Russian Market
Market Large Phnom Penh market for clothing and souvenirs
Phnom Penh’s Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung) sells textiles, antiques, secondhand goods and street food. Shoppers browse stalls for Khmer crafts, lacquerware, vintage clothing and inexpensive electronics; vendors and food stalls cluster along shaded aisles.
The Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung Market) is a large central market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, known for textiles, handicrafts, antiques and a wide range of consumer goods. It is a major shopping destination for both locals and tourists.
Stalls and shops sell silk, clothing, silverwork, souvenirs, woven goods and household items alongside sections for electronics, secondhand goods and food. Tailoring services and fabric sellers are prominent, and many visitors use the market to commission garments or purchase traditional crafts.
Eating stalls and small restaurants surround the market area, offering local street food and snacks throughout the day. The market atmosphere is busy, with narrow aisles and extensive choices that reward time spent browsing and bargaining.
The market developed during the 20th century in central Phnom Penh and grew into a major commercial hub for textiles and imported goods. It became commonly known as the Russian Market during the late 20th century when Russian visitors and aid workers frequented the area.
Located in the Tuol Tom Poung neighborhood of central Phnom Penh, the market sits within easy reach of the city centre and main transport routes.
- Payment and bargaining: Haggling is expected for most purchases; carry cash in local currency and small change for stalls and tailors.
- Best times: Early morning and late afternoon are the busiest times for fresh produce and street food stalls, while handicraft vendors operate throughout the day.
How to Get to Russian Market #
The Russian Market is in Phnom Penhs Tuol Tumpoung area, about 3 km southeast of the riverside Sisowath Quay. Take a tuk-tuk from central Phnom Penh (10-15 minutes depending on traffic) or a local bus; confirm the name Psar Tuol Tom Poung with drivers.
Tips for Visiting Russian Market #
- Shopkeepers are used to bargaining-be prepared and start about 20-30% below the asking price for souvenirs.
- Explore the lanes off the main stalls for second-hand electronics and tailoring stalls where prices drop sharply.
- Visit in the late afternoon; some of the best street food stalls fire up around 4-6pm.
Best Time to Visit Russian Market #
The market is active year-round; dry season offers easier walking though Phnom Penhs humidity is always a factor.
Weather & Climate near Russian Market #
Russian Market's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1400 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 11 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 11 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (262 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.