Phsar Kandal Phnom Penh

One block back from the riverfront, Phnom Penh’s Phsar Kandal is centrally located off Street 154, just a five-minute walk from Street 172 and opposite the north side of Wat Ounalom, so chances are you’ll pass by—if you do, it’s well worth a visit.

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Indeed the name translates as central market, though the iconic art deco Phsar Thmei –which actually means New Market—is often mistakenly translated into English as central market. It’s confusing certainly but just ask for Phsar Kandal—it’s one of the best known markets in town.

We got meat and veg. Photo taken in or around Phsar Kandal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia by Stuart McDonald.

We got meat and veg. Photo: Stuart McDonald

Despite its location close to many of the city’s hotels and guesthouses, this market still very much caters to Phnom Penh residents—the Russian Market this is not. If you wish to buy tourist tat, Buddha images or souvenir scarves then head to Phsar Tuol Tom Pong by all means, but if you wish to visit a typical local market, then try this one—or Phsar Chas not too far to the north of here.

Like the more tourist-orientated market across town, Phsar Kandal is square in form and compact, taking up just one city block, though it does overflow somewhat into surrounding streets: Fifth Street, on the east side, is an outdoor fruit and vegetable area while Street 154 concentrates on pavement barbers and motorcycle repair shops. Street 13, which borders it to the west, has cafes and currency exchange shops. The covered central area is then household goods and clothes along with an inordinate number of hairdressers and ... please log in to read the rest of this story.