Joanna James
The gateway to the famed Angkor Wat ruins Siem Reap is a famous Cambodian city that receives global visitors. These visitors can easily pick bargains, taste local food and discover unique handicrafts at a bevy of night markets clustered in the downtown area surrounded by some of the best hotels in Siem Reap.
This popular night market is a massive one with over 200 bamboo huts. It has been created to offer a platform for local communities to showcase and preserve traditional Khmer handicrafts and to uplift the lives of Khmer people. Hence there is a range of handicraft and clothing items made by local communities and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) made available at this market.
You find intricate stone carvings embellished with silver or brass and silk paintings and more at this market. A point of interest here is the Angkor Recycled Hut which has a range of pouches, purses, wallets and bags made of recycled materials which are great as mementoes or as gifts for loved ones. There are many stalls of food and drink to fuel up whenever one feels tired. This market is at a walkable distance from centrally located properties like FCC Angkor by Avani.
This bustling market offers a range of tasty local food. Aside from enjoying this delicious local food, the live musical performances held on-site are quite entertaining for visitors.
There are also souvenirs created by renowned Cambodian artisans, clothes, paintings, dainty pieces of jewellery, toys and a local favourite Sombai Rice spirits that visitors love to pick up. Cambodia Market is held thrice a week on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Although prices are costlier than at other markets the stuff here is of quality. Do a bit of fair haggling before purchase.
Operating every day from noon till midnight, Noon Night Market is a captivating sight dotted by silk lamps and fans. It offers a range of silverware, sculptures, clothing, souvenirs and local handicraft items. The great thing about this market is that 10 per cent of their profit is used to fund a local orphanage.
As you roam this market don’t forget to try their spring rolls, lok lak and fish amok and a cool beer. If you are tired after shopping have a Khmer-style massage or the more adventurous ones can have a tattoo done in this fascinating market.
A permanent location that offers Cambodian Handicrafts certified by the Angkor Handicraft Association, hence these are genuine arts and crafts you purchase. They are handmade creations by talented local craftsmen and women from over 20 artisan groups across Cambodia.
Apart from showcasing a variety of creations, this village has a great impact on the local community. Each item purchased gives the owner a great sense of pleasure while contributing in a just manner to preserve a local skill and uplift communities.
Considered to be the oldest night market in Siem Reap, this market attracts the locals to it each morning to procure their fresh food and household needs. An absolute must-visit to capture authentic local vibes during the early hours of the day. The massive market area is covered by a roof protecting it from the sun as locals throng to gather their needs from the dry and wet market areas.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
