Situated in Cambodia, Siem Reap is a small town, but its offerings of traditional handicrafts are anything but small in variety. Though many consider Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia as having more shopping facilities than the latter, this town in its own right has some unique goods.
The Old Market and the Central Market are the two main areas for shopping in Siem Reap. Here, just like any market, no price is fixed, technically speaking, and bargaining with stall owners, is perhaps the best way to get a discount. The market sells anything from popular Cambodian silk, to glassware and even pearls.
For clothes, suits and hats of all varieties then visitors should pay a visit to Samatoa. This is a small boutique shop and worth a look around. Another market to wander through is the Angkor Night Market, which is usually open till midnight each day. With over a hundred stalls, the market is a good place to rub shoulders with locals and get a feel for the culture as well. The market gets warmed up towards late evening since it opens at 4pm.
In as much as there are a range of boutiques that dot the town, a few of them are concentrated in the Old Market area for shopping. The advantage of shopping at the boutiques is that though the prices maybe a bit steep, the quality is better. But of course there is no in-house haggling with shop owners, like in the market.
Though taste varies among visitors, the Cambodian silks, precious stones, wood carvings and other handicrafts are what are mostly sought after in this part of town. For those looking to pick up some gifts for friends and family back home, the Krama a checked scarf, is a cheap enough option. It is a common sight to see locals draping it around their necks.
First time shoppers to Cambodia should know that the silk made here, is considered a treasured heirloom by many the world over. The silk is made through the traditional process known as ikat. Here the silk threads are dyed and then the patterns are loomed. Silk could be purchased in the form of clothing such as a sarong, or bolts. Although it is purchased as clothing it is considered as collector’s items. A lot of the history associated with silk and its production could be gathered from the National Silk Centre.
As for gems, towards the West of Cambodia, the region of Pailin is known to have a good source of stones. In Siem Reap jewelers and dealers mainly specialize in stones such as rubies or sapphires.
Another common sight in Siem Reap, are the light and portable ‘Temple Rubbings’. Little souvenir shops outside temples, are famous for selling the rubbings that are actually made from moistened paper which are placed over molds of the original Angkorian temple carvings. The fact that the rubbings are light and inexpensive makes them popular among foreign tourists.
Looking out for a place to unload one’s treasures in the comfort of a hotel room and unwind amidst some typical Siem Reap luxury accommodation would be the perfect end to an exciting day out. The Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is just minutes away from the Angkor temples, and located close to the edge of Siem Reap. This luxury hotel Siem Reap offers typical Cambodian hospitality with a tinge of an Angkorian blend.