Russian Market Area

Overview

The Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) is Phnom Penh's most popular shopping destination for tourists and a beloved local market for Cambodians. Housed under a sprawling covered roof structure, the market is a maze of narrow aisles packed with vendors selling everything from silk scarves and silver jewelry to electronics and fresh produce.

The market earned its "Russian" nickname in the 1980s when Soviet-era expats were regular customers. Today, it's famous for factory outlet clothing (from nearby garment factories), traditional Cambodian handicrafts, antiques (mostly reproductions), and an incredible surrounding street food scene.

The neighborhood around the market — Toul Tom Poung — has evolved into one of Phnom Penh's most interesting areas, with independent cafes, art galleries, boutique shops, and some of the city's best local restaurants, making it worth exploring beyond the market itself.

What to Buy

• Silk & textiles: Cambodian silk scarves ($3-15), krama (traditional checkered scarves, $2-5), silk clothing, and table runners. Kampong Cham and Takeo silk is particularly fine.
• Clothing: Factory outlet items from Cambodia's garment industry — brand-name T-shirts ($2-5), jeans ($5-15), dresses ($5-20). Quality varies; inspect carefully for defects.
• Silver jewelry: Traditional Khmer silver work including bracelets, rings, and necklaces ($5-50+). Heavier pieces indicate higher silver content.
• Souvenirs: Angkor Wat reproductions, stone carvings, Buddha statues ($1-20), paintings, lacquerware, and wooden crafts.
• Kampot pepper: World-famous pepper from the Kampot region — black, white, and red varieties ($3-5 per bag). Makes an excellent gift.
• Antiques & art: Old coins, vintage posters, and art. Most "antiques" are reproductions — genuine items require an export permit.
• Electronics: Phone accessories, cables, and basic electronics at competitive prices.

Bargaining Guide

Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. Here's how to do it respectfully:

1. Browse first: Walk around to compare prices before buying. Know what you want and a rough fair price.
2. Ask the price: The vendor will give an inflated starting price, typically 50-100% above the real price.
3. Counter at 40-50%: Start your offer at about half. The vendor will act shocked — this is part of the game.
4. Meet in the middle: Go back and forth 2-3 times. Aim to settle at 60-70% of the asking price.
5. Walk away: If you can't agree, politely walk away. If they call you back, you know you're close to the real price.
6. Buy multiple items: Bundle purchases for better discounts. "If I buy three, what price?" works well.

Food & Drink

The Russian Market area is a street food paradise:

• Inside the market: A food section serves Khmer noodle soups, fried rice, and grilled meats for $1-2.50. Authentic, delicious, and the freshest ingredients.
• Street food stalls: Surrounding streets have vendors selling banh mi sandwiches ($0.50-1), grilled skewers, fresh fruit, sugar cane juice, and Cambodian desserts.
• Cafes: Several excellent independent cafes have opened in the neighborhood — ARTillery, Lot 369, and The Desk offer good coffee and light meals.
• Restaurants: More affordable than BKK1 with excellent Khmer food. Try the local restaurants on Streets 440 and 450 for authentic dishes at local prices ($2-5).

The Neighborhood

The Toul Tom Poung neighborhood surrounding the market is worth exploring:

• Street art: The area has a growing street art scene with murals on several buildings
• Art galleries: Small independent galleries showcase Cambodian contemporary art
• Accommodation: Budget-friendly guesthouses from $8-20/night, making this area popular with backpackers
• Local life: The neighborhood is predominantly Cambodian, giving a more authentic experience than the touristy Riverside
• Evening market: Street food vendors set up in the evening around the market perimeter

Visiting Information

• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily (some stalls close by 4 PM)
• Entry fee: Free
• Location: Street 163 / Street 444, Toul Tom Poung district
• Getting there: Tuk-tuk from Riverside $3-4, from BKK1 $2. Grab is cheapest
• Tips: Bring small bills (USD and Riel), wear comfortable shoes, keep bags secure in the crowded aisles
• Heat warning: The market has minimal ventilation — bring water and be prepared for heat under the roof