Russian Market
- Location:Corner of Street 163 and Street 444Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Recommended reason: Largest tourist souvenir market in Phnom Penh
- Highlight:There is a good place to shop for souvenirs and sells a relatively wide range of souvenirs, jewellery, antiques and silks, some of which are of good design and workmanship.
- Opening hours: 6:30-17:30
Among the many markets in Phnom Penh, Zhu De Ben Market (Russian Market) located in Sang Yuen District is the distribution centre for "factory goods", which is favoured by many tourists and locals, and many of those who like to shop often come here to browse, and may also find their favourite treasures, and at the same time, "Russian Market" is also one of the best windows to learn about the history of Cambodia. The Russian Market is also one of the best places to learn about the history of Cambodia.
The origin of the Phnom Penh Russian Market
Russian Market was built in 1972, located in the outskirts of Phnom Penh at that time, in the 1980s, the residents who survived the war began to flock to Phnom Penh city, and around the city centre of the Russian Market gradually turned into a "buying station", a lot of paints, machine parts, and materials bought from Thailand and Vietnam are concentrated for sale. Many paints, machine parts, and materials bought from Thailand and Vietnam were sold there. Later on, a large number of Russian experts started to enter Cambodia, firstly, they restored the pre-war Soviet Technical Institute and sent a large number of Cambodian students to study in the Soviet Union. At that time, many Russian experts came to shop at the market of Chu Duc Penh, and the vendors started to learn to speak Russian in order to do business, which is why the market was later called the Russian market.
What good to eat in Phnom Penh Russian Market？
Fresh local produce is fresh and bountiful on street 440 (the north border of the market). When the market closes around 4 PM, the car and motorbike parking lot on the west side of the market empties and is quickly run over by great food stalls. We recommend the seafood BBQ joints on street 450 (the south border) or grab a fruit shake and meat skewers on street 163 (the west border).
What can you buy in the Phnom Penh Russian Market?
As the largest tourist souvenir market in Phnom Penh, most of the shops sell souvenirs such as Cambodian cotton scarves, silk, hand jewellery, small handicrafts and a large number of silverware, prints, stone carvings, bamboo and wood products as well as Khmer specialities such as Buddha jewelry and so on, which is a great variety of items at affordable prices. The biggest buyers of handicrafts are of course foreign tourists, and the best of them can also find antiques here, while locals mainly come here to buy cheap clothes, fruits, flowers, daily necessities and second-hand equipment.
There is a famous alley called "Coffee Street" in the Russian Market. This alley is only 100 metres long, but there are four or five coffee shops serving both Western and Thai coffee, making it one of the must-visit alleys in the Russian Market.
Highlights of the Russian Market, Phnom Penh
cultural diversity: As one of the oldest and most popular markets in Phnom Penh, the Russian Market is a melting pot of cultures. Here you will find a wide range of products reflecting the diverse influences of Cambodia's history, from traditional Khmer handicrafts to Russian imports and international souvenirs.
Original Shopping Experience: Unlike modern shopping centers, the market offers visitors an immersive and authentic experience. The narrow alleys are filled with stalls offering everything from clothing and accessories to antiques and handicrafts. Strolling through the market is like a treasure hunt, with hidden gems everywhere.
Bargaining paradise Bargaining is a way of life in Russian markets. With a wide range of products and friendly vendors, bargaining adds a lot of fun to shopping.
Tips for exploring Russian Market, Phnom Penh
Come prepared: Markets can be crowded, especially during rush hour. Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing and a bottle of water to stay hydrated as you navigate the bustling aisles.
Practice Bargaining Skills: Bargaining is an integral part of the market experience. Be polite, smile and negotiate in a friendly manner to ensure you get the best deal.
Explore the neighborhood: After immersing yourself in the market, take some time to explore the neighborhood. Explore nearby attractions such as the breathtaking Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, or sample the local cuisine at nearby cafes and restaurants.
How to reach the Russian Market, Phnom Penh?
The Russian Market is located in the downtown of Phnom Penh close to the Monivong Boulevard and Mao Tse Tung streets and takes about 20 minutes to reach. It can be reached on foot in about 35 minutes. You can rent a Tuk-Tuk for about 8 USD for a round trip that can be shared. Or you can hire a motorbike for about 8 to 10 USD per day to get there.
