Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tum Poung)
Market
In the southern part of Phnom Penh, the Russian Market - or Phsar Toul Tum Poung - is a hot, hectic and hugely fun place to dive into everyday Cambodian life. Nicknamed for the Russian expatriates who shopped here in the 1980s, it is now one of the best places to visit in Phnom Penh if you want a mix of souvenirs, knock-off fashion, local crafts and some of the city's tastiest, most affordable street food.
Under the low roof and in the narrow aisles, you will weave between stalls selling everything from silk scarves and Buddha statues to motorcycle parts, kitchenware and second-hand books. It can feel chaotic at first, but once you settle into the flow, the Russian Market reveals itself as a surprisingly rich place to browse, snack and people-watch, and a great place to visit on a walking tour of Phnom Penh that focuses on markets and local neighbourhoods rather than just the riverside strip.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Russian Market Phnom Penh
- Things to See and Do in the Russian Market Phnom Penh
- How to Get to the Russian Market Phnom Penh
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Russian Market Phnom Penh
- Where to Stay close to the Russian Market Phnom Penh
- Is the Russian Market Phnom Penh Worth Visiting
- FAQs for Visiting Russian Market Phnom Penh
- Nearby Attractions to the Russian Market Phnom Penh
History and Significance of the Russian Market Phnom Penh
Although markets have been central to Cambodian town life for centuries, the Russian Market's specific identity dates back to the 1980s, when Phnom Penh was slowly emerging from the upheaval of the Khmer Rouge period. At that time, a sizeable Russian and Eastern Bloc expatriate community lived and worked in the city, and many of them gravitated towards this particular market to buy supplies, giving rise to the nickname “Russian Market.”
Over time, the name stuck, even as the clientele broadened to include more locals and, later, international visitors. What began as a functional local market has since become one of Phnom Penh’s most famous shopping areas, known for its dense warren of stalls, bargain prices and mix of genuine, surplus and counterfeit goods. At the same time, it remains an important everyday resource for residents of the surrounding neighbourhoods, who come here to buy clothes, tools, household items and fresh food.
Today, the Russian Market symbolises the city's post-conflict revival and its increasingly global connections. You will find stalls selling classic Khmer handicrafts a few metres away from ones specialising in factory overrun branded clothing or imported electronics. That blend of traditional and modern, local and international, makes it a fascinating place to see how Phnom Penh's economy and tastes are evolving.
Things to See and Do in the Russian Market Phnom Penh
The best way to experience the Russian Market is simply to dive in. Start at one of the main entrances and let your curiosity guide you through the grid of narrow walkways. In the outer areas, you are likely to encounter stalls packed with clothing: T-shirts, jeans, dresses, sportswear and bags, often including factory seconds or overruns from well-known brands at significantly lower prices than high street stores. Haggling is expected here, so do not be shy about negotiating politely.
Further inside, look for stalls specialising in traditional Cambodian silk, scarves, carvings, lacquerware and jewellery. These are good places to pick up gifts that feel more rooted in Khmer culture, from handwoven textiles to small Buddha images and wooden statues. Mixed in you will find quirky home décor, lamps, wall hangings and second-hand books, giving the market a slightly bohemian edge in places. It is worth looping back and forth a few times, as the layout can be confusing and you may spot new corners with each pass.
Do not forget to explore the food side of the market. There are sections dedicated to fresh ingredients - vegetables, herbs, meat and fish - alongside cooked food stalls and tiny eateries. Try a bowl of noodle soup, fresh spring rolls, grilled skewers or classic dishes like amok, Cambodia’s fragrant coconut curry. Juice stands and dessert stalls sell iced coffees, sugar cane juice and sweet treats that are perfect for cooling off. Sitting at a simple plastic table in the heat and buzz of the market, watching everyday Phnom Penh life unfold around you, is as much a part of the experience as anything you buy.
How to Get to the Russian Market Phnom Penh
Most travellers arrive in Phnom Penh via Phnom Penh International Airport or, less commonly, via Siem Reap and then connect to the capital, making the city a natural base for visiting the Russian Market. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to on Booking.com.
Within Cambodia, Phnom Penh is linked to other towns by buses and a limited number of train routes; in practice, most overland visitors arrive by bus or minivan from cities such as Siem Reap, Kampot, Battambang or Sihanoukville and then transfer to local transport in the city.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once you are in Phnom Penh, the Russian Market is in the southern part of town and is best reached by tuk-tuk or taxi; simply ask for Phsar Toul Tum Poung or “Russian Market” and most drivers will know where to go.
