What to buy in Cambodia? — Top 29+ souvenirs & best things to buy in Cambodia

Cambodia tourism is becoming more and more popular and often chosen to visit by numerous international travellers. Although there are not too many shopping paradises, this country offering a lot of interesting souvenirs, gifts as well as specialties for you. Cambodia is quite famous for its unique and sophisticated souvenirs, especially jewelry and handicrafts, specialties to take home. So, what to buy in Cambodia, what should I buy in Cambodia, what souvenirs to buy in Cambodia? Let’s check out our Cambodia shopping guide with the suggested of 29+ best gifts from Cambodia, best things to buy in Cambodia, cheap things to buy in Cambodia, famous things to buy in Cambodia, things must buy in Cambodia and best souvenirs from Cambodia as well as where to find them. If you are looking for unique items as gifts, you can refer to the list of typical suggestions below.

If Thailand and Singapore are considered Asia’s shopping paradises, Cambodia is a modest country with quite a few shopping centers. However, if you work hard to “hunt”, you will find very unique items to bring back as gifts for your loved ones.

What to buy in Cambodia: Cambodian Silk

This is one of the best souvenirs from Cambodia that is considered as one of the best gifts from Cambodia with many types of extremely beautiful and delicate handmade silks. And if you are planning a trip to Cambodia but do not know what to buy, of course Cambodian silk is the best suggestion for you. Because, Cambodian silk is not like regular silk but has a soft, silky texture, very soft and smooth to the touch, and can absorb sweat very well.

For made from this silk, you can buy large scarves, shawls or a bow tie, clothes, all of which are very beautiful, but the prices are also relatively affordable, only from $2/item. In addition, you do not need to worry too much when buying silk fabrics here, because they are widely sold at markets, silk stores in the capital, other local markets or you can also go to Koh Dach island (dubbed the “cradle” of silk as well as also known as a paradise specializing in the sale and production of different types of silk). More specifically, you can also witness the sophisticated and very meticulous of silk weaving process by artisans here too.

Similar to Hoi An or Hue in Vietnam, visitors can also order a silk clothing with a tailor shop and get it within 24-48 hours.

Best souvenirs from Cambodia: Krama (Cambodian scarf cotton)

A sturdy traditional Cambodian garment, a typical product is very popular due to the skillful hands of the Khmer people make, so it is durable, can absorb sweat well, and has many unique colors mixed together, very eye-catching. These items are also very popularly used by backpackers, photographers as a fashion accessory and is considered by Cambodians as an “amulet” to bring luck and peace.

Visitors can use krama to protect themselves from the sun, use as masks, scarves, tie their heads or wipe away sweat… when visitors have a opportunity to visit Cambodia, many of them also to try to figure out how to get some krama to bring home. The price for each is from USD2 to USD10 depending on the quality. This price is also quite cheap, so many tourists buy it.

Although it is just a traditional scarf, the krama scarf is quite easy to mix with clothes, so you can completely turn it into a new fashion item to “mix and match” for your outfits. The scarves have many colors and designs, patterns but the common feature is that it has an elegant checkered black and white pattern, suitable for use by both men and women.

Famous things to buy in Cambodia: Jewelery

Jewelry is especially popular in Cambodia, Angkor Bullet jewelry being one such example. Made up of a group of disabled Cambodians living on the outskirts of Siem Reap, they created unique jewelry crafted from recycled bombshells left over from the war. They design rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other accessories.

Best gifts from Cambodia: Silver jewelry

For those who love jewelry accessories, you will definitely not be able to ignore these silver jewelry items if you do not know what to buy in Cambodia. Similar to Thailand, the silver jewelry here is finely crafted, bright and durable with many unique motifs. Not only are the jewelry items that meet the needs of tourists, but these are also items associated with religion that are very typical of the people here.

If you have a need, you can find more jewelry accessories made of silver here such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, chains, etc. It will definitely be a wonderful gift for family, friends or mother and girlfriend, they definitely would love it. Going deep into the markets in Cambodia, you can see silver shops sprouting up like mushrooms with all different designs and models for you to choose freely. Just walking around is enough to satisfy your eyes.

