Whether you wanna buy factory-fresh designer-branded products or fresh seafood, you’ll get everything at the Tuol Tompoung Market. As the sun sets, the smell of delicious street food captures the market. This market is known for its antique collections, like wooden and stone carved home decor pieces to old Indochinese notes and coins. This place is located in the southern portion of Phnom Penh, also known as the Russian Market, as it was very popular among Russian expatriates during the 1980s. A fun fact about the market is the vendors quote the prices in USD instead of their own currency to the foreigners.
Tuol Tompoung Market Overview
Image Credit: Colocho for Wikimedia Commons
Factories for brands like Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren are located in Phnom Penh, so the clothing items deemed unfit for export are sold at the Russian Tuol Tompoung Market. The eastern side of the market is best for clothing shopping, the northern side is famous for the tools and household goods. While on the other side, you can find various crafts, jewellery, watches, antiques and pirated videos. In this market, you get a broad range of products including fashion, utilitarian items, and crafts.
Must Read: Cambodia Beaches
Things To Do In Tuol Tompoung Market
Tuol Tompoung Market offers a vibrant and diverse experience for all visitors. You can enjoy a variety of activities at this bustling market such as:
1. Shopping
Image Credit: By gonghuimin468 from Pixabay
Phnom Penh Russian Market Tuol Tompoung Market is the best place for shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts. You can find amazing fashion-related stuff here, like clothing and accessories. Do not forget to check the traditional Khmer fabrics, silk scarves, wood carvings, and handmade jewellery shops. Most importantly be prepared to bargain with the vendors.
2. Dining
Image Credit: Saphabodi for Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy the local Cambodian dishes and snacks at the food lover’s paradise Tuol Tompoung Market. There are so many food stalls, and the whole market smells delicious. Try some of the most authentic Cambodian delicacies they call Khmer street food, like grilled meats, local noodles and rice. Remember to save some space for dessert; they have some of the mango or coconut sticky rice options.
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kampot
3. Explore The Local Culture
Image Credit: Narin BI for Wikimedia Commons
When you come to this market, you get a glimpse into the everyday life of Cambodians and experience their unique culture. The market has bustling aisles, where you can interact with local people. They are very friendly and helpful. You can observe traditional Khmer customs; in fact, you can even find traditional Khmer clothing and fabrics here.
4. Entertainment
Image Credit: Pierrevang3 for Wikimedia Commons
Even though the market is known as a popular shopping and dining destination, it often hosts traditional music performances or dance shows, and local artisans craft traditional items. Explore Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and get a fascinating glimpse into Cambodian craftsmanship.
Suggested Read: Lake Yeak Laom
5. Photography
Image Credit: Dietmar Rabich for Wikimedia Commons
Click as many photos as you can. This place has a whole different vibe and aesthetic charm. For example, the vendors created their food stalls of mini bar cum restaurants with shipping containers, and the unique artistic work on those to make them different is another level of creating something eco-friendly combined with the power of arts. The lighting here is also very gorgeous; do not miss the busy market shots.
Places To Visit Near Tuol Tompoung Market
You can visit various places near Tuol Tompoung Market to make your journey to this place more enjoyable, thrilling and full of learning
1. Ounalom Pagoda
Image Credit: VCTBR for Wikimedia Commons
Ounalom Pagoda is one of the most important pagodas in Cambodia, the centre of Cambodian Buddhism established in 1443. It has an extensive collection of Buddhist artefacts, including Buddha’s eyebrow hair. The Pagoda complex features an impressive Khmer architectural style. You can also participate in traditional ceremonies and rituals here; it is also a great place for meditation. Remember that this is a spiritual place, so dress appropriately.
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Phnom Penh
2. Tuol Sleng Genocidal Museum
Image Credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen for Wikimedia Commons
Tuol Sleng was a high school which was turned into a notorious prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, and then the Government turned it into a Museum. It is a memorial to the estimated 17,000 prisoners who were tortured and executed at S-21. The museum has harrowing exhibits, like photographs, documents, and personal items of the prisoners; you’ll also find the illustration of atrocities committed. You will get detailed historical information about the Cambodian genocide and the Khmer Rouge era.
3. Cheung Ek Killing Field
Image Credit: Timgray200 for Wikimedia Commons
Thousands of victims of the Khmer Rouge regime were executed here in the Cheung Ek Killing Field. Once you enter the field you’ll see a large stupa filled with the skulls of victims, it is a somber reminder of the atrocities. It is best to hire a guild there to get detailed historical context and personal stories of the victims, enhancing the educational experience. Even though this place has a dark history, it currently stands as a peaceful memorial site.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Phnom Penh
4. Phsar Chas (Old Market)
Image Credit: Peazapata for Wikimedia Commons
If you want to glimpse local Cambodian life, Phsar Chas is the perfect place for you. You’ll find a lot of vendors selling a variety of goods. This place is also famous for its fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, reflecting the local cuisine. You cannot miss this place if you want to buy some traditional Cambodian handicrafts or souvenirs. Here, you get the most authentic Cambodian street food at affordable prices with various food dishes. This market forms part of one of the oldest parts of Phnom Penh.
5. Wat Phnom Hill
Image Credit: Photogoddle for Wikimedia Commons
The tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh is Wat Phnom, it was built in 1372. Here you’ll see the pagoda has the classic Khmer architecture style with intricate carvings and a stunning central stupa. It is a very famous place among locals and tourists. People come here in great numbers to pay tribute to Budhha. They organize various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, so you would know beforehand if any of the ceremonies are going on during your visit. The scenic beauty here is just calm. You will get a view of the cityscape and lush greenery there.
Tips For The Visitors
- Vendors at the market do not accept credit cards, so you should carry plenty of cash in small denominations.
- The market’s path is a bit narrow, so the large crowds can make it difficult to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers, even though the market is generally flat. Keep that in mind.
- Make sure you use your bargaining skills here, and bargaining is a part of the shopping experience.
Further Read: Things To Do In Cambodia
Tuol Tompoung Market is a must-visit destination in Phnom Penh. Do not miss this place while on your trip to Cambodia. The vibrant atmosphere of the place offers an all-in-one experience with a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The vendors and locals here are very friendly, you can easily make friends. You can enjoy many delicious local foods here, especially the traditional Khmer cuisine and street food. Immerse yourself in the heart of Cambodian culture, the hottest place among today’s young generation. Create some long-lasting memories with mango sticky rice and container bars.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Clay Gilliland for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuol Tompoung Market
What are the operating hours of Tuol Tompoung Market?
The operating hours of Tuol Tompoung Market are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the market usually stays open every day.
What types of goods and products can I find at Tuol Tompoung Market?
You can find all sorts of products at Tuol Tompoung Market, including Clothing and Accessories, Home Goods, Electronics, antiques, cosmetics, traditional Cambodian crafts, artworks and much more. Do not miss the local foods while you are in the market.
Would they accept credit cards at Tuol Tompoung Market, or should I be prepared to pay in cash?
While most of the vendors mostly prefer cash and this is the most general means of payment, although almost all vendors may accept credit cards as well, carrying cash would still be more convenient.
At what time of the day is visiting Tuol Tompoung Market best to avoid crowds?
The best time of the day to get to Tuol Tompoung Market and avoid crowds would be in the morning hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, before larger crowds usually tend to come later in the day. Try to visit during the week when it is usually less busy compared to weekends.
Is bargaining common practice at Tuol Tompoung Market?
Yes, bargaining is very common and expected practice in Tuol Tompoung Market. So feel comfortable negotiating prices with vendors.
People Also Read:
Shopping In Siem Reap Shopping In Phnom Penh Shopping In Cambodia
