The Russian Market, known locally as Tuol Tompoung or Psar Toul Tom Poung, is the shopping stop most visitors remember best. Its nickname comes from the Russian expatriates who shopped here in the 1980s, and the market is a maze of narrow, covered aisles under a corrugated roof, packed with stalls. You can find silk and cotton textiles, scarves, tailored shirts and fabric by the length, along with silver, jewellery, carved wood and stone, and antiques of varying authenticity. It is also a working market for everyday goods, from motorbike parts and hardware to kitchenware and spices. In the middle, a food court serves noodles, iced coffee and fruit shakes, which is the best way to refuel. The neighbouring streets are full of cafes, boutiques and galleries, making this one of the pleasantest parts of the city for a slow wander. It is crowded, hot and loud, but great fun for anyone who enjoys browsing, haggling and soaking up local life.
How to visit
The market is in the south of the city, about a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride from the BKK1 neighbourhood and a little further from the riverfront. It opens early in the morning and winds down in the late afternoon, and the corrugated roof makes the interior very hot by mid-morning, so aim to arrive before 10 am. Allow one to two hours.
Shopping tips
Bargaining is expected, and a common approach is to start at around half the first price and settle somewhere in the middle, keeping it friendly and good-humoured. The market is cramped, so keep your bag in front of you and your valuables out of sight. Be aware that antiques may not be authentic, and that export rules apply to genuine antiquities, so buy for enjoyment rather than investment. Krama scarves, silk and silver make good, lightweight souvenirs.
Making the most of it
Start at the edge with the textiles, then work toward the middle, stopping at the food court for noodles or an iced coffee. Afterward, the nearby cafes and boutiques are a good place to cool down. If you prefer someone to guide you through the stalls and the surrounding streets, an evening food tour often includes the market and its neighbourhood. Bring small notes in US dollars, which are widely accepted, and a reusable bag.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided browse through crowded covered aisles of textile, silver, antique and household stalls, with a food court in the middle.
Best time
Before 10 am, when it is cooler and quieter, since the roof traps heat as the day goes on.
How long
One to two hours, depending on how much you enjoy bargaining.
Tips
Bargain politely, start near half the first price, carry small US dollar notes, keep your bag in front of you and have a snack at the food court.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Souvenir shoppers, textile lovers and anyone who enjoys lively local markets.
- Families
- Children usually enjoy the noise and colour, but the aisles are cramped and hot, so keep close and bring water.
- Couples
- Fun for browsing silk, silver and krama scarves together, followed by coffee in one of the nearby cafes.
- Pair with
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which is nearby, or an evening food tour that passes through the market.
- Time needed
- Allow one to two hours, and more if you also explore the cafes and boutiques around it.
Good questions
Why is it called the Russian Market?+
The nickname comes from the Russian expatriates who shopped here in the 1980s. Its Khmer name is Psar Toul Tom Poung.
What is the best time to visit the Russian Market?+
Go before 10 am, when it is cooler and quieter. The corrugated roof makes the market very hot by mid-morning.
Is bargaining expected at the Russian Market?+
Yes, haggling is part of the experience. Start at around half the first price, stay friendly and settle in the middle.
What should I buy at the Russian Market?+
Silk, cotton, krama scarves, tailored shirts, silver and jewellery are popular. Treat antiques with care, since many are not authentic.
Is there somewhere to eat at the Russian Market?+
Yes, a food court in the middle serves noodles, iced coffee and fruit shakes. The surrounding streets also have good cafes.