It is not too difficult for you to find yourself a reputable silver shop in Cambodia. There are many silver shops in the capital Phnom Penh, Siem Riep or the traditional village of Tul Mu, nearly 30km north of the city.

Cheap things to buy in Cambodia: Wind Cure Oil (Khmer Herbal Oil)

Being on the list of best souvenirs from Cambodia, you will definitely not be missed Cambodian wind cure oil. There are many different wind cure oils for you to choose from. Most of these oils are made from herbs and spices with great uses such as reducing headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, lowering blood pressure or treating insect stings… Especially, the price of each bottle of wind cure oil is usually very cheap!

What should I buy in Cambodia: Rainbow Coconut Bowls

Eye-catching, striking with vibrant colors, these rainbow coconut bowls will be the perfect choice to make your kitchen more bright and impressive. At souvenir shops in Cambodia you will come across a lot of these unique colored bowls.

More specifically, these bowls are all made from coconut, so they not only safe but they are also very durable! These hand-painted bowls can be found around markets in Siem Reap or markets in the capital of Phnom Penh, with prices ranging from $4-6.

What souvenirs to buy in Cambodia: Lacquerware

The ancient art of lacquer is another perfect piece of Cambodian art. The Cambodian artisans creating an array of stunning pieces that seamlessly combine traditional techniques with modern designs. These range from decorative lacquer boxes and buddha statues to bowls and other ornaments. Тheam’s Gallery in Siem Reap (Address: Veal Village, Phum Kokchack district, 50m on the right of, Street 30, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia/Hours: 8AM–5PM) has a wide range of lacquer products for sale, as well as a workshop that visitors can walk around to see first-hand the creation of these artworks.

Best souvenirs from Cambodia: Buddha Statues and Wood Carvings

As many people know, Cambodia is also known as the land of temples and pagodas, so the souvenirs of Buddha statues or other gods are also considered as one of the good suggestions for those who are planning a trip but didn’t know what to buy in Cambodia. These statues are usually handmade by bronze, silver, copper or wood. Artists spend hours sculpting statues as well as sculpting, carving, shaping according to gods, Buddha statues, famous landmarks, regilious sites or Apsara dancers… With these items you can decorate in your home space or buy it as a gift for friends!

Also, wood carvings and sculptures are also meticulously crafted from the skillful hands of local sculptors with the feat and creativity clearly seen in every detail. You can also refer to and choose from these exquisite and beautiful sculptures in the land of temples.

Best things to buy in Cambodia: Silverware

From large exquisite plates, teasets, jars, cups… with intricate designs to an array of ornate boxes, ornaments and other trinkets, this is another great souvenir to pack in a suitcase.

Things must buy in Cambodia: Jaggery (Brown Sugar)

Cambodia is extremely famous for its specialty which is jaggery, not the regular sugar. Jaggery is divided into small pieces with the main ingredient as its name suggests, made from the sap of precious palmyra palms. What should I buy in Cambodia? Jaggery brown sugar is an attractive gift, and at least you have brought the taste of this land as a gift for your friends and relatives at home. 1kg of hard jaggery costs about $2-3, but you can also buy liquid jaggery for more convenience.

Unlike refined sugars, jaggery contains a lot of vitamins. The taste of jaggery is also light sweeter and milder. Perhaps it is because of this that they are often used to cooking with sweets, making fresh drinks…

Palmyra sugar is usually packed into small round brown pieces, when melted, it has a yellow-brown liquid, viscous and smooth like honey. Jaggery sugar is sold at a relatively cheap price, only about USD2-3/kg.

What to buy in Cambodia: Dried snakes

It sounds scary at first, but dried snakes are a very popular specialty here. Although this country also worships snake gods, but because natural snakes have a lot, especially in Tonle Sap Lake, so it also becomes a familiar food. And also because it is dried food, you can easily bring. This unique dry food costs about USD6 – 150, is a favorite snack when served with beer or other alcoholic drinks or becomes a delicious side dish in your family meals. There is also a marinade snake meat in a box, which you can refer to at a cheaper price.

