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Shopping...
For Cambodian souvenirs, art, silks, handicrafts and curios, both Phnom
Penh and Siem Reap offer a good
range and variety of shopping opportunities and products. Traditional
Cambodian souvenirs include fine hand-loomed silks, Angkorian and
Buddhist themed carvings and statuary, hand-pounded silverwork, colored
gems, traditional handicrafts, Cambodian basketry and of course, the
most traditional of all Cambodian souvenirs, the krama - a checkered
scarf unique to the Khmer people and tourists to Cambodia. But there is
much more to the shopping scene these days than traditional crafts and
souvenirs. Fine boutiques and art galleries offer unique, sophisticated
selections of high-quality contemporary Asian art, EuroAsian fashions in
Khmer silk, art deco furniture, home decor and, of particular interest,
the artistic works of a new generation of Cambodian artists coming to
the fore after decades of near silence and making its mark on the art
world. Several boutiques are clustered together along
Street 240 behind to the
Royal Palace. Boutiques, silk shops and souvenir shops also dot
the riverfront area and
the Boeung Keng Kang 1 area.
Street 178 next to the
National Museum is known as 'Art Street' for the art galleries
that line the street from the riverfront to Street 19.
What to buy...
Cambodian Silk - Cambodian silks are prized by silk collectors
the world over. Most of the silk available in Cambodia is hand-loomed
using the traditional ikat method of dying the threads and looming in
the patterns. Both raw and fine silks are available in the form of
bolts, sarongs, clothing and various handicrafts. Cambodian silk is
available at the Russian Market, silk shops and boutiques across town,
many specializing in silk creations such as tailored Asian and
Euro-Asian fashions, fashion accessories and soft furnishings. To learn
more check out the book, ‘Traditional
Textiles of Cambodia’ by Gillian Green
Silverwork - Silver betel containers are popular, traditional
souvenirs. These pounded silver containers are often shaped like
animals, fruits and vegetables, and were originally used in ceremonial
and everyday life to hold dried betel nut. Nowadays, silver betel
containers are made primarily for sale as souvenirs but are still hand
crafted using traditional techniques and styles. Available at the
traditional markets, most souvenir shops and at some jewelry stores such
as Sit Down Jeweler.
Statues and Carvings - Statues and carvings of traditional
subjects, often copies of Angkorian era works as well as Buddhas and
various Hindu gods and personages, are available in stone, wood and
brass. Statues make for relatively heavy, bulky souvenirs but are still
very popular because of their beauty and artistic value. The replica of
an Angkorian era bust of Jayavarman VII with its graceful lines and
peaceful smile is truly captivating and is perhaps the most popular
piece.
Art
- Over the last couple of years Cambodia’s art scene has blossomed,
particularly in the contemporary arts as a new generation of Cambodian
artists takes the fore. The chic little silk, art and furniture
boutiques along
Street 240 and the art
galleries and boutiques on Street 178 (‘Art Street’)
near the National Museum are both great areas to explore for quality
traditional and contemporary Southeast Asian art. Of particular note,
the award winning Reyum Gallery on Street 178 offers some of the
most interesting and important exhibitions in town, featuring the work
of some of Cambodia's best known and upcoming contemporary artists as
well as cultural exhibitions. New exhibitions open every couple of
months. Reyum also offers a unique selection of books on Cambodian
culture, art, archaeology and architecture. Other art spaces offering
changing exhibitions include
Java Café &
Gallery, Scandinavia Hotel,
two fish
gallery café and Miles Jazz Café all offer regularly
changing contemporary art and photography exhibitions. Top end hotels
such as InterContinental, Le Royal, Cambodiana and Sunway
offer occasional exhibitions and the FCC often hosts photo
exhibitions. Lastly, check out galleries such as Asasax Art Gallery,
and New Art Gallery. Check the back page of the Friday Cambodia
Daily and the 'Listings' section of the Phnom Penh Post for new and
on-going exhibitions. See the JavaArts website at
www.javaarts.org
for information on the Cambodian art scene and artists.
Gems - Western Cambodia, particularly in the area of Pailin, is a
fertile source of colored stones, particularly sapphires and rubies. In
addition to the listed jewelers, gem dealers can be found at the Central
Market and Russian Market. Know something about gems and/or know your
jeweler before spending much money.
Where to buy...
