Shopping in Siem Reap
 Siem Reap: Shopping and Souvenirs
Siem Reap is an excellent place to buy Cambodian souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles and art. Only Phnom Penh offers a comparable selection, but much of what is available in Siem Reap is unique to Siem Reap. Over the last few of years there has been a boom of new shops, galleries and boutiques, offering a varied selection of quality handicrafts and silks as well as original artistic creations - paintings, prints, carvings and such.
The Old Market (the large traditional market at the south end of town) has the widest variety of souvenirs, as well as the best selection of items such as baskets, bootlegged books and traditional musical instruments. The Old Market also offers an interesting local ambiance and shopping experience, and is really a ‘must visit place’ when in Siem Reap, but the boutiques, galleries and specialty shops generally offer higher quality items and a more sophisticated selection of Cambodian products. Of particular interest are the traditional craft workshops and silk farms where you can see crafts in the making as well as buy the final product. See the following listings for Artisans d’Angkor and National Silk Center
When purchasing local crafts, be selective in your purchase. Most of the crafts, particularly the carvings, silks and silverwork are hand-made, making each piece a unique work. Much of what is available is produced by masters as well as students, so some pieces are significantly better than others.
What to Buy
Hand-woven Cambodian silks, temple rubbings, stone and woodcarvings, statues and castings, silver betel containers, colored gems, basketry, Cambodian handicrafts, contemporary Cambodian art and traditional musical instruments are among the most popular souvenirs. The most useful and one of the cheapest souvenirs that you can buy is a traditional checkered Cambodian scarf (krama). If you don’t mind looking like a tourist, wear it around your neck like the locals to keep the intense tropical sun off the back of your neck
 Cambodian Silks
Cambodian silks are prized by silk collectors the world over. Most of the silk available in Cambodia is hand-loomed using the traditional ikat method of dying and looming the patterns. Both raw and fine silks are available in the form of bolts, sarongs, and various handicrafts. Many of the pieces available are potential collector’s items. A fascinating way to learn about Cambodian silk is to visit the National Silk Center where visitors can witness start-to-finish silk creation - growing and harvesting mulberry (food for the silk worms), the breeding process and life cycle of the silk worm, collection of cocoons, separation and spinning the silk, the dying process and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden, multi-harness hand looms and more. See the National Silk Center in the following pages. Cambodian silk is available at silk shops and boutiques across town, many specializing in silk creations such as tailored Asian and Euro-Asian fashions, pillows, blankets, purses and other decor and accessories.
Statues and carvings
Statues and carvings of traditional subjects, often copies of Angkorian era works, are available in stone, wood and brass. Statues make for relatively heavy, bulky souvenirs but are still very popular because of their beauty and artistic value. The replica of an Angkorian era bust of Jayavarman VII with its graceful lines and peaceful smile is truly captivating and is perhaps the most popular piece. Statues and carvings are available at the Old Market and most souvenir shops, though it pays to shop around for the best price and quality. Highly-recommended is a stop at one of the local workshops such as Artisans D’Angkor to see craftsman producing wood and stone carvings. At Artisans d’Angkor visitors can observe artisans making traditional wood and stone carvings and lacquerwares following traditional techniques. Of special interest is the traditional polychromy finishing technique that is being practiced in the workshops. Polychromy imparts a unique patina to stone and wood pieces. Free tours available. See the Artisans d Angkor listing in the following pages.
Silver betel containers
Silver betel containers are popular, traditional souvenirs. These pounded silver containers are often shaped like animals, fruits and vegetables, and were originally used in ceremonial and everyday life to hold dried betel. Betel is chewed as a mild stimulant. In the market, it looks like coin shaped, dark red plugs. You may see people, particularly older women from rural areas, with teeth stained deep red from years of chewing betel. Nowadays, silver betel containers are made primarily for sale as souvenirs but are still hand crafted using traditional techniques and styles. And in comparison to statues and carvings, they are comparatively light weight and transportable.
‘Temple rubbings’
‘Temple rubbings’ are for sale everywhere in Siem Reap - the temples, the souvenir shops and the Old Market - but are, in fact, neither actual rubbings nor from the temples. They are in reality made from a heavy paper that is moistened then molded over recreations of original and imagined Angkorian-era temple carvings. Nevertheless, these rubbings are distinctive, light weight, transportable, inexpensive and uniquely Cambodian souvenirs.