Cambodia shopping guide: Beef Jerky

This food is definitely no stranger to you, because in Vietnam it is also very popular. However, in Cambodia, this is still considered a worthy specialty for your suggestions on what to buy in Cambodia.

The only outstanding feature is that the beef jerky here is softer and sweeter with a rich flavor, besides that, the secret heirloom marinade recipe is also one of the reasons why the dish is so tasty and more popular. A Cambodian gift that meets the criteria of delicious – nutritious – cheap, is of course quite a safe choice and almost suits the taste of many people.

Beef jerky costs around USD8-15/kg, quite cheap, the meat is both chewy and fragrant, very sweet and rich.

Cambodia shopping guide: Dried Snakehead Fish

It seems that Cambodia is quite famous for dried foods that are uniquely prepared and seasoned with their own unique flavors that you probably won’t find anywhere else. Among them, dried snakehead fish is also considered a good specialty to bring back.

Normally, this dried snakehead fish will have 2 types for you to choose from: fillet snakehead fish and whole snakehead fish. Depending on your preference or taste, you can consider choosing to buy. Also, you can buy other dried fish which can also be instant or processed foods, or grilled…

Famous things to buy in Cambodia: Fried insects

This food sounds quite creepy like dried snakes, but it is actually a very signature specialty that you should enjoy when you have the opportunity to come to Cambodia. At first, it was quite scary to see the insects crawling one by one, but when prepared, it will be delicious.

Dried insects of all kinds from crickets, grasshoppers, frogs to cockroaches, spiders, and scorpions. Especially, the price of these fried insects is also quite cheap, only about $0.5/bag, so you can comfortably eat as much as you want or buy the dried type in a plastic jar as a gift.

Bronze Featherback Fish Cake

Getting lost in the food markets in Cambodia, you will find full of delicious dishes with many different flavors. When coming to Cambodia, don’t forget to enjoy the Bronze Featherback fish cake here. For those of you who do not know what to buy in Cambodia, this can be a great suggestion.

At first glance, it looks quite delicious, this fish cake has small round white color, when fried it’s crispy and absolutely tasty. There are many people who love this dish, it will be served as a sidedish for your meal, specially a great food with alcoholic drinks. The price is also quite cheap, only about $2.5k – $3.5/string.

Cheap things to buy in Cambodia: Dried Banana

Particularly for junk food lovers, it is definitely not possible to ignore this snack, a delicious gift. Eating dried bananas while sipping a hot of tea cup, watching movies or reading books is also an interesting choice. More specifically, if you are looking to save some money on your trip but don’t know what to buy in Cambodia, of course this small gift is an extremely suitable choice.

In addition, dried bananas are sold almost everywhere from supermarkets to second-hand markets in Cambodia, local markets and small grocery stores at a very cheap price, only about $1.3 – $2 for a relatively big package. The taste of small dried bananas is very attractive. This dried banana is also packaged in a very polite box, you can also buy it as a gift for relatives or friends, also okay.

Salak (Snake fruit)

The name sounds pretty weird. Above are some food like dried snakes, and the fruit also has a fruit called “snake fruit”. Of course, this is a fruit that is only available in Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, so don’t miss the opportunity to buy some. This fruit has a sweet, slightly sour taste and is somewhat similar to mangosteen in Vietnam. In short, this is also a delicious fruit, in contrast to its smooth as snake skin and even somewhat ugly appearance.

This fruit must have been heard by many people but have not had the opportunity to enjoy it, right? The shape of this fruit is a hybrid between a rambutan and a rattan, which looks quite fancy. You can find them at most fruit stalls in markets in Cambodia at a cheap price.

Dried tamarind

Dried tamarind is also quite popular in Vietnam and Thailand. This dried tamarind food is considered a delicious snack with a cheap price, even cheaper than in Vietnam. Dried tamarind with whole fruit and seeds, served with chili salt is really an unforgettable snack that you cannot ignore to bring home.