Traditional Markets
Central Market (Psah Thmei)
The distinctive yellow domed Phsar Thmey (Central Market) is a ‘must
see’ when visiting Phnom Penh, both as a historic building and as a
shopping destination. The central walkway to the front entrance of the
market is lined with a complex of stalls catering to visitors and locals
alike, hawking a wide range of souvenir items including statuary,
silverwork, silks and kramas, carvings, photocopy books and postcards
and the largest selection of souvenir t-shirts and caps and town. The
book sellers right next to the entrance also have a complete selection
of Cambodia maps including topographic maps. The central interior of the
market houses an amazing display of gems and jewelry. (Phsar Thmei means ‘New Market’, but ‘Central Market’ has
caught on in English.)
Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung)
Of all the traditional markets, the Russian Market offers the largest
and most varied selection of souvenirs, curios and other items of
interest to the visitor. The south side of the market is the place to
begin your shopping foray, lined inside and out with stalls selling
carvings, handicrafts, silks and fabrics, curios, CDs and inexpensive
electronic goods. This market offers the largest selection of bootlegged
VCDs, DVDs and CDs in town, with vendors located near southeast
entrance. There are also several fabric vendors making it a good place
to pick up fabric to take to the tailor. (This market became the
foreigners market during the 1980’s when most of the foreigners were
Russians, hence the name ‘Russian Market.’)
Boutiques, Silk Shops
and Art Galleries
Apsara Art Gallery
Art gallery/framing shop.
Apsara Art Gallery offers a variety of contemporary Southeast and
East Asian art (Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese) including
paintings, oils, watercolors, creations, photographs, posters and cards.
The gallery also offers matting and framing including bamboo framing.
Located next to the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) near the
Cafe Yejj and Rajana Crafts.
#170A, Street 450,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-867390
Asasax Art Gallery
Art gallery. In the words of
Asasax, “Without color, "people die"” The Asasax Art Gallery
exhibits the unique paintings and other works of art of the well-known
contemporary Cambodian artist, Asasax. Asasax’s works, much of it in
oils and watercolors, offer a colorfully modern lens on
traditional/historical images and icons.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#192, Street 178 (near
the National Museum),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-363030
asasax@camnet.com.kh
Couleurs d’Asie
Street 240 boutique. Now at its new location on Street 240
Couleurs d’Asie offers high quality silks, silk fashions, accessories,
soft furnishings and unique creations. Custom orders welcome. Wide
selection of high quality Cambodian products and handicrafts.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
1)
#33,
Street 240, Phnom Penh,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-221075
2) Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel and Lotus Hotel, Siem Reap
info@couleursdasie.net
CYK Handicrafts
Silk shop. The Caring for
Young Khmer (CYK) NGO retail outlet offers hand-woven Cambodian ikat
silks, silk products and silks made to order in traditional or custom
designs and colors. The silks are hand-loomed in Takeo and Kandal
provinces and the patterns created using the traditional ikat method and
all natural dyes.
#67, Sothearos Blvd,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-210849
CYKPP@online.com.kh
Ebony
Apsara
Street 178 Café, Tailor, Photo
Gallery. Unique combination restaurant, bar, tailor and photo
gallery. Original framed photographs by Rina, on exhibit and for sale.
Seamstress on site offering tailored clothing - unique designs, bring
clothing to be duplicated or choose a design from the magazines and
catalogues. At the café Rina offers an innovative Khmer/Asian food and a
selection of western favorites. 40% goes to charity.
#42, Street 178,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 010-581291
Happy Painting Gallery
Art Gallery. Open since 1995, the
Happy Painting Galleries, located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and at the
airports, display the paintings of contemporary artist Stef Delaprée,
aka Stef, a singular artist with a gentle insight into everyday
Cambodia. All of the galleries offer original paintings, reproductions,
postcards, cards, T-shirts. In the words of art critic Anne-Sylvie
Charest, “Stef has tried to make us see, using free figuration, what
is more typical and endearing in this part of Asia. Funny and colorful,
his art is extremely popular and accessible to all. The universe he
offers us in his work is happy and uncomplicated...”. Visa/MC/JCB
Hotel Cambodiana, FCCC
Tel: 023-726100
Phnom Penh Intl. Airport (Domestic terminal),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
In Siem Reap at Carnets d’Asie, Angkor Century Hotel, and at the gallery
near the Old Market
stef@happypainting.net
www.happypainting.net
I-Ching Decor
I Ching Décor offers a range of
high quality interior design and architectural solutions for home and
commercial business needs. Services include expert advice on
architectural work, interior design, custom made furniture, home
accessories and Feng Shui. I Ching Décor works with Cambodian designers
to create smart and unique pieces for the home. The showroom offers a
range of interior products from window dressings to kitchen ware,
dining, living and bedroom suites, glassware, soft furnishings, lighting
and other home accessories. Products are sourced from suppliers in
Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Visa/MC
#85, Sothearos Blvd.,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-220873
ichingdecor@online.com.kh
www.ichingdecor.com
Ironworks
Ironworks manufactures a wide range of consistently high quality,
practical and decorative iron and steel goods suitable for the home or
workplace. Unique works in iron, steel and copper fabricated to order
per your design - art, lamps, tables, racks, window bars, chairs.
