Central Market
Central Market
4
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Flea & Street Markets
Read more
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Housed in a 1937 Art Deco building, this market is a city landmark.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Central Market
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,458 within 3 miles
Attractions
123 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
6,211 reviews
Excellent
1,415
Very good
2,639
Average
1,750
Poor
305
Terrible
102
Aimless Vagabonds
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India56 contributions
Nov 2022
If you are here to shop, I won't recommend since you'll get better deals in the other markets dotting the city of Phnom Penh.
We chose to visit the central market as a part of our French architecture walk. What got me even more attracted was that this building also appears as a character in many books on Cambodian recent history. Also this was the biggest market in Asia when it was first built.
We chose to visit the central market as a part of our French architecture walk. What got me even more attracted was that this building also appears as a character in many books on Cambodian recent history. Also this was the biggest market in Asia when it was first built.
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aethelred
Cambridge, MA1,193 contributions
Mar 2022
The art deco dome is great. Otherwise, the more negative reviews here are spot-on: It's tourist-trappy, and all haggling is doomed to fail because vendors have no incentive to give you an adequate price. Also, "you can buy everything here" is nonsensical - this is a very restricted place, and the goods offered are less than 10% of what a normal department store would have. That said, Cambodia is not a country for shopping because almost nothing is made here (but imported from Thailand and Vietnam). Cheap clothes are sometimes an exception, and there is some great quality art etc but none of that is sold here. Enjoy Central Market, but not for shopping.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pietro M
Phnom Penh, Cambodia110 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
This was a first day activity for our group. Something about the bustling of patrons and just immense amount of activity and energy is really cool to see. I think the food market portion is probably the most interesting to walk around since this is where you can find locals selling and buying goods.
The thing is with the rest of the market is that the stalls are mainly selling cheap and knockoff stuff that while I'm sure not at all expensive to purchase, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to buy. I did buy a t-shirt for $5 bucks and didn't have to barter much with the shop owner (shirt was at least made in Cambodia so I did have that going for me).
Again I wouldn't recommend doing any serious shopping here. Even as a tourist I think you can probably find better souvenirs at the "Amazing Cambodia" store or even some stalls at the Russian Market.
My advice: grab a coffee or drink from one of the stalls and just take in the sights, sounds and smells from the market for an hour. Sure beats trying to haggle down the price of some cheap thing you can no doubt get elsewhere.
The thing is with the rest of the market is that the stalls are mainly selling cheap and knockoff stuff that while I'm sure not at all expensive to purchase, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to buy. I did buy a t-shirt for $5 bucks and didn't have to barter much with the shop owner (shirt was at least made in Cambodia so I did have that going for me).
Again I wouldn't recommend doing any serious shopping here. Even as a tourist I think you can probably find better souvenirs at the "Amazing Cambodia" store or even some stalls at the Russian Market.
My advice: grab a coffee or drink from one of the stalls and just take in the sights, sounds and smells from the market for an hour. Sure beats trying to haggle down the price of some cheap thing you can no doubt get elsewhere.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mirsha O
Indonesia11 contributions
Oct 2022
The only real reason to come here is for the building itself. Most of the stalls are not selling tourist type merchandise but I had a fabulous hour or two here marveling at both the building and the food market. The food market has an extraordinary range of seafood and you can sample some of it at the food stall that run along one edge of the market- it is clearly fresh as all the seafood is alive!
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherpa591575
Phnom Penh, Cambodia147 contributions
Jul 2020
In my imagination, I’ve often thought that Central Market resembles an inter-galactic craft complete with four legs to prevent it falling over, which just happened to land in Phnom Penh. In truth however, this rather unique covered market was opened in 1937 & boasted the largest unsupported dome in Asia, 45-meter diameter, at least until 1960. Quite badly damaged early 1940’s. Although repairs were carried out after the war, extensive renovation became necessary, costing some $4 million, which was completed between 2009 & 2011. No problem finding this very distinctive building at streets 128/63.
