Thing to do
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
A nightly hour-long show of circus, theatre, music and dance by graduates of a Cambodian arts school, staged in a big top on Siem Reap's Ring…
Old Market (Psar Chas)
Siem Reap's long-established central market, where local food stalls and produce sit beside souvenir stands selling silk, silverware, carvings and T-shirts.
At a glance
- Type
- Market
- Area
- Old Market area, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Good to know
- Souvenir stalls
- Food stalls
- Central location
Why we recommend it
Psar Chas, the Old Market, is the traditional heart of central Siem Reap and a good place to begin exploring the town on foot. It sits in the south of the town, between Pub Street and the Siem Reap River, surrounded by guesthouses, cafés and restaurants. Its name simply means old market; the Khmer word psah is thought to come, through Malay or Cham, from the Persian bazaar.
The market works on two levels at once. For visitors, there are souvenir stalls selling T-shirts, silverware, silk, wood and stone carvings and Buddha figures. For local people, it remains a working food market. The stalls sell rice, dried fish, pork sausages, vegetables and fruit, and prahok, the fermented fish paste that gives Cambodian cooking its depth. You will also find baguettes, Khmer soups and grilled stuffed frogs, a reminder of the many influences on the country's food.
Morning is a good time to see the food stalls, when the produce is at its freshest. Bargaining is normal at the souvenir stands, so ask the price, offer less and settle on a figure that feels fair to both sides, keeping it friendly. US dollars are widely used in Cambodia alongside the riel, and change for the cents may come back in riel, so carry small notes; slightly torn dollar bills are often refused.
Inside, the aisles are narrow and can get hot and crowded, so keep bags close and go slowly. Photography is generally fine, but ask before photographing stallholders. If you want better quality crafts with clear provenance, compare prices here with those at Artisans Angkor, a short walk away, before buying anything expensive.
The Old Market is an easy stop at the start or end of a day, and it combines naturally with a coffee in one of the nearby cafés or dinner in the surrounding lanes. Families will find it lively and colourful, while food lovers should look out for the snacks and sweets sold from the stalls around the edges. Allow at least an hour to wander, longer if you plan to shop seriously or stop to eat at one of the food counters, and bring a reusable bag for your purchases.
Old Market (Psar Chas) FAQs
Where is the Old Market?
At 2 Thnou Street in the south of central Siem Reap, between Pub Street and the river.
What can I buy there?
Souvenirs such as T-shirts, silk, silverware, carvings and Buddha figures, as well as fresh and cooked local food.
When is the best time to visit?
Morning is a good time for the food stalls, when produce is at its freshest.
Should I bargain?
Yes, polite bargaining is normal at the souvenir stalls.
What local foods can I find?
Rice, dried fish, pork sausages, fruit and vegetables, prahok, baguettes, soups and grilled stuffed frogs.
Do I need cash?
Yes, carry small notes, as market stalls deal in cash and may not have change for large notes.
Is it crowded?
The inner aisles are narrow and can be busy and warm, so keep belongings close.
What is nearby?
Artisans Angkor is a short walk away, and the surrounding streets are full of cafés and restaurants.