Tuol Tompoung Market, the “Russian Market” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Tuol Tompoung Market, located just south of Central Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is commonly referred to as the “Russian Market” by locals and visitors alike. The market gets its name from the past, when the market used to be full of Eastern-bloc knockoffs and fakes. Today, the market is still full of knockoffs and fakes, but most of them now are imported from China!

If you want to shop for “name brand” clothes, bags, sunglasses, or more, the Russian Market is one of the best places in the city, providing you know how to barter for a fair price.

The Russian Market is busy, crowded, and cramped. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it can be a really interesting experience in and of itself to squeeze yourself through the narrow alleys inside the market, looking at the counterfeit DVDs, fake Prada bags, cheap souvenirs, and fresh produce. The market is also a great place to find some of the cheapest and tastiest Khmer street food in the city.

Bartering

• You will have to barter at this market in order to get the best price. Bartering is just a part of shopping at a market like this one in Cambodia.

• Bartering is almost like a game. The goal isn’t to get the cheapest price possible, but instead to agree on a price that both the buyer and seller thinks is fair and reasonable.

• Don’t think that the shopkeeper is trying to rip you off or cheat you because they quote you a higher price than you expect. The point is to barter it down to a reasonable price. Bartering is supposed to be fun!

Russian Market Information for Travelers

Location

• The Tuol Tompoung Russian Market in Phnom Penh is located at St 163, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, within walking distance of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

• The Russian Market is located at https://goo.gl/maps/y5LoitnxLK72

Hours

• The Russian Market is open around 7:00 to 17:00 every day