Phnom Penh Night Market
Market
The Phnom Penh Night Market, known locally as Phsar Reatrey, is where the city shifts from daytime bustle to neon-lit energy along the Tonle Sap River. Laid out along Sisowath Quay, this evening market turns into a maze of stalls selling everything from silk scarves and Khmer artwork to budget fashion and quirky souvenirs, making it one of the things to do in Phnom Penh if you love night markets and local colour.
As the sun sets, colourful lights flicker on, music drifts across the riverfront and food smoke curls up from grills and woks. Families sit on mats in the communal seating area, friends pick over shared plates of noodles and skewers, and travellers wander between stands, trying snacks and practising their bargaining skills. It is a lively but welcoming scene, and a highlight of any walking tour of Phnom Penh that follows the riverfront past Wat Ounalom and the Royal Palace.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Phnom Penh Night Market
- Things to See and Do in the Phnom Penh Night Market
- How to Get to the Phnom Penh Night Market
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Phnom Penh Night Market
- Where to Stay close to the Phnom Penh Night Market
- Is the Phnom Penh Night Market Worth Visiting
- FAQs for Visiting Phnom Penh Night Market
- Nearby Attractions to the Phnom Penh Night Market
History and Significance of the Phnom Penh Night Market
Compared with Phnom Penh’s ancient pagodas and royal landmarks, the Night Market is relatively new, but it has quickly become a fixture of the city’s modern identity. Set up to encourage evening use of the riverfront and to provide a central, organised space for small traders, it has grown into a focal point for both locals and visitors. Its location along Sisowath Quay, near the Tonle Sap, ties it directly into Phnom Penh’s historic lifeline as a river city while giving it easy access from popular tourist areas.
Beyond commerce, the market acts as a social and cultural stage. Stalls selling traditional Cambodian clothing, handicrafts and artwork help keep local crafts visible and accessible, while performances of Khmer music and dance on the small stage area offer casual, free introductions to cultural traditions that might otherwise be confined to formal theatres. In this way, the Phnom Penh Night Market functions as a gentle bridge between everyday life and cultural expression, making heritage part of a normal night out instead of something only seen in museums or at set performances.
Things to See and Do in the Phnom Penh Night Market
Start by wandering through the rows of stalls at the heart of the market. Here you will find traditional Cambodian clothing, including krama scarves, sarongs and casual streetwear, alongside handmade jewellery, accessories and home décor. Look out for stalls selling silk scarves, wood carvings and traditional Khmer artwork if you want souvenirs that go beyond the standard T-shirt and fridge magnet. Bargaining is expected for most non-food items, so take your time, compare prices and treat it as part of the experience rather than a chore.
Food is where the market really comes alive. A ring of vendors offers everything from grilled meats and seafood skewers to noodle dishes, spring rolls and sweet treats. More adventurous eaters can sample fried insects and other local snacks that you might not encounter elsewhere. Grab a selection of dishes and head to the communal seating area, where mats are laid out picnic-style; eating cross-legged alongside local families and groups of friends is half the fun.
Keep an eye on the main stage or central area, where live performances often take place. Traditional Khmer music, dance shows and occasional modern acts provide free entertainment that turns a simple shopping trip into an evening out. Between acts, soak up the atmosphere: the hum of conversation, the glow of lights reflecting off nearby buildings and the steady flow of people drifting in from the riverside. This spot is one of the best places to see in Phnom Penh if you want your evening plans to combine food, culture and people watching in one place.
How to Get to the Phnom Penh Night Market
Most international visitors arrive in Cambodia via Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap International Airport, with Phnom Penh’s airport the most convenient for the Night Market along Sisowath Quay. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to on Booking.com.
Within Cambodia, Phnom Penh connects to other cities by a mix of buses and some rail routes, though in practice most travellers arrive from places like Siem Reap, Kampot or Sihanoukville by bus or minivan and then switch to local transport in the capital.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once in Phnom Penh, the Night Market is a short tuk-tuk ride from most central areas; simply ask for the riverside night market on Sisowath Quay near the Tonle Sap and drivers will know where to go.
If you are travelling by car, the market sits along the riverfront in central Phnom Penh, close to major streets and easy to reach with navigation apps. Parking is usually on nearby streets or informal lots, so many visitors get dropped off at one end of the market and arrange a pick-up later once they have finished shopping and eating.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Phnom Penh Night Market
- Suggested tips: Bring small notes for easier bargaining, wear comfortable shoes for wandering the stalls, and arrive hungry so you can sample plenty of street food without rushing.
