Central MarketAbout Central Market
The Central Market - known to locals as Psar Thmei, or “New Market” - is the principal market of Phnom Penh and one of the city’s most striking buildings. Beneath its great domed hall and four radiating wings, stalls sell everything from gold, silver, and gemstones to watches, electronics, clothing, flowers, and fresh food, serving locals and visitors alike. Cleaner, cooler, and far easier to navigate than the city’s other markets, it sits right in the centre of Phnom Penh, making it an easy stop while exploring the capital.
History & Culture of Central Market
The Central Market was built in 1937 and has been a city landmark ever since. Its Art Deco design and creamy yellow paintwork give it a striking beauty that recalls the French colonial era, and the vast central dome remains one of the largest of its kind in the region.
The market is as rewarding to visit for the experience as for the shopping - a fine place to wander until you stumble across something you need or simply want. When buying, it pays to shop around, negotiate in good humour, and watch for variations in quality, particularly with jewellery or gemstones. As in any busy market, keep an eye out for pickpockets in the crowds.
The Central Market is also a departure point for buses heading in all directions out of the city. Other stations exist, but this one is convenient and tickets can be bought on site.
Nearby Attractions to Central Market
Weather & Climate near Central Market
Central Market's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1379 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 27° | 8 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 23° - 32° | 28° | 9 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 25° - 34° | 31° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 26° - 35° | 33° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 26° - 34° | 35° | 152 mm | overcast | 74% | 1.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 33° | 35° | 153 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 162 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 158 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 225 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 33° | 259 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.5h |
| December | Excellent | 23° - 31° | 27° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.3h |