Been here countless times & usually find it quite cool in the central area under the dome where watches, jewelry, semi-precious stones etc. are to be found. Away from the central area & extending through the legs there is a vast selection of clothes, shoes, fresh fish, vegetables & fruit. You will also discover a good selection of cutlery, china, pots, pans, small electrical appliances, flowers & much, much more. You can get a haircut, nails painted & ears pierced always provided, of course, that you are willing.
Shopped here numerous times & found the staff to be friendly & helpful & generally happy to do a little reasonable bargaining. Keep a close eye on your valuables.
Well worth a look & if you enjoy local food, you’ll not be disappointed with the good selection on offer. Rest your legs, eat & experience the comings & goings of this very busy market.
A visit to this city would be incomplete without visiting Central Market.
Been here countless times & usually find it quite cool in the central area under the dome where watches, jewelry, semi-precious stones etc. are to be found. Away from the central area & extending through the legs there is a vast selection of clothes, shoes, fresh fish, vegetables & fruit. You will also discover a good selection of cutlery, china, pots, pans, small electrical appliances, flowers & much, much more. You can get a haircut, nails painted & ears pierced always provided, of course, that you are willing.
Shopped here numerous times & found the staff to be friendly & helpful & generally happy to do a little reasonable bargaining. Keep a close eye on your valuables.
Well worth a look & if you enjoy local food, you’ll not be disappointed with the good selection on offer. Rest your legs, eat & experience the comings & goings of this very busy market.
A visit to this city would be incomplete without visiting Central Market.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussie Travel
Geelong, Australia144 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Really inflated prices and not as negotiable on price. Wooden trinkets that would be $5 in Bali or Vietnam they are asking 25USD. Madness!
It’s good to walk around though and take in all the sights, the food market is an eye opener not sure the hygiene standards are the same as western standards. Disappointed I couldn’t get some cheap items but will get them in Bali
It’s good to walk around though and take in all the sights, the food market is an eye opener not sure the hygiene standards are the same as western standards. Disappointed I couldn’t get some cheap items but will get them in Bali
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inascully
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia613 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
We visited the Central Market & Russian Market on the same day. We found out that the Russian Market has more variety but I cannot comment on the price.
We bought the Cambodian coin purses here for $8 for 12 pieces after bargaining.
The Central Market is also known as Phsar Thmei locally. Mostly sell clothes, jewellery, food & souvenirs. It has outstanding architecture but the arrangement of the stalls inside is a bit of a mess.
We bought the Cambodian coin purses here for $8 for 12 pieces after bargaining.
The Central Market is also known as Phsar Thmei locally. Mostly sell clothes, jewellery, food & souvenirs. It has outstanding architecture but the arrangement of the stalls inside is a bit of a mess.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JOYCE Y
Los Angeles, CA19 contributions
Mar 2020
It’s our last day in Cambodia so we came here to pickup some souvenirs. It’s a large building with many small stalls, selling everything from flowers to cloths, souvenirs, small electronics, handbags. Asking price typically is double of what you should pay for.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Itchyfeet
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
DO NOT cone here if you are a tourist or even an expat. I was recommended to visit this place from my hotel, I am a lover of tropical fruits and have visited many countries in Asia like the Philippines, Thailand, etc. they have very nice looking fruits here so I asked how much a kilo of mangosteen was, the guy said $1 USD, I thought ok thats not bad ill take two kilos then he proceeds to tell me they are $1 EACH! I almost laughed. I ask ok how much is a kilo, he says $6 USD. Now i usually pay around .50-1.00 max. I moved along to another vendor that tells me a few sliced pineapple pieces are $2, I say no thanks and then the price drops to 1.25. I kept walking. She was selling Durian also, wonder how much that was maybe $1,000 dollars? Ha ha. I proceeded to walk across the street and asked how much a basic omelette with rice was lady says $1 i said ok, then a man walks out and says no its $4. REALLY! This place is absurd! No elsewhere. Buyer beware!