Individual, commercial, unique, wholesale orders are all welcome.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
ironworks@wec-vtp.org
Tel: 012-404110
092-370418
Jasmine
Boutique
Fashion Boutique Jasmine creates two collections a year using
beautiful hand woven Cambodian silk. Each Collection includes standard
pieces. Structured wrap shirts, A-line skirts, beautifully cut trousers
and jackets. Perfect for office and corporate wear. Always a
sophisticated look. Currently including a lace collection mixed back
with silk. Winter collections use strong sophisticated shades with depth
& character. Summer shades are soft neutral tones which appear clean and
crisp.
#73, Street 240,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-223103
www.jasmineboutique.net
Java Café & Gallery
Art gallery. The Java Cafe and
Gallery is a café set in an art exhibition space. Regularly changing
exhibitions, showcasing up and coming Cambodian artists and of cutting
edge contemporary Cambodian art and photography. Also a good place to
learn about other art exhibitions and events in Cambodia. The Café
offers a selection of coffees, teas as well as salads, sandwiches, veg
dishes and lots more. WiFi HotSpot.
Visa/MC
#56 E1, Sihanouk Blvd.,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-987420
Kroma Clothes Shop
Clothing shop and vocational center.
Housing the Phnom Penh Municipality Vocational Center and the
Cambodia Japan Friendship Training Center and retail shop. The
retail shop offers products of the vocational and training center -
Khmer silks and cotton clothes, bags, pillows, coverings and soft
furnishings. Retail and wholesale. Special orders welcome. New product
recently added at the retail shop: handcrafted wooden children’s toys.
Monivong (in Boeung Trabek HS),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-211886
kroma.clothes.shop@online.com.kh
Kurata
Pepper
Pepper shop Cambodian grown black pepper has long been renowned
as some of the finest pepper in the world. Kurata Pepper offers
Cambodian black, white and red peppers and pepper corns grown
organically on their pepper farm at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains
in Koh Kong Province. 8AM - 7PM. Closed Wednesdays.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#206, Street 63
(Boeung
Keng Kang 1),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-726480
www.ksline-cambodia.com
Le Rit’s Boutique (NYEMO)
Boutique associated with NYEMO a NGO working
to improve the quality of life of vulnerable women and their children.
Offering quality Cambodian handicrafts, silk bags, home decor, curtains,
cushions, embroideries, toys, accessories, tablewares.
#71, Street 240,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-213160
E-mail: sales@nyemo.com
Website:
www.business.nyemo.com
Lotus
Pond
Boutique, silk and design shop. Lotus
Pond enjoys an excellent reputation for quality products and
professional services. Fine Cambodian silks, top quality carvings and
statues, spirit houses, handicraft products and home accessories.
Professional interior decoration, draperies/soft furnishings made to
order, custom furniture.
Visa/MC
#245, Street 51 (Above Banyan Restaurant,
Boeung Keng Kang 1),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-348865
lotuspond@online.com.kh
Mekong
Quilts
A non-profit organization that aims to provide rewarding
employment for women in rural areas. Mekong Quilts offer a wide range of
quality handmade quilts, home accessories, gifts and decorations. All
the profits are cycled through the NGO, Mekong Plus, providing
scholarships, health initiatives, etc. in remote villages in Svay Rieng.
#49,
Street 240,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-219607
www.mekong-quilts.org
Meta
House
The Kingdom’s biggest art gallery in the heart of Phnom Penh: three
floors with contemporary fine arts of Cambodian, Asian and Western
origin. The open air rooftop in the perfect place to relax, enjoy some
drinks, food and film screening. Open Thursday-Sunday, 6:00 PM-midnight.
