Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
Market
In the heart of Phnom Penh, Central Market - known locally as Phsar Thmey, the “New Market” - is a vast, buzzing landmark where shopping, architecture and everyday Cambodian life collide. Whether you are here to flex your bargaining skills, hunt for souvenirs or simply soak up the atmosphere, the sweeping central dome and long market wings make this one of the top attractions in Phnom Penh for both first-time visitors and repeat travellers.
Designed in the 1930s, the market's pale-yellow Art Deco curves give it a completely different feel from the city's pagodas and palaces. Inside, narrow aisles burst with jewellery, clothes, textiles, electronics, fresh flowers and colourful piles of tropical fruit, while outside the wings spill into streets lined with food stalls and small cafés. Wander slowly, watch the rhythms of buying and selling, and you will quickly see why Central Market is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Phnom Penh when you want to feel the city's pulse up close.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Central Market Phnom Penh
- Things to See and Do in the Central Market Phnom Penh
- How to Get to the Central Market Phnom Penh
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Central Market Phnom Penh
- Where to Stay close to the Central Market Phnom Penh
- Is the Central Market Phnom Penh Worth Visiting
- FAQs for Visiting Central Market Phnom Penh
- Nearby Attractions to the Central Market Phnom Penh
History and Significance of the Central Market Phnom Penh
Central Market opened in 1937, at a time when Phnom Penh was being reshaped with new boulevards, civic buildings and commercial hubs. French architects Jean Desbois and Wladimir Kandaouroff designed it as a showcase of modernity, with a soaring central dome and four radiating wings that made it, at the time, one of the largest indoor markets in Asia. Its bold Art Deco style - geometric lines, rounded forms and careful use of natural light and ventilation - set it apart from traditional Khmer architecture yet has become just as iconic.
From the start, the market was more than just a place to buy and sell. It was a symbol of Phnom Penh's growth as a regional trading centre, drawing merchants, farmers and craftspeople from the surrounding countryside into the city. Over the decades, Cambodians have come here for everything from wedding jewellery and festival outfits to everyday groceries and household goods. Even through periods of upheaval, Central Market remained deeply woven into urban life, adapting its goods and layout while preserving its essential role as a meeting point.
Today, Phsar Thmey is both a functioning market for locals and a magnet for visitors interested in architecture and street life. Its combination of colonial-era design, Khmer commerce and vibrant colour makes it a living monument to Phnom Penh’s layered history, rather than a static relic behind museum ropes.
Things to See and Do in the Central Market Phnom Penh
Start under the central dome, where jewellery stalls glitter under the high ceiling like a ring of tiny treasure chests. This is where you will find gold and silver pieces, gemstones and watches - some high quality, others more souvenir-focused - all sold with the expectation that you will bargain. Even if you are just browsing, the lively conversations and careful inspections of rings and necklaces are fun to watch.
From the centre, follow the wings outwards. One corridor might be packed with clothes, T-shirts, sarongs and shoes; another with electronics, watches and household gadgets; yet another with stacks of textiles and tailoring services. On the outer edges you will find fresh produce, flowers and food stalls where vendors sell everything from iced sugar cane juice and fruit shakes to rice dishes and noodle soups. Take your time to drift between sections, keeping an eye out for local handicrafts, silk scarves, carvings or coffee that make easy to pack, meaningful souvenirs.
Do not forget to look up and around as well as down at the stalls. The sweeping ribs of the dome, the patterned windows and the way light filters into the interior all reward a slower gaze. If the heat or noise becomes intense, pause at a drink stall or step outside under the arcades that ring the building, where you can catch a breeze and watch the street traffic flow around the market before diving back in.
How to Get to the Central Market Phnom Penh
Most international visitors arrive in Cambodia via Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap International Airport, with Phnom Penh's airport the most convenient base for reaching Central Market. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to on Booking.com. From the airport, taxis, tuk-tuks and ride-hailing services can bring you into the city centre and drop you directly at the market’s perimeter.
Within Cambodia, Phnom Penh is linked to other cities by a mix of buses and, on some routes, trains, though buses and minivans remain the most common option for overland travel between major destinations such as Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kampot.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once in the capital, Central Market is a major landmark, so almost any tuk-tuk or taxi driver will know it and can bring you there easily.
If you are travelling by car, driving through the city centre can be busy but straightforward, with Central Market clearly signposted on maps and road signs; parking options are usually on nearby streets or small lots rather than directly at the entrances.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Central Market Phnom Penh
- Suggested tips: Go with a flexible wish list - know broadly what you are interested in, but be open to surprises; keep small notes handy for easier bargaining and stay patient and friendly during negotiations.
