Phnom Penh Night Market - a night shoot near night marketing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Phnom Penh Night Market

4
·11k reviews·Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A bustling hub of local life, offering delicious Khmer street food, unique crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better shopping

CrowdLow
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Phnom Penh Night Market - a night shoot near night marketing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh Night Market

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling hub of local life, offering delicious Khmer street food, unique crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy.

4
(11k reviews)

"Experience the lively energy and diverse flavors of Phnom Penh's most popular night market."

Vertical photo
TIP

Explore Koh Norea Market

Don't limit yourself to the riverside! The Koh Norea Night Market is often considered superior for food and variety. :food_bowl:

Try New Foods

Be adventurous! Sample a wide array of Cambodian street food. You might discover your new favorite dish. :sushi:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Khmer Street Food Delights

Khmer Street Food Delights

Various food stalls

Savor authentic Cambodian flavors from grilled meats to sweet treats. A must-try for any foodie!

Local Handicrafts & Souvenirs

Local Handicrafts & Souvenirs

Fabric and jewelry stalls

Discover unique, locally made textiles, intricate jewelry, and charming souvenirs.

Vibrant Atmosphere

Vibrant Atmosphere

Central plaza area

Experience the lively energy, with locals and tourists mingling, often sitting on carpets to dine.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Phnom Penh Night Market is a bustling hub, especially on weekends. For a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, aim for a weekday evening. Arrive early to snag the best finds before they disappear.

Beyond the Riverside

While the riverside night market is popular, consider exploring the Koh Norea Night Market for a potentially larger selection of food and crafts. It's often cited as a better alternative by locals and savvy travelers.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, better shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, more vendors
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Night Market

Explore Koh Norea Market

Don't limit yourself to the riverside! The Koh Norea Night Market is often considered superior for food and variety. :food_bowl:

Try New Foods

Be adventurous! Sample a wide array of Cambodian street food. You might discover your new favorite dish. :sushi:

reddit.com

Food recommendations and other tips Phnom Penh/Siem Reap

reddit.com

Koh Pich Night Market Proves Popular with Vendors and Visitors

Shop for Local Crafts

Look for unique, locally made items. Many stalls offer beautiful textiles and accessories. :gem:

Embrace the Vibe

Relax and soak in the atmosphere. Many visitors enjoy sitting on carpets to eat and people-watch. :people_hugging:

reddit.com

Things to do in Phnom Penh?

Tips

from all over the internet

Explore Koh Norea Market

Don't limit yourself to the riverside! The Koh Norea Night Market is often considered superior for food and variety. :food_bowl:

Try New Foods

Be adventurous! Sample a wide array of Cambodian street food. You might discover your new favorite dish. :sushi:

Shop for Local Crafts

Look for unique, locally made items. Many stalls offer beautiful textiles and accessories. :gem:

Embrace the Vibe

Relax and soak in the atmosphere. Many visitors enjoy sitting on carpets to eat and people-watch. :people_hugging:

What Travellers Say

4
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Phnom Penh Night Market for its lively atmosphere, diverse street food, and unique local crafts. Many enjoy the communal dining experience and the vibrant energy of the market. However, some find the selection of goods repetitive and suggest that other markets, like Koh Norea, offer a better variety.

"Very lively place. The stalls offer nice clothes, souvenirs and accessories. I loved the plaza were carpets were laid out so all the visitors could sit down on the ground with their drinks and snacks. Kids were playing around. There were very good vibes."

Asmara Tjee

"Frankly quite small and disappointing. Most of the stalls sell repeated stuffs. Like shoes and bags. There arent much souvenir stores here. Honestly central market would be so much better to go to."

SL Wong

"We loved the markets and trying all different foods. Go, try something you haven’t tried before and enjoy taking in your surroundings."

Rebeccat rule

What People Like

Lively atmosphere
Delicious street food
Local crafts & souvenirs

What People Dislike

Repetitive goods
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common Phnom Penh night market is located along the riverside. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of the city. If you're looking for the Koh Norea Night Market, it's a bit further out but also accessible by tuk-tuk.

Parking can be challenging due to the crowds, especially on weekends. It's often easier to arrive by tuk-tuk or taxi and be dropped off nearby.

Tuk-tuks are readily available for travel between the two markets. Negotiate your fare beforehand to ensure a fair price.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Phnom Penh Night Market. You can wander freely and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Phnom Penh Night Market typically opens in the late afternoon and runs until late at night, usually around 10 PM or later. It's best to check specific Phnom Penh night market opening hours closer to your visit, as they can vary.

Most stalls at the night market operate on a cash-only basis. It's advisable to carry sufficient Cambodian Riel or US Dollars for your purchases.

Yes, the night market is generally family-friendly. Many visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere and diverse food options with their children. The Koh Norea market is often recommended for families.

