Boutiques,  Silk Shops

 

For Cambodian souvenirs, art, silks, handicrafts and curios, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a good range and variety of shopping opportunities and products. Traditional Cambodian souvenirs include fine hand-loomed silks, Angkorian and Buddhist themed carvings and statuary, hand-pounded silverwork, colored gems, traditional handicrafts, Cambodian basketry and of course, the most traditional of all Cambodian souvenirs, the krama - a checkered scarf unique to the Khmer people and tourists to Cambodia. But there is much more to the shopping scene these days than traditional crafts and souvenirs. Fine boutiques and art galleries offer unique, sophisticated selections of high-quality contemporary Asian art, EuroAsian fashions in Khmer silk, art deco furniture, home decor and, of particular interest, the artistic works of a new generation of Cambodian artists coming to the fore after decades of near silence and making its mark on the art world. Several boutiques are clustered together along Street 240 behind to the Royal Palace. Boutiques, silk shops and souvenir shops also dot the riverfront area and the Boeung Keng Kang 1 area. Street 178 next to the National Museum is known as 'Art Street' for the art galleries that line the street from the riverfront to Street 19.

 What to buy...

Cambodian Silk - Cambodian silks are prized by silk collectors the world over. Most of the silk available in Cambodia is hand-loomed using the traditional ikat method of dying the threads and looming in the patterns. Both raw and fine silks are available in the form of bolts, sarongs, clothing and various handicrafts. Cambodian silk is available at the Russian Market, silk shops and boutiques across town, many specializing in silk creations such as tailored Asian and Euro-Asian fashions, fashion accessories and soft furnishings. To learn more check out the book, ‘Traditional Textiles of Cambodia’ by Gillian Green

Silverwork - Silver betel containers are popular, traditional souvenirs. These pounded silver containers are often shaped like animals, fruits and vegetables, and were originally used in ceremonial and everyday life to hold dried betel nut. Nowadays, silver betel containers are made primarily for sale as souvenirs but are still hand crafted using traditional techniques and styles. Available at the traditional markets, most souvenir shops and at some jewelry stores such as Sit Down Jeweler.

Statues and Carvings - Statues and carvings of traditional subjects, often copies of Angkorian era works as well as Buddhas and various Hindu gods and personages, are available in stone, wood and brass. Statues make for relatively heavy, bulky souvenirs but are still very popular because of their beauty and artistic value. The replica of an Angkorian era bust of Jayavarman VII with its graceful lines and peaceful smile is truly captivating and is perhaps the most popular piece.

Art - Over the last couple of years Cambodia’s art scene has blossomed, particularly in the contemporary arts as a new generation of Cambodian artists takes the fore. The chic little silk, art and furniture boutiques along Street 240 and the art galleries and boutiques on Street 178 (‘Art Street’) near the National Museum are both great areas to explore for quality traditional and contemporary Southeast Asian art. Of particular note, the award winning Reyum Gallery on Street 178 offers some of the most interesting and important exhibitions in town, featuring the work of some of Cambodia's best known and upcoming contemporary artists as well as cultural exhibitions. New exhibitions open every couple of months. Reyum also offers a unique selection of books on Cambodian culture, art, archaeology and architecture. Other art spaces offering changing exhibitions include Java Café & Gallery, Scandinavia Hotel, two fish gallery café and Miles Jazz Café all offer regularly changing contemporary art and photography exhibitions. Top end hotels such as InterContinental, Le Royal, Cambodiana and Sunway offer occasional exhibitions and the FCC often hosts photo exhibitions. Lastly, check out galleries such as Asasax Art Gallery, and New Art Gallery. Check the back page of the Friday Cambodia Daily and the 'Listings' section of the Phnom Penh Post for new and on-going exhibitions. See the JavaArts website at www.javaarts.org  for information on the Cambodian art scene and artists.

Gems - Western Cambodia, particularly in the area of Pailin, is a fertile source of colored stones, particularly sapphires and rubies. In addition to the listed jewelers, gem dealers can be found at the Central Market and Russian Market. Know something about gems and/or know your jeweler before spending much money.

Where to buy...
 
Traditional Markets

Central Market (Psah Thmei)
The distinctive yellow domed Phsar Thmey (Central Market) is a ‘must see’ when visiting Phnom Penh, both as a historic building and as a shopping destination. The central walkway to the front entrance of the market is lined with a complex of stalls catering to visitors and locals alike, hawking a wide range of souvenir items including statuary, silverwork, silks and kramas, carvings, photocopy books and postcards and the largest selection of souvenir t-shirts and caps and town. The book sellers right next to the entrance also have a complete selection of Cambodia maps including topographic maps. The central interior of the market houses an amazing display of gems and jewelry. (Phsar Thmei means ‘New Market’, but ‘Central Market’ has caught on in English.)

Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung)
Of all the traditional markets, the Russian Market offers the largest and most varied selection of souvenirs, curios and other items of interest to the visitor. The south side of the market is the place to begin your shopping foray, lined inside and out with stalls selling carvings, handicrafts, silks and fabrics, curios, CDs and inexpensive electronic goods. This market offers the largest selection of bootlegged VCDs, DVDs and CDs in town, with vendors located near southeast entrance. There are also several fabric vendors making it a good place to pick up fabric to take to the tailor. (This market became the foreigners market during the 1980’s when most of the foreigners were Russians, hence the name ‘Russian Market.’)

Boutiques, Silk Shops and Art Galleries

Apsara Art Gallery
Art gallery/framing shop. Apsara Art Gallery offers a variety of contemporary Southeast and East Asian art (Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese) including paintings, oils, watercolors, creations, photographs, posters and cards. The gallery also offers matting and framing including bamboo framing. Located next to the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) near the Cafe Yejj and Rajana Crafts.
#170A, Street 450, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
Tel: 012-867390

Asasax Art Gallery
Art gallery. In the words of Asasax, “Without color, "people die"” The Asasax Art Gallery exhibits the unique paintings and other works of art of the well-known contemporary Cambodian artist, Asasax. Asasax’s works, much of it in oils and watercolors, offer a colorfully modern lens on traditional/historical images and icons.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#192, Street 178 (near the National Museum), Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
Tel: 012-363030

asasax@camnet.com.kh

Couleurs d’Asie
Street 240 boutique. Now at its new location on Street 240 Couleurs d’Asie offers high quality silks, silk fashions, accessories, soft furnishings and unique creations. Custom orders welcome. Wide selection of high quality Cambodian products and handicrafts.

Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
1) #33, Street 240, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

Tel: 023-221075
2) Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel and Lotus Hotel, Siem Reap
info@couleursdasie.net


CYK Handicrafts
Silk shop. The Caring for Young Khmer (CYK) NGO retail outlet offers hand-woven Cambodian ikat silks, silk products and silks made to order in traditional or custom designs and colors. The silks are hand-loomed in Takeo and Kandal provinces and the patterns created using the traditional ikat method and all natural dyes.
#67, Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
Tel: 023-210849
CYKPP@online.com.kh

Ebony Apsara
Street 178 Café, Tailor, Photo Gallery. Unique combination restaurant, bar, tailor and photo gallery. Original framed photographs by Rina, on exhibit and for sale. Seamstress on site offering tailored clothing - unique designs, bring clothing to be duplicated or choose a design from the magazines and catalogues. At the café Rina offers an innovative Khmer/Asian food and a selection of western favorites. 40% goes to charity.
#42, Street 178, Phnom Penh, Cambodia  [...] More