Night Market
Siem Reap has several night markets running simultaneously across the city and they are not all the same. Understanding what each one offers helps you choose where to spend your evening rather than wandering into the wrong one and leaving disappointed.
As a general principle: the markets closer to Pub Street are more tourist-oriented and better for atmosphere and browsing. The markets further from the main strip are better for buying things that are actually made in Cambodia. Both have their place.
Angkor Night Market
The oldest and largest night market in the city, established in 2007 and considered the first night market in Cambodia. Located off Sivatha Boulevard near Pub Street, it covers over 240 stalls divided across two sections, Market A and Market B, each accessible through a separate entrance. The market is specifically designed for visitors and the majority of stalls sell clothing, handicrafts, silk scarves, silver jewellery, wooden carvings, and souvenirs. It opens from around 4pm and runs until midnight.
The Island Bar at the first entrance and the Brick House at the second are the most prominent landmarks inside. Live music runs most evenings. Several massage stalls operate in and around the market and Bugs Cafe, a coffee shop serving drinks with edible insects incorporated into the menu, is worth a look if only for the novelty.
A word of honest advice before you start browsing. The opening prices at tourist markets in Siem Reap are typically three to four times what the seller will accept. This is not unique to Siem Reap and is not a reason to be offended. It is simply how the market works. Expect to pay around 30 to 40 percent of the first price quoted. Start low, stay friendly, and be willing to walk away. The seller will usually call you back. Also worth knowing: a significant proportion of the goods sold here, particularly clothing, scarves, and decorative items, are produced in China, Vietnam, or Thailand rather than Cambodia. If where something is made matters to you, ask directly and check the Made in Cambodia Market instead.
Made in Cambodia Market
The most reliable market in the city for buying things that are actually made in Cambodia. Held on Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday evenings in front of Shinta Mani Resort on Street 27. All sellers must demonstrate that their products are locally made, which gives the market its character and its value. You will find clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, paintings, ceramics, and food products from Cambodian producers. Prices are higher than at the Angkor Night Market but the provenance is clear and the quality is consistently stronger. Worth prioritising if you are serious about buying something genuinely Cambodian rather than something assembled elsewhere and sold here. The Sombai infused rice spirits, flavoured with cinnamon, mango, star anise, and chilli, are a signature product worth trying and buying.
Siem Reap Art Center Night Market
Located on the east bank of the Siem Reap River opposite the Old Market, the Art Center Night Market focuses on original art, paintings, photography, handmade crafts, and cultural performances including Apsara dance. A more curated and quieter option than the Angkor Night Market. Good for original artwork and for watching performances in an open-air riverside setting.
Noon Night Market
Smaller and less crowded than the Angkor Night Market, located between Sivatha Boulevard and the Angkor Night Market on Charles de Gaulle Avenue. Fair-trade souvenirs and handicrafts with 10 percent of profits going to a local orphanage. Khmer massage available inside. Silk lamps line the walkways. A pleasant and lower-pressure alternative to the main market.
Practical Notes
Bargaining is expected at all markets except Made in Cambodia where prices are generally fixed. Opening prices at tourist markets are typically three to four times the real price. Start at around 30 percent of the asking price, stay good-natured, and be willing to walk away. The seller will usually follow. A negotiation done with humour ends better than one done with impatience.
Most items are priced in US dollars. Small bills make transactions easier. Markets generally open from around 5pm to 11pm daily. Check the Made in Cambodia Market schedule in advance as it does not run every night.
A full listing of markets, shops, and what to buy in Siem Reap is in the Shopping section of SiemReapLife.com.
