On the morning of October 7th, at 6 AM, Silida, a 30-year-old vendor, was already at her stall in Phnom Penh’s Russian Market, carefully arranging her goods in preparation for the market’s 7 AM opening.
Recognized as the largest tourist market in Phnom Penh, the Russian Market draws a significant crowd of foreign visitors. Silida, who has been part of the market since she was 15, recalls working alongside her parents selling local souvenirs. “Many foreign tourists love coming here to shop for travel items,” she explained. “The largest group of visitors is from China.”
Market manager Soklim shared some insights on the market’s history. Established in the 1960s and 70s, the Russian Market now hosts over 1,300 vendors and attracts a considerable number of local shoppers alongside international tourists each day. “Most Asian tourists come from China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan, while European and American visitors mainly come from France, the USA, and Russia,” Soklim noted.
Soklim emphasized the market’s appeal to foreign tourists, highlighting its rich history and diverse range of souvenirs. “Visitors can find a variety of products here, including handmade silver items, silk textiles, fabric crafts, and exquisite sculptures and paintings. Cambodian traditional handicrafts are particularly popular among both local and foreign customers.”
He also pointed out that the majority of vendors at the Russian Market are Cambodians, with about 80% coming from Phnom Penh and the rest from nearby provinces. Most stalls are compact, typically less than 10 square meters, yet vendors work hard to display a wide assortment of goods within the limited space.
The Russian Market has become a favorite “check-in” spot for both short-term tourists and expatriates living and studying in Phnom Penh. It not only caters to the shopping needs of visitors from around the world but also allows them to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Cambodian culture. The market, significantly reliant on tourism, is usually buzzing with activity.
Among the shoppers was Han Fei, a tourist from China, who was spotted buying several clothing items with his family. “The vendors here are very friendly towards Chinese people, and the prices are quite reasonable,” he remarked. Locals often refer to the Russian Market as a hub for “factory goods,” where many local clothing factories offer high-quality apparel at very competitive prices.
Chinese university student Guo Yiming frequently visits the Russian Market to pick up souvenirs for her family and friends back home. This past weekend, she and her classmates explored Silida’s shop and were captivated by the Cambodian handicrafts, buying several items.
Daniel, a tourist from the UK, arrived in Cambodia on October 5th, and after doing some research online about the Russian Market, made it a priority to visit. He proudly showed off a ring he purchased there, a cherished keepsake from his Cambodian adventure.
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