Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, has three principal downtown city centre markets that most casual visitors are likely to come across: Phsa Thmei, Phsa Chas and Phsa Kandal, which translate as New Market, Old Market and Central Market, respectively. Alternative spellings such as Psa, psar or phsar are also sometimes seen, as there is no official English transliteration of the Khmer word for market. A fourth market, slightly less central but very popular with visitors, is the famous Russian Market or Phsa Toul Tompong. (So-named, before anyone asks, because this market was popular with Soviet and Eastern European advisors stationed in Cambodia during the 80s.)
Phsa Thmei or New Market (confusingly often known in English as Central Market) is the iconic art nouveau, ‘pineapple building’ situated smack bang in the town centre and now resplendent with a new coat of pale yellow paint.
Phsa Thmei, Phnom Penh It looks spectacular from the outside, but the crowded, cramped, tin-roofed Phsa Kandal and Phsa Chas markets perhaps have more local character and atmosphere. These are where city centre residents tend to do their food shopping, get their hair done or pawn bracelets in gold shops at the end of the month. (The larger Phsa Thmei may have more choice, and plenty of T-shirt and souvenir stalls for tourists, but many residents claim it’s more pricey for clothes and everyday goods.) Phsa Kandal – ‘Central Market’ – is, as the name suggests, very centrally located – just off the riverside on 154 Street, opposite Wat Ounalom and a great spot for a wander, whilst Phsa Chas – the ‘Old Market’ is situated slightly to the north, off 110 Street and close to the old French Quarter.
Phsa Chas, the Old Market Phsa Chas and Phsa Kandal markets are conveniently placed to include in a Phnom Penh walking tour, such as a 19th Street stroll, whilst Phsa Thmei necessitates a slight, but worthwhile detour. All can be seen on our half-day Phnom Penh city tours.
