Central Market Tours and Activities

Central Market showing flowers and markets as well as an individual female
Central Market featuring shopping
Central Market showing markets
Central Market
Central Market which includes markets


Whether you’re looking for fresh food or a new watch, you can buy just about anything imaginable within the walls of Phnom Penh’s famous cross-shaped market. 

If shopping in Phnom Penh is on your list of things to do, make Central Market your first stop. From fragrant spices to antique furniture to souvenir shirts, the market offers a surprising variety of goods under its dome roof. 

As the name implies, Central Market is in the heart of Cambodia’s capital city. Appreciate its convenient location, coupled with its unbeatable bargain prices. It is a favourite stop among both tourists and local residents.

Notice the massive yellow building you can’t miss it. Completed in 1937, Central Market is a product of the era’s popular art deco style. It is in the shape of a cross, with four wings and a soaring central dome. 

The types of vendors in Central Market’s wings have no apparent organization, so your best strategy is to explore them all. Traditional Cambodian souvenirs, like checkered krama scarves or brightly colored sarongs, are in abundance. Don’t be fooled by designer labels the market thrives with counterfeit luxury items like watches and sunglasses. 

The centre of the market is filled with jewellery stalls. Be dazzled by the rows of glittering silver and gold accessories. Cambodian jewellery is known for its high-quality design and relatively low prices. 

Satisfy your appetite on the western side of Central Market. This wing is bursting with food stalls. Try a popular Cambodian dish such as amok trey, a fish fillet covered with spices and wrapped in a banana leaf. If you want to prepare your own meal, select from the endless ingredients available here. Browse through stalls bursting with freshly caught fish, local produce and flavorful spices.

Central Market is open daily from morning until evening. Although prices are extremely reasonable, come prepared with plenty of cash and your best bargaining skills. Not only is bargaining commonplace, but vendors expect the practice and set starting prices accordingly higher. 

Reach Central Market easily by foot from most places in Phnom Penh. Alternatively, arrive at the taxi station at the northwest corner of the market or the bus station at the southwest corner.

Plan a trip to see Central Market

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Top Central Market Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
#28, Street 184, Phnom Penh
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Luxcity Hotel & Apartment

Luxcity Hotel & Apartment

4 out of 5
Building No. 37A, Street 118, Sangkat Mittapheap, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh
Luxcity Hotel & Apartment
Aurea Delight Hotel

Aurea Delight Hotel

3 out of 5
Sangkat Phsar Thmey II, Khan Daun Penh, No. 105 & Building No. 107, Street 126, Phnom Penh
Aurea Delight Hotel
Rosewood Phnom Penh

Rosewood Phnom Penh

5 out of 5
No. 66 Monivong Blvd. Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Pen, Vattanac Capital Tower, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
Rosewood Phnom Penh
SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel

SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel

4 out of 5
# 68, Street 136 and 15, Phsar Kandal 1, Phnom Penh
SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel
Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

5 out of 5
92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
New York Hotel

New York Hotel

3.5 out of 5
No 256, Preah Monivong Blvd, S/K Boeung Raing, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
New York Hotel
G Mekong Hotel Phnom Penh

G Mekong Hotel Phnom Penh

4 out of 5
419, Monivong Blvd, Khan 7 Makara (Orussey Market Area), Phnom Penh
G Mekong Hotel Phnom Penh
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM

5 out of 5
#44. St. Sothearos Blvd (Corner St. 240), Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort By EHM
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Central Market

Central Market in Phnom Penh offers a vibrant array of activities including shopping for local crafts and souvenirs, exploring the bustling market atmosphere, and enjoying guided tours of the city. Be sure to catch a Phnom Penh show for a taste of local culture, and check out nearby shopping malls for more modern retail experiences. Dive into the rich history and charm of Phnom Penh while enjoying these exciting activities.

Shopping

Central Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with nearby spots like Sorya Shopping Center, just 161m away, perfect for entertainment and family vibes. Old Market and Kandal Market, both 805m away, provide a local taste with bustling city vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore other markets further afield.

Recreation

Olympic Stadium offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for a brisk walk or a game. For golf lovers, both Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club and Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club provide stunning outdoor settings to enjoy a round of golf amidst lush landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Water Garden, a fantastic waterpark located 4.8km from Central Market, perfect for family fun and adventure. Alternatively, head to Synny Water Park, situated 12.9km away, where you can enjoy exciting water slides and activities that promise a great day out.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Central Market with a visit to Chaktomouk Conference Hall, only 1.6km away, for captivating performances. Alternatively, enjoy the cultural charm at Sovanna Phum Theater, situated three miles from the market, offering a mix of entertainment and romance for a memorable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Central Market

Central Market in Phnom Penh offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, with nearby temples, historic houses, and history museums to explore. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this bustling hub is perfect for immersing yourself in local culture. Don't miss out on the charm of Phnom Penh and the lively atmosphere surrounding Central Market, where you can discover both history and unique shopping opportunities.

  • Royal Palace: Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace, a stunning historic site that showcases traditional Khmer architecture and rich cultural heritage. Just 1.1km from Central Market, this vibrant complex is a feast for the senses, with lush gardens and impressive buildings that highlight Cambodia's royal history.
  • Wat Phnom: Visit Wat Phnom, a serene temple located 805m from Central Market. This iconic site, perched on a hill, offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. Discover its intricate carvings and vibrant atmosphere, making it a significant cultural landmark in Phnom Penh.
  • National Museum of Cambodia: Immerse yourself in Cambodia's rich history at the National Museum, located 966m from Central Market. Home to an extensive collection of Khmer art and artefacts, this museum provides a deep insight into the country's cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Central Market

The best time to visit Central Market can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Central Market falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Central Market falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.2°F (26.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February83.1°F (28.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
March86.2°F (30.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
October81.1°F (27.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December79.2°F (26.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Market

To save money on your visit to Central Market in Phnom Penh, consider travelling during the low season from July to September, when accommodation prices dip. Saturdays are the cheapest days for stays, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, including eco-certified options, and combine your accommodation with flights for better deals. Additionally, explore free activities around the market and take advantage of the affordable public transport system to get around the city without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Market are July to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Market is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Market is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Central Market hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.