Shopping in
Camboya

Qué comprar en Camboya

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Camboya es un país con una fuerte tradición artesanal. Esto se debe, principalmente, a los programas de rehabilitación económica iniciados en los años 80 por el gobierno del país en el que ofrecía a la población incentivos por este tipo de trabajos.

A pesar de que no cuenta con grandes centros comerciales en muchas de las zonas del país, las céntricas callejuelas que cruzan por Phnom Penh ofrecen diferentes mercados donde encontrar antigüedades, artesanía, sedas, artículos de plata y ropa de imitación de grandes marcas. Los más conocidos son el nocturno, en Sisowath Quay; el mercado Olímpico, situado junto al estadio; el mercado Ruso o el Central. Otros lugares donde se puede salir de compras es Siem Reap, en cuyo centro hay variedad de mercados de souvenirs y productos artesanales que provienen de la Asociación Artesana de Angkor.

Una costumbre muy habitual en los puestos callejeros de Camboya, al igual que en el resto del Sudeste Asiático, es el regateo, por lo que los precios siempre disminuyen de los iniciales.

Antiques

Around Cambodia you will also see markets that sell authentic ancient relics; find these in the Russian market in Phom Penh. Hidden Treasures Antique Shop in Siem Reap offers charming and unique antiques, as does the Antique Village, although the prices of the latter are somewhat higher. Furthermore, the Central Market in Siem Reap has a great variety of stalls that offer antique treasures.

Clothing

In every Cambodian flea market, you will see stalls selling clothing, much of which are imitations of big brands, although some authentic and handmade Cambodian articles are also available. Central Market in Siem Reap has a large collection of textiles, from t-shirts to dresses, bags, shoes and silk items. Around Phnom Penh and in the main market clothes are often sold at wholesale prices, meaning you can get a great bargain. In all instances, you have the opportunity of securing a real bargain due to the culture of bargaining in Cambodia.

Electronics

Cambodia is not the ideal place to buy electronics or technology, as many products such as cameras, computers and mobile devices have similar prices as in the West. However, specialised stores do exist, especially in larger shopping centres such as Sorya or Aeon Mall in Phnom Penh, where you can also buy local sim cards if you need to.

Handicrafts

Handicrafts are one of Cambodia’s most widespread economic activities. Throughout Cambodia there are many workshops where works are made from wood or gold and fabrics are treated to create unique designs. Most of these products can be found in many of the markets throughout cities such as Phom Penh and Siem Reap. Siem Reap is likely to have some of the most special crafts due to its proximity to the Artisan Association of Angkor, where locals carve motifs and figures, related to the old Khmer Empire, out of wood. Cambodian style furniture is also available, alongside items made from bamboo, costume jewellery and clothing. Because the area is quite popular with tourists, the prices can sometimes be a little high, but rest assured that the wares stand out for their authenticity and variety.

Precious Stones

Gemstones are seen on sale in many of the main shops and markets in the cities of Cambodia, but to ensure that the stones are precious, always ask for an authentication certificate. One of the best regions in the country to find these is in Ratanakiri, a rural area where blue zircon mines are located. In other parts of the country, such as the capital Phon Penh, you can find several jewellers and merchants who trade in these beautiful stones, but be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they probably are!

Silk

Silk is one of Cambodia’s most prized products and its production is a long-standing millennial tradition, which was revived in the 80s and 90s. The Silk Farm of Angkor is one of the best places to visit to understand the process behind the finished product, and here you will watch in awe as more than 300 Cambodians work and dye the fabrics in a plethora of colours. At the top of the factory a shop sells all kinds of silk products such as clothing and decorative pieces. This is the best place to get the most authentic silk to take home.