After hotel pickup, you will enjoy a 15 minutes drive through the bustling tourist area of Phnom Penh to the Russian Market named during the 1980s when the majority of tourists to Cambodia were Russian. This warren of stalls is a treasure trove of arts, crafts, food, clothing and nearly anything else you are looking for. You will enjoy a morning tea of a local delicacy from one of the many food stalls to complete the experience.
In contrast to the bustle of the market, you will visit the temple Toul Tum Poung next to the market. It has miraculously avoided to the destruction during the Khmer Rouge period. It is a fine example of a local temple with many beautiful wall paintings of the 1960s.
From here it is onto what is known as the Old Markets or Phar Chars for a look at a more traditional local market where you will see locals busily bartering with the stall holders for their daily food, clothing and whatever else they need in their daily lives.
To close this morning, you will discover the Central Markets, referred to as Phsah Thmei meaning new market this art deco style building is one of the iconic buildings of Phnom Penh. Again here you will find a shopper’s paradise and you can haggle away with the locals for whatever special gift or memento you desire.
