Russian Market

The Russian Market - known to locals as Psar Toul Tompung, after the neighbourhood it occupies - is a midsize, all-day market in Phnom Penh. Its warren of stalls sells a wide variety of goods, from automotive parts, home-improvement supplies, and household furnishings to raw and cooked food, clothes, and knick-knacks. Much of this is aimed at local shoppers, but clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs cater to visitors too, and it is this mix that makes the market such an interesting place to both explore and shop.

Despite its name, the Russian Market is not run by Russians - it earned the nickname simply because it was popular with Russian tourists and expatriates back in the 1980s.

The open-air market is hot, crowded, and stuffy, with the occasional whiff of the meat stalls; in the rainy season it is worth wearing closed-toed shoes to avoid the puddles underfoot. It is a good place to pick up souvenirs such as Angkor Beer T-shirts or a small Buddha image to take home. The streets around the market hold several good cafes along with more shops selling clothing and handicrafts, though eating inside the market itself depends on the strength of your stomach.