By Craig Bowman
Phnom Penh market life is a whirlwind of sights, smells, and sounds that can overwhelm even the most seasoned travelers. Unlike the polished souvenir markets catering to tourists, this market is an authentic slice of Cambodian culture, where locals shop daily for fresh produce, seafood, and spices. If you're looking for things to do in Phnom Penh that go beyond temples and museums, a deep dive into the local market scene is the way to go.
An Unexpected Introduction to Phnom Penh’s Markets
As soon as I stepped inside, I knew this was no ordinary market visit. Gone were the cliché T-shirts with Angkor What? slogans or knockoff backpacks. This place was about real Cambodian life. The aisles were tightly packed, forcing shoppers to squeeze through narrow spaces lined with baskets overflowing with everything from freshly caught fish to tropical fruits.
I was tagging along on an Insider’s Phnom Penh market tour, part of the Countryside Life Tour Siem Reap, led by a knowledgeable local guide. His bright orange Vespa Adventures shirt became my beacon as we navigated the maze-like stalls.
What You’ll Find in a Traditional Phnom Penh Market
If you’re wondering what to do in Phnom Penh beyond the usual landmarks, a market visit is one of the best ways to connect with the city. Vendors here sell everything imaginable:
Fresh seafood: Live fish splash in tubs, shrimp glisten on ice, and dried fish hang neatly in rows.
Cambodian food staples: Piles of rice, fragrant lemongrass, and baskets of red chili peppers fill the air with their unmistakable aroma.
Exotic produce: Fruits like durian, mangosteen, and rambutan are displayed in vibrant, colorful stacks.
Unexpected finds: From black eggs to fermented fish paste, the variety of foods was both exciting and intimidating.
Cambodian Food You Must Try
One of the best parts of visiting a Phnom Penh market is trying new foods. With encouragement from our guide, I sampled some of the most unique Cambodian street foods:
Num Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles): A breakfast staple made of rice noodles topped with a fragrant green curry sauce.
Grilled Insects: Not for the faint-hearted, but crunchy and surprisingly tasty!
Bai Sach Chrouk: A simple yet flavorful dish of grilled pork served over broken rice.
For an even deeper dive into Cambodian food culture, I later joined the Siem Reap After Dark Vespa Tour, which showcases Cambodia’s best street food and nightlife.
Beyond Food: A Glimpse into Traditional Medicine
After weaving through the food stalls, our guide led us outside to a row of shops selling traditional medicine. Here, dried herbs, tree bark, and aloe vera plants were meticulously arranged in large glass jars. These remedies, rooted in knowledge passed down through generations, were heavily relied upon during Cambodia’s civil war when modern medicine was scarce.
Many older locals still trust these remedies today, using them to treat ailments ranging from stomach aches to skin conditions.
Final Thoughts: Why a Phnom Penh Market Visit is a Must
Markets are the heartbeat of Phnom Penh, offering travelers an intimate look at daily Cambodian life. Whether you’re seeking a unique culinary adventure, looking to sample exotic foods, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, a market visit should be high on your list of things to do in Phnom Penh.
If you want to explore these markets stress-free, I highly recommend the Vespa Adventures tours. Their guides take you to the best spots, ensuring you experience Phnom Penh like a local.