Phnom Penh Night Markets Guide

Overview

Phnom Penh comes alive after dark. As the tropical heat fades, food carts roll out across the capital and the city transforms into an open-air dining hall. From humble noodle stalls beside the Tonle Sap river to the sprawling Diamond Island Night Market that draws thousands on weekends, the capital offers Cambodia's widest variety of night market experiences.

Unlike the more tourist-focused markets in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh's night markets cater primarily to locals—meaning lower prices, more authentic food, and a genuine slice of Cambodian evening culture. Expect plastic chairs, fluorescent lighting, cold draught beer for $0.50, and some of the best street food in Southeast Asia.

Street 178 Night Market (Paseo)

Location: Street 178, near the Royal Palace
Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM daily
Best for: Trendy food stalls, young locals, date nights

Street 178 has evolved from a quiet lane into Phnom Penh's trendiest food street. The pedestrianized section fills with food vendors each evening, offering everything from traditional Khmer dishes to Korean fried chicken and Japanese takoyaki. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, making it an excellent introduction to Cambodian night market culture.

• Lok lak wraps: Stir-fried beef in lettuce cups with pepper-lime dip ($1.50–2)
• Fruit shakes: Mango, dragon fruit, and passion fruit blended with ice ($1)
• Grilled corn: Charcoal-roasted corn with salt-chili butter ($0.50)
• Bao buns: Steamed pork buns from Chinese-Khmer vendors ($0.50–1)

Phsar Reatrey (Night Market)

Location: Near Riverside, Street 1
Hours: 5 PM – Midnight
Best for: Cheap eats, riverside atmosphere, local experience

The original Phnom Penh night market stretches along the riverside near the Royal Palace. This is where locals come for cheap grilled meats, bubbling noodle soups, and ice-cold beer at the end of a long day. The market sprawls across several blocks with a mix of permanent stalls and pop-up vendors.

Prices here are among the lowest in the city—a full meal with a beer rarely exceeds $3. The catch is that seating is basic (plastic stools on the sidewalk) and hygiene standards vary. Stick to stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked food.

Diamond Island Night Market

Location: Koh Pich (Diamond Island), south of Chaktomuk Bridge
Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM (weekends are best, some stalls open weekdays)
Best for: Weekend outings, families, the full night market experience

Diamond Island Night Market is Phnom Penh's biggest and most spectacular night market. On weekend evenings, hundreds of stalls set up across the island's open spaces, drawing thousands of Cambodian families and young couples. The sheer scale is impressive—you could spend two hours browsing and still not see everything.

The food section covers every Cambodian specialty imaginable: whole grilled fish, barbecue skewers, seafood platters, noodle soups, desserts, and fresh fruit. There are also clothing stalls, games, and a carnival atmosphere with music and colored lights.

• Barbecue platters: Mixed meat and seafood grilled over charcoal ($3–6 for a sharing plate)
• Sugarcane juice: Freshly pressed with lime, the perfect night market drink ($0.50)
• Num krok: Coconut rice pancakes cooked in clay molds ($0.50–1)
• Fried insects: Crickets, tarantulas, and silkworms for the adventurous ($1–2 per bag)

Central Market Evening Stalls

Location: Phsar Thmey (Central Market), Art Deco building in city center
Hours: 4 PM – 8 PM
Best for: Afternoon snacking, traditional Khmer food, architecture

While Central Market is primarily a daytime destination, the surrounding streets come alive in the late afternoon with food vendors. The iconic yellow Art Deco dome provides a dramatic backdrop as vendors set up their carts with steaming pots of noodle soup, grilled meats, and fresh spring rolls.

This is arguably the best spot in Phnom Penh for num banh chok (Khmer noodles with green fish curry)—Cambodia's unofficial national breakfast dish, also served as an afternoon snack. Several generations-old vendors around the market perimeter have been serving the same recipe for decades.

BKK Food Streets

Location: Streets 278, 302, 308 in BKK1
Hours: 6 PM – 11 PM
Best for: Upmarket food, craft cocktails, expat scene

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) is Phnom Penh's most cosmopolitan neighborhood, and its evening food scene reflects that diversity. While not a traditional night market, the streets around BKK1 fill with food carts alongside established restaurants and bars each evening.

Street 278 is particularly notable for its mix of Khmer tapas bars, craft cocktail lounges, and fusion restaurants. Prices are higher than traditional night markets ($5–15 per person) but still remarkably affordable by international standards. This is where Phnom Penh's young professionals and expat community gather.

• Khmer tapas: Small plates of local specialties, perfect for sharing ($2–4 each)
• Craft cocktails: Cambodian-inspired cocktails with local spirits ($3–6)
• Street-side BBQ: Push-cart vendors selling grilled chicken wings and pork ribs ($1–2)

What to Eat

Phnom Penh's night markets offer the widest food variety in Cambodia. These are the must-try dishes you will find across all markets:

Prices & Budget

Phnom Penh night markets are excellent value. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect:

• Budget meal: $2–4 per person (one main dish, a drink, and a snack)
• Mid-range grazing: $5–8 per person (sampling 3–4 dishes with drinks)
• Full night out (BKK): $10–15 per person (restaurant meal with cocktails)
• Draft beer: $0.50–1 at market stalls, $2–3 at BKK bars
• Fruit shakes: $0.75–1.50

Tips & Advice

• Go early: Arrive by 6 PM for the best selection. Popular stalls sell out by 8–9 PM
• Bring wet wipes: Hand-washing facilities are limited at most markets
• Watch your belongings: Keep phones and wallets in front pockets in crowded areas
• Use Grab or PassApp: These ride-hailing apps are the safest way home after dark
• Eat what locals eat: If a stall has a line of Cambodians, the food is good and safe
• Hydrate: Phnom Penh evenings are warm. Alternate food with water or fruit shakes
• Avoid ice at small stalls: Stick to bottled water or canned drinks at the most basic vendors

Frequently Asked Questions