Markets for Everyone - a Way of Life

Phnom Penh has streets with shops containing anything you can imagine. There are themed "districts", like in New York City, with store after store selling statuary, electronics, heavy duty building equipment, fabrics - you name it. But if you want one-stop shopping for everyday items, you head for one of many markets. 

Most neighborhoods have an open, or partially covered, market.  These labyrinths boom from 6-11AM and again from 4-6PM and are where you come for daily shopping of swimming fish, cut to order meat, eggs, baked goods, sweets and every imaginable produce. In a country with hot weather and refrigeration which often still relies on the delivery of ice blocks, a daily market stop is a way of life for families and local restaurants. Prepared food stalls are always humming with activity as long days and often an hour on a motor scooter to get home means little time for cooking. 

                          

The well known Russian Market, Toul Tumpuong, expands its offerings to include household goods, statuary, fabrics, tailoring, beauty salon and pretty much anything a home could need.  The brightly colored sweets could not be explained. The roasted roaches, grasshopper salad and reportedly egg tasting silkworms all got a pass. At one time great bargains could be had here on gold and gemstones, although now Cambodians will tell you that the nearby shops are more reputable. But this is a terrific place to spend a couple of hours. Bargaining is friendly and you'll find many things you never even realized you needed.

                          

Central Market caters to middle-class Khmers. Built in 1937, this Art Deco structure rises like a science fiction four legged yellow spider topped by one of the world's largest domes.  The blue clock tower at its center is THE place to meet. This market is a not-really-air conditioned labyrinth of stalls selling everything, including high end electronics, watches, jewelry, glass Buddhas, fabrics, clothing, tailoring services, household goods and Cambodian famed elephant pants, with food stalls along its outer reaches. Stalls are numbered and locked down every night. If you hope to ever return to a shop, collect their business card or be prepared to be lost for hours! 

                          

Aeon is a contemporary three storied western world type mall that sells everything for the wealthy Khmer.  High end designer clothing compete with massage chairs and refrigerators with more doors and drawers than you knew were possible. The first floor surprises with Parma hams, western cheeses, restaurants - including a pizza - and take out food which can be had at lovely tables. Someone did there homework. 

There's more - much more. Come take a look. Enjoy!