Best things to buy in Cambodia: Kampot Durian

Cambodia has many similarities with the West in Vietnam when it comes to owning a variety of special garden fresh fruits. And durian is also one of them. Durian in Cambodia is called Kampot durian which is famous for its soft flesh, deliciousness and sweetness, but you are not always lucky to find them during your Cambodia trip. You need to go to the right season to find and enjoy this special fruit.

However, Kampot durian in Cambodia is usually not too much. That is why they are often quite expensive. So, after enjoying it, you will find it very good value for money!

To find and buy this type of durian you have to go to the gardens in Kampot because in the capital Phnom Penh or other places it is often “rare and hard to find”. If you travel by bus, you should store it carefully so as not to get the smell around!

What to buy in Cambodia: Cambodian rice

Along with Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia is a country famous for its rice export industry. Some famous Cambodian specialty rice that you can buy such as Jasmine rice, Rumdoul rice or Fragrant Jasmine Eight rice… are always in the top of the best rice in the world. Cambodian rice is usually very flat, long, and ivory-white. The cooked rice has flexible texture and a light aroma, very delicious. If you have once enjoyed white rice in this Khmer country, you will be very impressed.

However, when choosing rice as a Cambodian specialty as a gift, you should visit the famous Cambodian rice markets to find the best kind. In addition, because rice is quite heavy and bulky, you should only buy a certain amount!

Cambodian sweet soup

On hot summer days, enjoying a cool bowl of Cambodian sweet soup is really wonderful, isn’t it? You must definitely visit the local markets to enjoy this traditional delicious sweets! Similar to Hue royal sweet soup, Cambodian sweet soup is also very diverse with many different kinds for you to enjoy such as steamed pumpkin sweet soup, jackfruit seed sweet soup, jaggery coconut sweets or mixed sweets…

But the most delicious one is probably the Pumpkin Custard (Cambodian dessert). Although it is a snack, the way of making it is quite sophisticated and requires ingenuity. Pumpkin is cut out its top and remove entire inside part, then mixed with powdered milk, condensed milk, coconut milk, egg yolk and then steamed. The dessert is often served with coconut milk, fresh milk and shaved ice. Because it’s a day’s meal, if you buy it as a gift, you should keep it chilled in a styrofoam box!

Things must buy in Cambodia: Pepper

As one of the iconic products of Cambodia, pepper is not only a spice used daily in every Cambodian family’s kitchen, but it is also a typical feature in the cuisine culture. That’s why you should buy pepper. Cambodian peppercorn is usually very aromatic, not simply a special spice to add flavor to dishes, but pepper also offers a number of health benefits such as aiding digestion or helping with diarrhea. So, there is no reason not to buy some pepper as gift, right?

Kep Dried Seafood

Traveling to Cambodia and enjoying seafood is also one of the interesting experiences that you should try for your journey to find and buy delicious foods here. Fresh seafood is caught on the same day in coastal provinces including crab, shrimp, octopus, squid, fish, mantis shrimp… as if you are enjoying the taste of seafood among the islands and beaches of Vietnam, but the price is much cheaper.

However, if you don’t have time to go to the beaches or islands, you don’t need to worry. Because dried seafood is always available at shopping centers and local markets throughout Cambodia, especially in Kep province. Dried seafood is diverse with many different types and can be kept for a long time!

Best gifts from Cambodia: Angkor Beer

What should I buy in Cambodia? You definitely should buy Angkor beer. This is a drink that goes well with most of the specialties here such as dried snakes, bronze featherback fish cake or seafood, sausage… Especially, you can buy a case of beer to give as a gift to your father and uncle, which is also very suitable. Many people commented that the taste of Angkor beer is quite similar to Lao beer. However, anyway, this is also a suitable suggestion for those of you who want to consult and buy gifts for relatives and friends before leaving Cambodia.