- Best time to visit: Early evening, around sunset into night, is ideal as the stalls are fully open, the lights are on and the temperature is starting to drop.
- Entrance fee: There is no fee to enter the market itself; you only pay for what you eat and buy.
- Opening hours: Typically open every evening from late afternoon until late night
- How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours for browsing, snacking and enjoying the atmosphere; stay longer if you sit for a full meal and watch live performances.
- Accessibility: The market is mostly flat but can be crowded and uneven in places; those with mobility issues may find it easier to stick to the wider main aisles and edges.
- Facilities: Basic public toilets may be available nearby; drinks and snack stalls are plentiful, and ATMs can usually be found along Sisowath Quay or adjoining streets.
- Photography tip: Use the colourful lights, food stalls and crowds as your backdrop; wide shots of the market from the edge and close-ups of dishes or handicrafts work well, but always ask before photographing vendors.
- Guided tours: Some evening food or nightlife tours include the Night Market as a stop, which can be useful if you want help navigating dishes, ordering or understanding local snacks.
- Nearby food options: Beyond the market stalls, the riverside is lined with cafés, bars and restaurants where you can continue the night with desserts, cocktails or a sit-down meal.
Where to Stay close to the Phnom Penh Night Market
Staying near the Phnom Penh Night Market and Sisowath Quay puts you right at the heart of the city's riverside nightlife. A classic riverfront option within easy walking or tuk-tuk distance is Hotel Cambodiana, which offers views over the water and quick access to the market and nearby attractions. For a stylish, modern stay slightly set back from the river but still close by, SUN & MOON Urban Hotel makes a good base for exploring street food spots and markets after dark. Travellers who prefer a boutique, relaxed atmosphere might choose Blue Lime Phnom Penh, which sits a short ride from the Night Market and offers a quieter retreat after an evening in the crowds.
Is the Phnom Penh Night Market Worth Visiting
The Phnom Penh Night Market is definitely worth visiting if you want to experience the city's nightlife beyond bars and rooftop lounges. It brings together local families, young Cambodians and travellers in one shared riverside space, with food, shopping and music all mixed in. Even if you do not plan to buy much, simply strolling the aisles, tasting a few snacks and watching live performances gives you a vivid sense of how Phnom Penh relaxes and celebrates after dark. For many visitors, it becomes one of the best places to visit in Phnom Penh precisely because it feels so unfiltered and everyday.
What Other Travellers Say...
Phnom Penh Night Market, on the riverfront promenade, is a lively evening stretch of stalls where you can sample Cambodian street food, grab fruit juices or simple dinners, and browse typical market goods like clothes, accessories, souvenirs and crafts; visitors note a fun atmosphere with music, occasional live performances and dancing that draw crowds, a casual carpeted plaza area where people sit to eat, and friendly vendors, though the food and shopping can feel basic and the seating crowded at peak times.
FAQs for Visiting Phnom Penh Night Market
Nearby Attractions to the Phnom Penh Night Market
- Wat Ounalom: Phnom Penh’s most important pagoda and headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism, a short walk along the riverside.
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: The ceremonial heart of Cambodia’s monarchy, within easy reach by tuk-tuk or a longer riverside stroll.
- National Museum of Cambodia: Home to an outstanding collection of Khmer art and sculpture, ideal for pairing daytime culture with evening market time.
- Sisowath Quay riverside promenade: The riverfront strip right by the market, perfect for pre- or post-market walks, cafés and people watching.
- Central Market (Phsar Thmey): The city’s famous Art Deco market hall, offering a different shopping experience during the day with jewellery, clothes and everyday goods.
The Phnom Penh Night Market 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
Typically open every evening from late afternoon until late night
There is no fee to enter the market itself; you only pay for what you eat and buy.
Nearby Attractions
- Sisowath Quay (0.3) km
Walk - Wat Phnom (0.5) km
Buddhist Temple - Wat Ounalom (0.7) km
Buddhist Temple - Central Market (Phsar Thmey) (0.8) km
Market - National Museum of Cambodia (0.9) km
Museum - Royal Palace of Cambodia (1.2) km
Palace - Independence Monument (2.0) km
Monument - Wat Langka (2.0) km
Buddhist Temple - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (3.0) km
Museum - Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tum Poung) (3.9) km
Market