Gems
Gems are a tempting souvenir. Western Cambodia, particularly in the area of Pailin, is a fertile source of colored stones. The markets in Siem Reap are full of jewelers specializing in Cambodian sapphires and rubies. Know something about gems and/or know the seller very well before spending much money.
Boutiques, Galleries and Souvenir Shops
Asia Craft Centre (ACC)
Unique showroom of Cambodian, Southeast Asian and South Asian traditional crafts and products. A good selection of quality handicrafts including silks and silk products - shawls, ties, table cloths and sets. Lacquerware and inlayed marble paintings. Wide selection of high quality handmade south Asian rugs, primarily from Kashmir. Silk looming and stone carving on-site. Special orders welcome. 9AM-8PM Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
#0216, Road to Angkor Wat
Tel: 063-760321, 012-958467
Fax: 063-760320
E-mail: heritage.sr@online.com.kh
Angkor Candles
Unique, originally handcrafted lantern effect essential oil candles in various Angkorian themes and motifs. Also offering one of a kind natural essential oil soaps in Angkorian artwork, various aromatherapy burners, a selection of essential oils and a collection of silkwear.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Old Market area
Tel: 063-760778
E-mail: info@angkorcandles.com
Website: www.angkorcandles.com
Angkor Night Market
“Located in the heart of Siem Reap, the Angkor Night Market welcomes visitors from all world from afternoon until late night. Surrounded by a Balinese garden, the public entertainment area provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to shop and chill out. Souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, Asian and international food, drinks, books, DVDs, electronics, travel agents, jewelry, art, etc...”
Near the Old Market
Tel: 092-654315
Website:www.angkornightmarket.com
Angkor Shopping Center
Two expansive floors of a/c shopping. The main focus is on gems and jewelry, offering a huge selection of gems. Custom orders welcome. Goldsmith always on site. Also offering a wide selection of Cambodia souvenirs including silks and silk clothing, stone, wood, marble and jade statues and carvings, Cambodian silver and foods.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Opposite the Royal Gardens
Tel: 063-963522
Fax: 063-963606
E-mail: akshopping@online.com.kh
Artisans D’Angkor
Renowned woodworking, stone carving and polychromy workshops. Free tours of the classes and workshops offer a glimpse into the unique skills of the artisans who were trained in the techniques and styles of classic Cambodian artistry. Retail shop features wood and stone carvings, lacquer wares and silk items from Artisans d’Angkor.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
100m off Sivatha, near the Old Market
Tel: 063-963330
E-mail: infos@artisansdangkor.com
Website:www.artisansdangkor.com
Artisans d’Angkor at National Silk Center
Set aside a couple of hours to visit the National Silk Center. The silk farm is a fascinating farm/workshop where you can see the entire silk creation process including growing the food for the silk worms, breeding the worms, silk extraction, spinning and refinement, traditional ikat dying, pattern creation, and looming. It’s a very interesting and educational tour well worth the time. Retail souvenir shop from Artisans d’Angkor. offering fine silks and silk products made in rural workshops on site.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Rte #6, 16km west of town
Tel: 063-963330
E-mail: infos@artisansdangkor.com
Website: www.artisansdangkor.com
FCC Shopping
There are several upscale boutiques and galleries at and in front of the FCC Angkor restaurant and bar on the river road near the Royal Residence. Shops include the McDermott Gallery, a branch of the well-known Jasmine and Orange River boutiques from Phnom Penh, Happy Paintings Gallery featuring the paintings of Stéphane Delaprée, Beyond Art and Photo, and others.
FCC Angkor restaurant and bar on the river road near the Royal Residence.
Happy Painting Gallery
Galleries featuring the paintings of Stéphane Delaprée (Stef), a singular artist with a gentle insight into everyday Cambodia. Since 1993. Sold: Original paintings, prints, limited edition reproductions, postcards, exclusive T-shirts, statues. Galleries in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Shipping arranged. Credit cards accepted.
Galleries at the Angkor Century Hotel, Siem Reap Airport, near the Old Market and at hotels in Phnom Penh.
Tel: 023-726100
E-mail: stef@happypainting.net
Website: www.happypainting.net
Kokoon
Boutique, next to Blue Pumpkin, offers a wide range of local crafts : delicatessen corner (teas, spices, honey), fragrant oil, incense, original table-art (tea sets, coffee spoon, table set, plaited bamboo trays), jewelry and copper objects. Also shawls, kramas and a silk blanket collections. Kokoon has used the famous Phnom Srok silk to create a 100% Kokoon, 100% Khmer silk collection.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX
Near the Old Market
Tel: 063-963830
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