Rooftop cinema starts at 7:00 PM. Special events and appointment
enquiries welcome. Located next to Wat Botom.
#6Eo, Street 246,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-224140
www.meta-house.com
Mulberry
Boutique
Silk boutique and souvenir
shop Mulberry carries a wide selection of silks and quality silk
products - clothes, wall hangings, scarves, bags, cushion covers and
more. Mulberry also offers silver jewelry, statues and other Cambodian
souvenirs. Located on 51 right around the corner from Street 278 and the
popular Boeung Keng Kang 1 restaurant area.
#9, Street 51,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 016-222750
mulberrysilk-kh@yahoo.com
NCDP Retail Outlet
Souvenir and handicraft shop. The
National Center for Disabled Persons is an NGO-based retail out
offering a large variety of Cambodian crafts and souvenirs including
silks and silk products including handbags, pillows, hangings cards,
carvings. The NCDP was formed in 1997 and operates under the
auspices of the Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs with the
goal of assisting disabled persons to receive health and rehabilitation
services, skills training and income generating opportunities. Located
on Norodom Blvd. about 200 meters from Wat Phnom. Combine with
your visit to Wat Phnom.
Visa/MC/JCB
#3, Norodom Blvd.,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-210140
ncdp_retail@online.com.kh
www.ncdpcam.org
Pavillon d’Asie
Boutique Nice boutique, spread
over two floors. Offering a good variety of artwork, handicraft
products, posters and postcards, hand-tinted B&W photographs, oil and
water paintings by some of Cambodia’s most interesting contemporary
artists (Chhim Sothy, Heng Mony Phal, Nhem Det) and an excellent
selection of traditional furniture. Located near the Independence
Monument.
#24-#26, Sihanouk Blvd.,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-497217
pavillondasie@yahoo.com
www.pavilliondasie.com
PSE
Boutique
A variety of Cambodian handcrafts, silk clothing and products sold at
the Pour un Sourire d'Enfant's boutique shop are made by the
children's mothers. Your purchases benefit the children and their
mothers who previously worked at the Stung Mean Chey dumpsite in Phnom
Penh. Open from Monday to Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM. Saturday closed at
12:00PM.
Visa/MC/JCB/ANZ
#402, Trea Village, Stung Meanchey
Tel: 023-995660
Website:
www.pse.asso.fr
Rajana
NGO-based Souvenir and handicraft
shop. The Rajana shop has a wide variety of items including
silk products, silk paintings, silver jewelry, bamboo crafts,
handicrafts, cards, drawings, iron works, hilltribe crafts and even
local coffees, spices and condiments. “The Rajana Association is an
income generation and skills training project that produces Fair Trade
products using traditional Cambodian skills with contemporary designs.”
Visa/MC
Streets 450 & 155 ,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-364795
rajana@rajanacrafts.org
www.rajanacrafts.org
Rehab
Craft
Rehab Craft Cambodia is a non-profit NGO that aims to create
opportunities and enhance the living standard of people with
disabilities through the production and marketing of quality handicrafts
including silk, silver and wood products - silk bags, clothes, soft
furnishings, silver jewelry, wood, statues. All our earnings are
re-invested in our training and employment programs.
#10A, Street 322,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-726801
www.camnet.com.kh/rehabcraft
Reyum Gallery
Art Gallery. The Reyum Gallery
is one of the most important art galleries in Phnom Penh, hosting
regular exhibitions, lectures addressing topics related to art,
architecture and archaeology and a offering a complete selection of
Cambodian art and culture related books from the Reyum Publishing
house. The gallery offers some of the best traditional and contemporary
Cambodian art exhibitions in town. Retail art and book sales. Located
next to the Royal University of Fine Arts.
#47, Street 178,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-217149
Sentosa
Silk
Silk Shop. Established in
2004, aiming to bring international buyers high quality Cambodian silk
products produced by poor and disabled craftsmen and women from rural
Cambodia who are experts in traditional forms of silk weaving. Luxury
pieces made from pure Khmer silk available in a wide range of colors and
sizes to suit your taste. For home or hotel, rich soft furnishings. Your
purchase helps support disabled craftsmen in Cambodia.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#33, Sothearos (corner of
Street 178),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-222974
www.sentosasilk.com
Sit Down Jeweler
Jeweler The Sit Down Jeweler
is a riverfront jewelry and silver shop specializing in Cambodian gems,
jewelry and gold and also offer a very large selection of silver works -
both art and jewelry - including a very nice collection of pounded,
animal-shaped silver betel boxes. Located on the riverfront road between
Streets 148 and 154.
