Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
A sprawling southern bazaar in Phnom Penh — diverse shopping, a vibrant food court, and dense zinc-roofed corridors. Named for its Soviet expat clientele in the 1980s.
The Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) is a sprawling, labyrinthine bazaar in southern Phnom Penh famous for diverse shopping, a vibrant local food scene, and dense, atmospheric corridors. Unlike the Art Deco Central Market downtown, it is a tightly packed zinc-roofed maze — the nickname dates from the 1980s when Soviet expats and aid workers shopped here.
What to shop for
Export clothing & factory overruns: Cambodia manufactures for global brands; shoppers hunt genuine overruns (Nike, Zara, Under Armour, etc.). Souvenirs & handicrafts: Khmer silk, wood carvings, Buddha statues, Kampot pepper, silver jewelry. Motorcycle & hardware: a large section for bike parts, tools, and electronics.
The central food court
At the market heart: an energetic wet market and legendary street food alley. On plastic stools: nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), iced coffee with condensed milk, bai sach chrouk (grilled pork over rice). Anthony Bourdain filmed an episode of No Reservations here, praising the rich local flavors.
Location: St. 444, Tuol Tom Poung 1 (Chamkarmon). Hours: daily 6:00 AM–5:00 PM (clothing and souvenir stalls usually ready by 8:30 AM). Visit in the morning — zinc roofs trap intense heat. Haggling is expected for clothing, souvenirs, and electronics; stay polite and friendly.
Under the Russian Market's blazing zinc roof, between vegetable stalls and the scent of nom banh chok, you see why Bourdain came back — it's unfiltered, generous Phnom Penh.
Géraldine & Jean-Pierre
On-site highlights
- Factory overruns and brand-name clothing
- Silk, carvings, Kampot pepper
- Motorcycle parts and electronics
- Food court: nom banh chok, iced coffee
- Evening street food around the market
Photo gallery
Details
- Address: St. 444 (corner St. 163 / 440), Tuol Tom Poung 1, Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh
- Hours: Daily: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (clothing/souvenir stalls ~8:30 AM)
- Phone: +855 15 222 930