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie T
Sydney, Australia59 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I visited the markets with the intention of buying souvenirs to take back home. The market has a lot to offer, if you are ready to bargain. I bought a bag full of souvenirs for under $20. Plus, also scored two london topaz pendants under $30. I guess with all these markets, the main thing is that you should know what to buy, how to look and how much to pay. The only saddening part of this place is that the toilets aren't very nice and you have pay an entry fee (I thibk it was 500 Cambodian Riels). As long as they are kept clean, a small fee is not an issue, I guess. The coconut waters are a nice addition and will help you with the heat both outside and inside. They dont have air con inside the market, just big fans, which do not cool you a lot, but it adds to the charm. Plus, be careful of your belongings.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel yg dekat dengan central market kamboja
Roger V
Albury, Australia475 contributions
Hi, pick a nice hotel anywhere in Phnom Phen, near the river is quite nice. Transport in Tuk Turks, or taxis is cheap. If you like to walk in and around the the streets, we saw some nice hotels in the city as well. Central Markets is only one attraction, there are many. Try the night markets near the port, great selection as well, good prices and there are lots of food stalls as well. Enjoy
neamman
Toronto Canada223 contributions
Anyone know if thge market sells Camel brand shirts?
Brandon1988
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia53 contributions
Sorry, I don’t think so.
aparesys
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
heures d'ouverture?
Misojosdelmundo
Bogota, Colombia615 contributions
Desde las 7 de la mañana hasta las 6 de la tarde
I want to know then name of wholesale market dealing in electronic items like laptops and mobiles and mobile accesories , please let me know the name of market and name of the area and if anyone can suggest a nice hotel around it , thanks in advance !!
Travellin Hollywood
9 contributions
i don't think there are any names at the Central Market there are just a bunch of booths. i purchased a JBL Charge 3 there. it works great except it will not connect to my Charge 3 I bought in the US. it is obviously a knock off. couldn't go wrong for $25 though.
any hotel downtown is like $2 or $3 tuk tuk ride so I would not be concerned about proximity. I stayed at the Grand Queen Boutique Hotel and loved it
Is the central market in Phnom Penh open during Khmer new year?
futsanglung
Doncaster, UK238 contributions
The complex is open but many stalls will not be, hit and miss really.
Rheinhard TOBING
Jakarta, Indonesia918 contributions
hi anyone can suggest if we want to go to Cambodia for 3 nights, should we go direct to Siem Reap or go to Phnom Penh first since there is direct flight to Siem Reap
163arthurhy
Bundaberg, Australia5 contributions
Hi If I were going to Cambodia for three nights I would definately spend all my time in Siem reap. The attractions of the temples and countryside are so good that it is easy to spend time exploring near by. Try to get to a floating village as well In the archeological park see at least the bayon, Angkor wat and Ta prom. While Phnom Penh is interesting it lacks the level of attractions of Siem reap
Central Market (Phnom Penh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Market
- Central Market is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Central Market tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 52 Central Market tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Central Market:
- Full Day Phnom Penh City Tour (Include Lunch) (From $184.62)
- Historical Phnom Penh Private Tour (From $40.00)
- Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours (From $75.00)
- Discover Cambodia 8 Days Private Tours (From $1,149.00)
- Half-Day Phnom Penh Food Tour (From $60.00)
- Hotels near Central Market:
- (0.14 mi) Ambrose Villa-360
- (0.70 mi) Arthur and Paul (A&P)
- (0.69 mi) Rambutan Resort - Phnom Penh
- (0.80 mi) Duong Chan Hotel
- (0.83 mi) Farmhouse Resort & Spa
- Restaurants near Central Market:
- (0.07 mi) YUE Phnom Penh
- (0.12 mi) Mo-Mo-Paradise - 360 Plaza
- (0.14 mi) Mlop Savy 99
- (0.18 mi) Tonle Bassac
- (0.17 mi) The Habit Burger Grill