- Best time to visit: Mornings tend to be cooler and slightly less crowded indoors, while late afternoon brings softer light and a more relaxed vibe; midday can be hot, especially in the food sections.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Daily from 7 am to 6 pm
- How long to spend: Allow 1-2 hours to explore the main dome and wings; add extra time if you plan to eat here or shop more seriously for jewellery, textiles or gifts.
- Accessibility: The market is mostly on one level, but aisles can be narrow, crowded and uneven in places; visitors with mobility issues may prefer to focus on the wider corridors and outer arcades.
- Facilities: You will find basic restrooms, plenty of drink and snack stalls, and ATMs nearby; keep an eye on your belongings, as in any busy market.
- Photography tip: Wide shots of the central dome work best from just inside the entrances, while close ups of fruit, flowers and jewellery capture the colours and textures; always be respectful when photographing vendors.
- Guided tours: Some city tours include Central Market as a shopping and culture stop, but you can also explore independently; a guide can be useful if you want help understanding local products or navigating specific sections.
- Nearby food options: In addition to the snacks and stalls inside, streets around the market are lined with simple eateries and cafés, making it easy to grab a proper meal before or after your shopping.
Where to Stay close to the Central Market Phnom Penh
If you enjoy having local markets on your doorstep, staying near Central Market is a practical choice. A comfortable city base within walking distance is SUN & MOON Urban Hotel, which offers modern rooms, a rooftop bar and easy tuk-tuk connections to the riverside and Royal Palace. For something a little more classic and resort-like yet still a short ride away, Raffles Hotel Le Royal combines colonial charm with leafy grounds and a pool, making it a good place to retreat after a hot market visit. Travellers who prefer a boutique feel can opt for White Mansion Boutique Hotel, which sits in a quieter area but is still a short tuk-tuk hop from Central Market and other key sights.
Is the Central Market Phnom Penh Worth Visiting
Central Market is absolutely worth visiting if you want to feel the energy of Phnom Penh rather than just observe it from a distance. It is noisy, busy and sometimes overwhelming, but that is precisely what makes it compelling: this is where you see how locals shop, what they value and how old and new Cambodia meet under a 1930s Art Deco dome. Even if you are not a big shopper, an hour or two wandering its aisles gives you a vivid sense of the city's rhythm and offers plenty of small, everyday moments that stick in the memory long after the souvenirs are packed away.
What Other Travellers Say...
Central Market at E273 & E274 on 51 Street in Phnom Penh is a large, well-organized indoor market open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM where visitors can browse a huge variety of goods—souvenirs, clothes, bags, watches, local fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, ready-to-eat food and even novelty items like fried insects—alongside services such as tailoring and haircuts; shoppers report a clean, relatively cool environment compared with other local markets, friendly vendors who welcome bargaining (and can be persistent if you stop to look), and a satisfying, easy-to-spend-an-hour-or-more shopping experience with some standout stalls offering notable discounts and multilingual sellers.
FAQs for Visiting Central Market Phnom Penh
Nearby Attractions to the Central Market Phnom Penh
- Wat Phnom: The small hilltop temple that gave the city its name, set in a park only a short tuk-tuk ride from the market.
- Riverside promenade and Sisowath Quay: A lively riverfront strip with cafés, bars and sunset views over the Tonlé Sap and Mekong.
- National Museum of Cambodia: A major museum of Khmer art and archaeology, offering deep context for Cambodia’s history and culture.
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: The official residence of the King and a dazzling complex of temples and pavilions just south of the museum.
- Psar Chas (Old Market): Another atmospheric market closer to the riverside, good for comparing prices, street food and a slightly different local vibe.
The Central Market (Phsar Thmey) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting !
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Daily from 7 am to 6 pm
Free
Nearby Attractions
- Wat Phnom (0.8) km
Buddhist Temple - Phnom Penh Night Market (0.8) km
Market - Sisowath Quay (1.0) km
Walk - Wat Ounalom (1.0) km
Buddhist Temple - National Museum of Cambodia (1.0) km
Museum - Royal Palace of Cambodia (1.3) km
Palace - Independence Monument (1.7) km
Monument - Wat Langka (1.7) km
Buddhist Temple - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (2.3) km
Museum - Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tum Poung) (3.3) km
Market