Beef Sausage

Sausage made from pork or beef is also one of the specialty food you should buy with savory taste and should be present in every meal. The special highlight of this dish is that it is marinated in a very special flavor. When eaten, there is almost no beef taste anymore, but it is very fragrant and fleshy. Beef sausage is sold in most of the markets, tourist areas.

Although it is just a simple and rustic food, it has contributed to making Cambodian cuisine known to more and more. In Siem Reap, there are many places to buy sausages. In particular, sausages are packed in vacuum bags, so when bought, they can be used for a long time.

Cambodian burnt rice

If you are a fan of snacks, you must definitely try Cambodian burnt rice and buy it as a gift for your relatives and friends! Make sure everyone enjoys and compliments it! Although burnt rice is not a new dish, there are many differences in the form and method of making it compared to Vietnamese burnt rice.

First of all, in terms of form, if Vietnamese burnt rice is usually round or made into small pieces, Cambodia’s burnt rice is the opposite. The burnt rice is made in a round shape, as big as the bottom size of the pot. Perhaps because of this, many people also call this delicious dish the name of burnt rice in the bottom of the pot. Burnt rice is the convergence of many different flavors. The spicy of the chili, the salty of the meat, the sweet of the shrimp and the sauce. The thick sauce soaked in each piece of burnt rice stimulates your taste buds. Cambodian burnt rice is sold a lot in the big markets in the capital of Phnom Penh!

Acacia mango

If you do not know what specialty Cambodia has, it is acacia mango. If you have the opportunity to visit Cambodia in October-November every year, you will see loads of acacia mango appear all over the streets. In particular, compared to the purchase price in Vietnam, the Cambodian acacia mango is very cheap!

There are two main types of acacia mango: yellow-skinned mango and green-skinned mango. Compared with Vietnamese mango varieties, acacia mangoes are usually quite large in size, with thin skin. Although the outside of the shell is still quite green, the inside is already ripe.

Young acacia mango has a mild sour taste and when ripe, it is sweet and fragrant. Because the taste is not too sweet, when you eat it, you can dip it with a little chili salt or fruit salt, it’s really delicious. Come to Cambodia, enjoy and buy this specialty as a gift!

Cambodia shopping guide: Famous shopping places in Cambodia

Sorya Center Point

Address: No. 13-61, St. 63, Sangkat Phsar Thmei I, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh Preah Trasak Paem Phnom Penh Phnom Penh, 12210, Cambodia
Hours: 9AM–9PM

Sorya is a premium shopping center in Phnom Penh, similar in size to shopping centers in Vietnam. Shopping in Sorya, you can buy a lot of items such as clothes, jewelry, electronics, fast food and food… Sorya consists of 8 floors but only 5 floors are used for commercial purposes. Shopping here you can bargain as in any Cambodian market.

• Ground floor: Includes shops for gold, clothes, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, banking services…
• 1st floor: Stores for clothes, cosmetics, perfumes…
• 2nd floor: Clothes, toys, cosmetics
• 3rd floor: Electronics, mobile phones
• 4th floor: Food and drink
• 5th floor: Food and cinema
• 6th floor – 8th floor: Dedicated area for management.

Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung Market)

Address: St. 163 Corner of St. 440, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phnom Penh, 12310, Cambodia
Hours: 6AM–4:30PM

This is one of the popular shopping places for tourists as well as locals. Here, you can have a lot of choices with a variety of stalls such as clothes, shoes, silks, antiques, sculptures, souvenirs…

Angkor Night Market

Address: Street 08, Siem Reap City
Hours: Sun – Sat 5pm – 12am

The night market is located in a landscaped garden in downtown Siem Reap. The market was established for the purpose of maintaining the traditional handicraft villages of the Khmer people and to improve their daily life. Here, there are more than 200 stalls specializing in selling handicrafts and souvenirs such as embroidered silk paintings, ceramics, fabrics, jewelry…

Kandal Market

Address: 13 Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: 4AM–8PM

The market is located close to the new West street of Phnom Penh (Sisowath Quay). This market specializes in selling goods to serve the needs of local people. If you have the opportunity to come here, you can visit some restaurants along the two sides to enjoy some delicious “true” Cambodian food. In addition, this is also an area where many Vietnamese people live, especially the Chbar Ampov Market.

Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre

Address: 0207, River Road, Treang Village, Khum Slorkram, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: 8AM–6PM

As a famous ceramic center in Siem Reap, preserving the traditional Cambodian ceramic culture of the 9th and 15th centuries. When coming here, visitors can find for themselves ceramic items such as vases, cosmetics jars, plates, cups… Especially, there is also a ceramic class for visitors, and if you’re interested, you can make your own ceramic products.

Louise Loubatieres Gallery

Address: 632 Hap Guan Street, Siem, Reap 17255, Cambodia
Hours: 10AM–6PM

Louise Loubatieres Gallery can be considered as a unique store in Siem Reap with classic royal interior style. Here, you can find items such as vases, dishes, carpets… with antique motifs to decorate your home.

Bamboo Market

As one of the markets is said to be the busiest, oldest and is considered a symbol of the city of Phnom Penh. This bamboo market is most famous for rice products, some other products such as dried lotus seeds, green beans, dried red beans… and at the same time this is also one of the places to buy and sell cheapest and most reliable electronics.

Olympic Market

Address: 95 St 286, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: 8AM–6PM

Is a type of traditional market of the Cambodian people, where visitors can find everything they need. This is also rated as the cheapest shopping place in Cambodia.

Central Market

Address: Calmette St. (53), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: 7AM–6PM

Central Market is the largest central market in Phnom Penh city today. This is also the most crowded and busiest area, so you need to pay attention to carefully store your personal belongings to avoid pickpockets and snatching. Silver, gold, antique coins, watches, clothes, shoes… here are all items you can easily buy.

Cambodia shopping tips

Shopping place

With the list of popular shopping places in Cambodia that we suggested above such as Bamboo Market, Old Market, New Market or Siem Reap, Sorya Shopping Center… you can easily find and buy the necessary items that you want.

Bargaining

When buying in the markets, especially souvenirs, the sellers here often say the price is more than 2, 3 times the normal price to tourists. That’s why you should bargain before you buy!

With handicraft items you can easily find in a lot of markets or stalls around on the streets. However, with specialties, you should find the right reputable and famous places to buy to avoid the situation of “lost money”!

Usually, in markets, sellers often say that the price of products is quite high, you remember to bargain to make sure you will be not overcharged.

Payment method

If you buy popular items at markets, don’t forget to exchange cash first, and remember to bring a little bit of cash instead of a credit card to ensure convenience for your shopping process.

Some notes when shopping in Cambodia

• Cambodia’s currency is the Riel but the Dollar is also widely used and accepted everywhere.
• When buying new or used gems, you need to pay attention to buy them at reputable stores to avoid buying fake goods, if introduced by acquaintances, the better.
• In Cambodia, there are very strict regulations on new money, not much damage, they do not accept cash, especially the torn and dirty 100 dollar bill.
• You should bargain enthusiastically, maybe down half or a third.
• Shopping in Phnom Penh is usually cheaper than in Siem Reap

Hopefully with the above sharing of ours, you will choose for yourself the most satisfactory items for your Cambodia trip. Wish you have a nice trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Phnom Penh you can refer to

• Shared Bus Transfers from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh, Kampot, or Kep by Giant Ibis
• Phnom Penh Airport Transfers (PNH) for Phnom Penh
• Shared Bus Transfers between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville by Giant Ibis
• Private City Transfers between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
• Shared Bus Transfers from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Mekong Express Bus Limousine
• Shared Bus Transfer between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh by Giant Ibis
• Private Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers (PNH) for Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh City Day Tour
• Phnom Penh Half Day City Trip with Shared Van
• Phnom Penh Half Day Cycling Tour
• Hidden Phnom Penh City Tour
• Phnom Penh Heritage Tour
• Phnom Penh Past and Present Half Day Tour

Read more: Phnom Penh shopping — Top 8 best shops, markets & shopping malls in Phnom Penh you must visit.