10 amazing things you can buy in Cambodia [Part 1]

Cambodia travel destination is just not a shopping center in Asia, however, it doesn’t mean that you are unable to buy handmade traditional items in Cambodia.

In this article, we will give you a list of items to buy in Cambodia so that you are not to worry to think about planning your Cambodia package tour and bring some amazing things to come back home.

1. Cambodian silk scarf

Silk is one of the most famous souvenir products of Cambodian. Cambodia silk was once renowned throughout the world for its purity and soft feel. This keeps being handmade by Khmer’s traditional weaving method. There are a lot of products made by silk including scarf, cloth, dress, purse,... in vivid colors.

Silk is great to bring home some “colors of Cambodia” and also light and easy to pack in your suitcase. Koh Dach is a small island 15km from Phnom Penh, a destination famous for handmade Cambodian silk. The price per product is quite reasonable about US$3. There would be a discount if you buy many of them.

2. Textiles

Cambodia is home to a unique collection of textiles, including cotton and other divine hand-woven items. The art of batik fabrics which people use special dyes method to pain colorful detail and fabric are considered as one of the most popular styles of Cambodian textiles.

Many of these can be found in markets across the country, as well as a rising number of boutiques. Tourists can find handwoven textiles in many villages in rural area of Cambodia where batiks is much more one-of-a kind. You can also find for yourself a colorful textile in the Institute for Khmer traditional textile situated in Siem Reap.

3. Cambodian krama

The krama is the typical and ubiquitous locally worn chequered scarf. Uniquely Khmer; inexpensive, and immensely practical. Krama in Khmer language means scarf, this is a product of solely Khmer people. The sole Khmer headwear brings you a hundred ways of using: head tie, head wrap, belt, baby carrier or just simply a scarf around your neck.

The checked fabric traditionally comes in red and white but many modern designs incorporate a rainbow of colours. This traditional Cambodian garment can be easily found and is of high quality. You may buy some at Siem Reap, the Angkor Night Market, as well as the Old Market (Psas Chas)

4. Silverware

In Cambodia, items made by silvers have started to be widely used in religious etiquette since 11th century. The normal working material is an alloy containing 70-80% of pure silver, and prices are based on a combination of weight and artistry, which puts bargaining skills to a good test. However, its unique designs based on Khmer patterns make silver jewellery tours in Cambodia stunning and truly representative of the country’s spirit.

With Cambodia's tourism industry expanding, numerous silver shops have sprung up in Phnom Penh, selling carved decorative and practical items. Others stores are in village center such as Tul Mau, nearly 30km north of the city. Night market Siem Reap is the easiest place to buy silver in Cambodia. Silvers also have the advantage of light weight and small shape, easy for packing.

5. Sculpture reproductions

Cambodia has incredible reproductions and copies technique at very reasonable prices. The local craftsmen will use the mined stone that also used to construct the ancient temple to produce sculptures. With skillful hands these sculpture reproductions are even tricked some experts.

These carvings are made only either of wood or stone (somehow gemstone) in a form of the head of Javaraman VII, head of Buddha, or Apsara in greeting manner. They are delicate copies of small statues, Buddha figures, heads and Apsaras, which are the best things conveying Khmer spirit the most. Moreover, the price of wood and stone carvings depend on definitely upon the sizes, color, type of original material, and its perfection.

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is cambodia safe for travellers?

That last story probably captures my view on Cambodia. If you follow my blog regularly you’ll know that I spent about a month in the country earlier in the year. thailand and cambodia tour  I found the people to be hospitable and friendly, although many will try and make an extra buck or two from a foreigner. I found it easy enough to get between the towns and cities, assuming you don’t need too much legroom. And I found vibrancy in the chaos, rather than vulnerability. I never even came close to any danger.

is cambodia safe for travellers?

But there is a dark side just beneath the surface and it’s up to you, as a traveller, whether you dig down and find it. More than twenty per cent of the population lives below the poverty line (US$0.93 a day) and with deprivation comes desperation and with desperation comes deviance.

is cambodia safe for travellers?

When I first went to Cambodia six or seven years ago, there were very few tourists. These days, the country has been invaded by the rich inexperienced travellers and the young party-seeking backpackers. Both are easy targets for criminals because these foreigners don’t pay attention to their surroundings and they put themselves in compromising situations. I believe these easy opportunities are fuelling any increase in crime that exists.

cambodia myanmar holidays 

is cambodia safe for travellers?

The majority of Cambodians is not going to try to take advantage of you. The majority will want to help you enjoy your time in the country, of which the locals are so proud. The key to safety is to be sensible and not treat the streets of Phnom Penh or the beaches of Sihanoukville like they’re your local neighbourhoods.

Is cambodia safe for travellers?

Don’t walk late at night through the streets of the capital. Don’t catch the tuk tuk with the driver who has been sitting outside the bar watching how much you drink all night. Don’t go to the beach parties alone and accept drinks from strangers. It’s sad that there are reports of women being drugged at bars in Sihanoukville but this can only happen if you let your guard down.

Is cambodia safe for travellers?

Siem Reap Discovery 

I decided to write this story after a few people contacted me to ask whether it was safe to go to Cambodia. I wanted the point of this story to be that I found the country to be extremely safe and never encountered anything untoward. But I also can’t ignore the firsthand (and secondhand) stories of other travellers who I respect. I would never tell anyone not to go but I would also warn everyone to be more wary than in, perhaps, Thailand or Malaysia. Cambodia is a beautiful country and it does not deserve to have a reputation as a dangerous destination.

For more information, please visit https://cambodiatours.com/