Category Archives: Cambodia

Shop Shop Shop – Central Markets, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

29 Tuesday Aug 2017

Posted by in Cambodia, Central Markets Phnom Pehn

≈ 16 Comments

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Since I published this story a couple of days ago I have learned that my friends have not been able to open it so I am posting it again.

We were in Phnom Penh for 2 nights and after the planned sightseeing, as always, we found time for the local markets. Anyone who knows me, knows that I always like to spend time at the markets.

The Central Market is a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. The unique Art Deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark.

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The entrance to the market is lined with souvenir merchants hawking everything from T-shirts and postcards to silver curios and kramas. A krama is a sturdy traditional Cambodian garment with many uses, including as a scarf, bandanna, to cover the face, for decorative purposes, and as a hammock for children.  Inside is a dazzling display of jewels and gold. Electronic goods, stationery, clothes and flowers are also sold.

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These markets are a bargain shopping paradise. The shops are full, and when I say full, they are bursting at the seams with watches, sunglasses, mobile accessories, t-shirts, ladies dresses, clothing, shoes and all kinds of souvenirs and gifts.

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This is an enormous market. It is jammed packed with all kinds of stalls from food to bling. No matter what you are looking for it will be there.

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Be prepared to barter, there is a good deal to be had but they are hard, however, don’t insult them by going too low. You will no doubt find something you like here, the prices are good and most of the sellers can speak English which makes it so much easier. Just remember to take US dollars as that is the preferred currency in Cambodia.

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We had initially planned to go to the Russian markets which I had heard so much about, however the Central Markets were much closer to our hotel and very easy to get to. We certainly were not disappointed.

This is a market with items for both tourists and the locals. It is definitely worth a visit during your Phnom Penh stay.  A real Cambodian market experience

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Shop, Shop, Shop at Central Market, Phnom Penh

28 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in Cambodia, Central Markets Phnom Penh

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

We were in Phnom Penh for 2 nights and after the planned sightseeing, as always, we found time for the local markets. Anyone who knows me, knows that I always like to spend time at the markets.

The Central Market is a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. The unique Art Deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark.

20170306_193825

The entrance to the market is lined with souvenir merchants hawking everything from T-shirts and postcards to silver curios and kramas. A krama is a sturdy traditional Cambodian garment with many uses, including as a scarf, bandanna, to cover the face, for decorative purposes, and as a hammock for children.  Inside is a dazzling display of jewels and gold. Electronic goods, stationery, clothes and flowers are also sold.

 

 

 

 

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?
?
?

These markets are a bargain shopping paradise. The shops are full, and when I say full, they are bursting at the seams with watches, sunglasses, mobile accessories, t-shirts, ladies dresses, clothing, shoes and all kinds of souvenirs and gifts.

 

 

 

 

?
?

This is an enormous market. It is jammed packed with all kinds of stalls from food to bling. No matter what you are looking for it will be there.

 

 

 

?
?
?
?

 

Be prepared to barter, there is a good deal to be had but they are hard, however, don’t insult them by going too low. You will no doubt find something you like here, the prices are good and most of the sellers can speak English which makes it so much easier. Just remember to take US dollars as that is the preferred currency in Cambodia.

 

 

 

?
?
?
?
?

We had initially planned to go to the Russian markets which I had heard so much about, however the Central Markets were much closer to our hotel and very easy to get to. We certainly were not disappointed.

This is a market with items for both tourists and the locals. It is definitely worth a visit during your Phnom Penh stay.  A real Cambodian market experience

 

 

 

Tuk Tuk around Siem Reap plus its exciting Night Life.

28 Sunday May 2017

Posted by in Cambodia, Siem Reap Tuk Tuk, Vietnam

≈ 19 Comments

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It was about a 5 hour coach trip from our hotel in Phnom Penh to Siem Reap,  a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, and gateway to the ruins of Angkor, including the main temple of Angkor Wat.

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Siem Reap is a fast-growing city with plenty of new hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Actually we really enjoyed Siem Reap.

We found the most effective way to get around Siem Reap is by Tuk Tuk (or Remork, as the locals call them). For short trips flag one down; for tours ask your hotel or guesthouse for advice. We used them day and night. In actual fact there were always Tuk Tuks parked outside our hotel waiting on standby day and night. We ended up having the same Tuk Tuk driver each time, Mr Peach. It was like he was always waiting for us. He was very patient in answering all our questions and we even learned a bit of their history through him. He speaks English quite well so it was easy for us to communicate.  Most importantly he makes you feel comfortable and safe. And the tuk tuk itself is nice and clean and comfortable.

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We hired Mr Peach for a few hours on our last morning in Siem Reap to take us on a private tour around the city. We headed out into the city streets and the back alleys and got a little taste of how the locals live and work.  My friend and I had a great trip in Siem Reap. Mr Peach was a really nice driver, he takes the time to explain things (Cambodia culture, history, his own family, etc), and takes initiative in showing extra spots.  It was a great little tour and left us with a great impression of Siem Reap. This was an experience to remember.

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Smile! Cambodians are extremely friendly, and smiles go a long way. They are the nicest, friendliets people I have encountered and I have travelled the world!

In the evenings Mr Peach took us to Pub Street – an evening time Must Visit. I read about Pub Street before visiting Siem Reap but was still pleasantly surprised when I arrived. I wasn’t expecting such a bustling area in Siem Reap. The street is closed for traffic at night, giving it a festival atmosphere.

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Pub Street is the main street in Siem Reap for Bars and restaurants. Walk down the street and you can chose from almost any cuisine in the world – Burgers/American – Pizza/Italian – Greek – German – Thai – Australian etc. plus a good selection of local Cambodian (Khmer) restaurants.

It is quiet during the day but comes alive after dark and is the go to tourist destination in the town. Drinks are cheap (G&T, cocktails cost $US 1.50, Draft Beer $US 0.50) during happy hour, which in many places seems to last all night.  You can find every type of food from fried grasshoppers and tarantulas to rib eye steaks in Pub Street.

Close to Pub Street, just across a little bridge is the night market where you can pick up more souvenirs, clothes and much more. Once again a great atmosphere with live music.

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Pub Street is an excellent place…. Rather than just a street of pubs, it is actually a district of pubs, clubs & restaurants around the old market.