If you are travelling by car, you can drive to the market via the main north-south roads and smaller side streets in the Toul Tom Poung area; parking is usually informal along nearby streets or in small lots, so many visitors prefer to be dropped off near one of the entrances and picked up later once they have finished shopping and eating.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Russian Market Phnom Penh
- Suggested tips: Go with a wishlist but stay flexible; be prepared for heat, narrow aisles and occasional sensory overload, and take breaks at drink or food stalls when you need to reset.
- Best time to visit: Mornings are cooler and slightly less crowded inside, while late afternoon and early evening are livelier but warmer; midday can feel very hot under the low roof.
- Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee to visit the Russian Market; you only pay for your purchases and any food or drinks.
- Opening hours: Typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening, with some stalls opening or closing at different times.
- How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours to wander, shop and grab a bite; longer if you are serious about bargain-hunting or want to explore every aisle.
- Accessibility: The market is mostly flat but has uneven floors, low ceilings in places and very narrow, crowded aisles; it may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility or those who dislike confined spaces.
- Facilities: Inside and around the market you will find basic food stalls, drink stands and simple restrooms; ATMs, cafés and more comfortable restaurants are available on surrounding streets.
- Photography tip: Light inside can be dim, so use fast settings and focus on details - colourful piles of textiles, food sizzling on grills, or shafts of light coming through roof gaps; always ask before photographing vendors or close-ups of people.
- Guided tours: Some food and market tours include the Russian Market as a stop, which can be useful if you want help navigating, bargaining or understanding local products.
- Nearby food options: The wider Toul Tom Poung neighbourhood has a growing number of cafés, bakeries and restaurants, making it easy to combine a market visit with a sit-down meal or coffee nearby.
Where to Stay close to the Russian Market Phnom Penh
The area around the Russian Market is more of a local neighbourhood than a tourist hub, but staying nearby can be handy if you love markets and prefer a less polished part of the city. A comfortable mid-range option a short drive from the market is Pasteur 51 Hotel and Residences, which offers apartment-style rooms and easy tuk-tuk access to Toul Tom Poung. For a more central base that still gives straightforward access to the market, SUN & MOON Urban Hotel puts you between the riverside and southern districts, ideal if you want to visit both the Russian Market and the Night Market. Travellers seeking a resort-style stay with a pool after hot market excursions might prefer Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort, conveniently located for tuk-tuk rides out to Phsar Toul Tum Poung and back.
Is the Russian Market Phnom Penh Worth Visiting
The Russian Market is definitely worth visiting if you want to see a more down-to-earth side of Phnom Penh beyond the riverside promenade and royal landmarks. It is hot, crowded and sometimes chaotic, but that is part of its charm: this is where you can bargain for clothes, sift through stacks of textiles, pick up Khmer crafts and sit shoulder to shoulder with locals over bowls of noodles or plates of grilled skewers. Even if you do not plan to shop heavily, an hour or two here gives you a vivid sense of how the city buys, eats and socialises, making the market one of the top sights in Phnom Penh for travellers who enjoy immersive, lived-in places.
What Other Travellers Say...
Toul Tompong Market (Russian Market), on the corner of St. 163 and St. 440 in Phnom Penh, is a bustling, compact market where vendors sell a wide array of souvenirs, clothing, shoes and food; visitors praise finding bargain branded-style footwear and paintings, and some recommend spending about an hour to 90 minutes browsing. Shoppers note the market can be maze-like, hot and poorly ventilated at times, so wear light clothing and be mindful of exits, but many also highlight tasty local noodle soup stalls and plenty of interesting stalls to explore.
FAQs for Visiting Russian Market Phnom Penh
Nearby Attractions to the Russian Market Phnom Penh
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): A former prison turned powerful memorial and museum, a short ride away and an important stop for understanding Cambodia’s recent history.
- Independence Monument: The lotus-shaped national monument at the junction of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards, marking Cambodia’s independence from France.
- Wat Langka: One of Phnom Penh’s oldest pagodas, near the Independence Monument and good for a quiet, reflective visit.
- Central Market (Phsar Thmey): The city’s famous Art Deco market hall, offering a different shopping experience with jewellery, clothes and everyday goods.
- Phnom Penh Night Market: A lively evening market on Sisowath Quay where you can continue your shopping and food adventures after dark.
The Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tum Poung) 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 daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening, with some stalls opening or closing at different times.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Russian Market; you only pay for your purchases and any food or drinks.
Nearby Attractions
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (1.0) km
Museum - Wat Langka (2.2) km
Buddhist Temple - Independence Monument (2.3) km
Monument - Royal Palace of Cambodia (3.1) km
Palace - National Museum of Cambodia (3.2) km
Museum - Central Market (Phsar Thmey) (3.3) km
Market - Wat Ounalom (3.5) km
Buddhist Temple - Sisowath Quay (3.9) km
Walk - Phnom Penh Night Market (3.9) km
Market - Wat Phnom (4.0) km
Buddhist Temple