#277Eo, Sisowath Quay,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-969036
sitdown_jeweler@online.com.kh
www.sitdownjeweler.com
Sopor Khmer Silk Shop
Silk Shop.
The walls are piled from floor to ceiling with an amazing array of
hand-loomed Khmer silks from Takeo province. The shops offers silks and
silk fashion accessories, and home decor including pillows, bags, ties,
coverings - off the rack and custom orders. Custom silk designs and
quantities made to order.
#183, Norodom,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-223911
soporkhmersilk@yahoo.com
Tabitha Cambodia
NGO-based silk shop. The Tabitha
Cambodia retail shop offers Cambodian silk products of all sorts:
purses, pillows, bed covers, clothes, shawls, toys, silver, cards.
Tabitha Cambodia employs a unique community development model:
Disadvantaged women undertake a six-week training course, at which point
they have usually made enough money to purchase a sewing machine to take
home. Tabitha then places orders handicrafts, and the workers receive a
fair price, ultimately providing a regular income and employment.
Corner of Streets 360 & 51,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-721038
Visa/MC/JCB
tabitha@forum.org.kh
www.tabithafoundationaustralia.com
Ta Prohm Souvenir Shop
Silk shop. Tiny, welcoming silk shop,
absolutely stuffed with silks. Offering Khmer silk products of all
sorts: purses, pillows, hangings, clothes, clothes, table cloths. Custom
orders are welcome. Located on Street 178 near the National Museum.
Visa/MC/AMEX
#49BEo, Street 178,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023-224729
samoeurn@ovi.com
Tendance Khmere-Phnom Penh
Silks boutique The new
Tendance Khmere boutique in
Boeung Keng Kang 1
brings the Tendance Khmere-Paris collection of fine Cambodian
silk products to Phnom Penh. The shop displays a wide selection of
beddings, covers, pillows, home decor, table cloths and runners, all
produced with fine hand-woven Khmer silks and textiles in original
contemporary designs and styles of the Tendance Khmere
collection. Custom orders welcome.
#4A, Street 278
(Boeung
Keng Kang 1),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-584661
www.tendance-khmere.fr
Tom & Alice Custom Tailors
Well-established clothing tailor shop with lots of experience dealing
with foreign (tourist and expatriate) customers. Men and women's
clothing. Men's suits, shirts, ties and overcoats, Women's dresses,
skirts, jackets, lingerie, wedding dressing and designer clothes. 48
hour turnaround. Satisfaction guaranteed.
#153, Street 278 (Boeung
Keng Kang 1),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-796286
E-mail:
alice.tailors@gmail.com
Trois
Continents
Art Boutique and Café Thoughtful little souvenir boutique and
café. Offering Cambodian and Southeast Asian handicrafts and art and an
interesting selection of Southeast Asian coffees and teas, Cambodian
cookies and other local specialty products. Also a very pleasant, fully
air-conditioned café serving coffees, teas, juices, Asian snacks and
sweets.
#182E0, Street 63 (Boeung
Keng Kang 1),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 089-475513
www.angkorcookies.com
Up to You
Souvenir and silk shop.
Up to You is an NGO-based shop serving as an outlet for Cambodian silks
and handicrafts sourced from a many different workshops and adhering to
‘fair trade’ practices. Up to You offers an array of Cambodian silks and
products, scarves and fashion accessories, home decor and some
handicrafts. Located amongst a cluster of interesting little silk and
silver shops, boutiques and bookstores on Sothearos Blvd between the
Royal Palace and Wat Ounalom just off the riverfront. Open 9AM-noon and
1PM-6:30PM.
#3, Sothearos (near the
riverfront, right around the corner from the National Museum),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 092-720141
www.up-to-you.org
Yodicraft
NGO based Cambodian handicrafts shop specializing in Cambodian silk
products and wood carving and statues but also works in beads and
coconut shell. Silk handbags. Comfortable shop also serving Khmer cake
and soft drinks. “Yodicraft provides employment and training for young
Cambodian with disabilities.” Yodicraft is part of the Yodifee group.
#172Eo, Street 13,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 012-324548
www.yodifee.org
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