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

You'll find a variety of souvenirs, including textiles, silk scarves, jewelry, carved wooden items, and small decorative pieces. The quality can vary, so take your time to browse.

Yes, bargaining is common and expected at the Phnom Penh Night Market. Start with a lower offer and be prepared to negotiate respectfully to reach a fair price.

Clothing stalls are abundant. Look for unique designs and fabrics. Comparing prices across different vendors can help you find the best deals.

While specific stall recommendations change, keep an eye out for vendors selling hand-painted items or intricate silverwork. The Koh Norea market is often praised for its craft selection.

🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining

You must try local specialties like grilled skewers (moan/sach chrouk), Khmer noodles (kuy teav), and various seafood dishes. Don't miss out on fresh fruit shakes and local desserts.

Generally, the street food is safe, especially at busy stalls with high turnover. Look for vendors who cook food fresh to order and maintain good hygiene. The Koh Norea market is often highlighted for its food quality.

Yes, you can find vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries, spring rolls, and fruit-based desserts. Ask vendors about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Many visitors enjoy sitting on carpets laid out in designated areas, creating a communal dining experience. Some stalls also have small tables and chairs.

Food prices are very affordable, with most dishes costing between $1 to $5 USD, depending on the ingredients and portion size.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant food stalls, the colorful array of goods, and the lively crowds. The atmosphere at dusk and into the evening is particularly photogenic.

Generally, photography is allowed. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products.

The golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful lighting. However, the market truly comes alive after dark with colorful lights, making evening shots very appealing.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Phnom Penh Night Market can be a fun outing for families. The lively atmosphere and variety of sights and sounds will keep children engaged. Many visitors recommend the Koh Norea Night Market specifically for families, citing its better food selection and potentially more relaxed environment. Reddit Look for stalls offering familiar options like grilled chicken skewers or fruit shakes. The communal seating areas can be a good spot for kids to enjoy their snacks while playing around safely. Reddit

When exploring, keep a close eye on your children due to the crowds. It's also a good idea to have some small denominations of cash handy for quick purchases of snacks or small souvenirs. The experience of trying new foods together can be a memorable part of your family's trip to Phnom Penh.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Phnom Penh Night Market is an excellent destination for budget travelers, offering a wealth of affordable food and shopping opportunities. You can enjoy a delicious and filling meal for just a few dollars, making it a great alternative to more expensive restaurants. Reddit Bargaining is expected, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices for souvenirs and clothing to get the best deals. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday evening to potentially find better prices as vendors might be more eager to make sales. Exploring the Koh Norea Night Market might also offer more competitive pricing due to its larger scale and local appeal. Reddit The lack of an entrance fee makes it a perfect free activity to experience the local culture and vibrant atmosphere.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Markets: Riverside vs. Koh Norea

Phnom Penh boasts several night markets, with the Phnom Penh Night Market along the riverside being the most well-known. This market is characterized by its lively atmosphere, with stalls offering a wide range of goods from clothing and accessories to souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy the unique experience of sitting on carpets laid out on the ground to dine and soak in the ambiance. It's a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking for a casual evening out. Reddit+1

However, for those seeking a potentially more extensive selection, particularly in terms of food, the Koh Norea Night Market is frequently recommended. This market is often described as being significantly better and larger, offering a wider variety of food options and crafts. If you're a foodie or looking for a more local experience away from the main tourist drag, venturing to Koh Norea might be a rewarding choice. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider your priorities. If you want the quintessential riverside experience with a vibrant, albeit sometimes repetitive, selection, stick to the main market. If culinary exploration and a broader range of goods are your focus, the Koh Norea market is worth the journey. Both offer a glimpse into the local culture and a chance to find unique items.

A Culinary Adventure: Tasting Phnom Penh's Night Market Flavors

The Phnom Penh Night Market is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible array of Khmer street food. From sizzling grilled meats and seafood to fragrant noodle soups, there's something to tantalize every taste bud. Don't shy away from trying dishes you've never encountered before; it's part of the adventure! Many vendors cook food fresh to order, ensuring a delicious and safe experience. Reddit

Popular choices include grilled skewers (moan for chicken, sach chrouk for pork), fish amok (a steamed fish curry), and various types of noodle soups like kuy teav. For those with a sweet tooth, fresh fruit shakes, sticky rice desserts, and local pastries are readily available. The communal seating, often on carpets, adds to the charm, allowing you to enjoy your meal while observing the bustling market life. Reddit

When visiting the Koh Norea Night Market, the food scene is often highlighted as a major draw. This market is praised for its diverse offerings, making it a prime spot for a comprehensive street food tour. Remember to carry cash, as most vendors do not accept cards, and be open to trying new flavors – it's the best way to experience the local cuisine.

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