- Russian Market
-
Psar Toul Tom Pong
The Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung in Khmer), in
the southern part of Cambodia’s
capital city, got its name from its popularity among Russian
expatriates in the 1980s
It is of far less
architectural interest than the Central Market but has a
larger, more varied selection of souvenirs, curios and
silks. Like the Central Market, there are several jewellers
and gold-sellers. But the Russian market offers you more.
It
has many things of interest to many
people. Inside you can find, all manner of hardware
goods, drinks and cooked food, antique furniture,
traditional carvings and handicraft, hand-woven
silk, music, DVD and computer CDs, silverware, gems,
books and maps, backpacks and bags and shoes and
clothing.
Most of the
DVD vendors are located on the south side near the
southeast corner of the market. Most of what the
visitor might want is in the same general area on
the south side but the rest of the market is well
worth exploring. Food and drink stands in the middle
of the market for hygienically adventurous visitors.
Some shoes and clothing originate as out-takes from
various garment factories. Hence some top labels can
be found at very reasonable prices.
Many local artisans use the market as an outlet to the tourist
market. You can find the new traditional
handicrafts interspersed with older genuine antique
carvings. |
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The newer wooden carvings may tend to split once
they are taken to a less humid climate. Most
retailers will repair these items in the first year
after purchase if you have made an agreement during
bargaining.
