Psar Chaa — Old Market
Siem Reap's oldest and most vibrant covered market, bustling with local produce at its heart and surrounded by souvenirs and silk, is nestled in the French quarter, just steps from the river and Pub Street.
Psar Chaa (Old Market, Phsar Chas) is the oldest and most authentic traditional market in Siem Reap. Located in the heart of the French quarter along the Siem Reap River, it serves as a dual hub: local Khmers do their daily shopping while travellers navigate a maze of souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts.
Market Areas
Wet Market (heart): exotic fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, prahok (fermented fish paste) — the local morning energy. Souvenirs & Handicrafts (periphery): silver, carved Buddhas, temple rubbings, brass, “elephant” pants. Textiles & Tailors (alleys): silk, clothing, kramas; tailors on-site for alterations or custom work. Food Court: open stalls — bai sach chrouk, nom banh chok, fruit shakes.
Experience & Bargaining
Highly rated atmosphere on Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet. Unlike the Made in Cambodia Market or Satcha, tourist prices are inflated: polite bargaining is expected (aim for 30 to 50% below the initial price). The wet market is narrow, damp, and aromatic — sensitive noses or those averse to raw meats should stick to the souvenir and clothing aisles.
Practical Information
Pokambor Ave / Street 09, Krong Siem Reap — facing the riverside, north entrance towards Pub Street. 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily. Vegetables and meat: until around noon; souvenirs and clothing until evening. Best from 7 AM to 9 AM for the morning market, or late afternoon for shopping out of the heat.
Amidst the vibrant piles of fruit in the wet market and the bustling aisles of kramas to haggle over, Psar Chaa truly captures the heartbeat of Siem Reap — lively, aromatic, slightly overwhelming, and essential for understanding the daily life of the city.
Géraldine & Jean-Pierre
Ce que vous y trouvez
- Marché humide : fruits, légumes, poisson, prahok
- Souvenirs : argent, bois, frottages, textiles
- Soie, kramas et tailleurs sur place
- Food court khmer (noodles, porc-riz, shakes)
- Ambiance locale + touristique
Conseils pratiques
- Marchandage poli : −30 à 50 % du premier prix
- Matin pour l'authenticité ; soir pour les souvenirs
- Comparer avec Made in Cambodia ou Satcha (prix fixes)
- Éviter le cœur humide si sensible aux odeurs
- À combiner avec Pub Street et la rivière
Photo gallery
Contact
- Address: Pokambor Ave / rue 09, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodge (face à la rivière, nord de Pub Street)
- Hours: Tous les jours : 5h00 – 21h00 (marché humide surtout le matin)