting at every corner are small Cambodian who will "guide" you to where you want to go or show you what you should buy for the price of a bottle of Coke or water. Handicrafts to power tools; art pieces to t-shirts; jewelry to compact discs, this place has it all.

If you get hungry, don't worry, there are food stands as well. Some food that you will recognize, other that you will not. But you will find lots of friendly faces willing to sell their wares to you. Most all of it is negotiable as well, much like the artisan markets in Mexico or Guatemala. The prices are better in Cambodia though and the bargaining a little easier as well.

If you do go though, go early as the market will often close early due to the heat of the day beating down on the tin roof creating oven-like conditions inside. Also, make sure that you bring plenty of small bills as they are easier to bargain with.

If you enjoy shopping in the central and South American artisan markets, you will love shopping at the Russian Market in Phnom Penh. It was truly a unique and enjoyable experience.

Shopping in Less Than Stellar Conditions

  • May 27, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by mh75 from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Shopping in Less Than Stellar Conditions

Although, the Russian Market is obviously not Macy's, the shopping is just as fun and probably far more interesting in regards to the stimulus to your senses. Grilling meats and pickling, spiced fish smells permeate the corugated tin covered 'mall.' Waiting at every corner are small Cambodian who will "guide" you to where you want to go or show you what you should buy for the price of a bottle of Coke or water. Handicrafts to power tools; art pieces to t-shirts; jewelry to compact discs, this place has it all.

If you get hungry, don't worry, there are food stands as well. Some food that you will recognize, other that you will not. But you will find lots of friendly faces willing to sell their wares to you. Most all of it is negotiable as well, much like the artisan markets in Mexico or Guatemala. The prices are better in Cambodia though and the bargaining a little easier as well.

If you do go though, go early as the market will often close early due to the heat of the day beating down on the tin roof creating oven-like conditions inside. Also, make sure that you bring plenty of small bills as they are easier to bargain with.

If you enjoy shopping in the central and South American artisan markets, you will love shopping at the Russian Market in Phnom Penh. It was truly a unique and enjoyable experience.

From journal Phnom Penh, Cambodia: The Gem of Indochina

Central & Russian Market

  • October 17, 2004
  • Rated 3 of 5 by holeeling from Singapore, Singapore
These markets are the main places to purchase local products, and products from the region (Vietnam/Thailand) to take home as souvenirs.

Both markets have numerous stalls which sell clothes, kramas (Cambodian scarves), woodcarvings, silver jewellery and other textiles.

The Russian market is smaller and the stalls are cramped and dark. A visit to the markets is like diving into a dingy, dark hole, and on humid days, it is rather suffocating.

The Central market is my preferred choice, as it is brighter, airier, and has wider walking areas. It also has a wider range of products to purchase and has more books. Some people do say that it is also more pricey.

In any case, bargaining is the order of the day. But seeing the state of some of the Cambodians, especially landmine victims who hawk books and postcards for a living, I avoid being mercenary when making a deal.

From journal 10 days in Phnom Penh

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