Shopping & Souvenirs
The government and aid organisations are encouraging the production of traditional handicrafts due to demand from tourists and to assist the local people in continuing to pass down the skills. Items created from silk and cotton, rattan, bamboo, wood and clay are available at markets in Phnom Penh and throughout the country. Among the crafts available are purses and handbags, clothing, furnishings, paintings and jewellery. Other souvenirs that can be found in the markets include coins and Buddha images.
Antiques: The law prohibits the sale and export of registered antiques, and they are rarely offered to tourists for this reason.
Basket Weaving: Mostly women weave baskets from cultivating and harvesting the reeds to weaving baskets, bowls, plates and other items. Basket weaving has become an important aspect in several poverty alleviation, women empowerment and mine-victim rehabilitation programmes.
Betel Nut Boxes: Most of these containers are made of silver with ornate designs. Originals, once considered a status symbol depending on material and size, contain more silver, though today’s mass produced versions make attractive souvenirs.
Gold & Gems: Prices of 24 carat gold pieces are based on weight and the daily market rate. Simple jewellery designs made with locally mined gemstones including emeralds, rubies and sapphires are readily available, but beware of fakes.
Krama: The local chequered scarf is an inexpensive, distinctively Khmer souvenir.
Lacquerware: Vietnamese dominate the lacquerware production and trade in Cambodia. It is readily available at prices competitive to those in Vietnam.
Reproductions: High-quality copies of temple sculptures are available at reasonable prices. Skilled craftsmen use locally mined materials similar to those used in building the ancient temples to create the replicas. Bronze copies of Buddha figures are also available for sale and export, but it should be noted that these items cannot be exported to neighbouring Thailand.
Rice Paper Prints: These so-called “temple rubbings” are made by placing rice paper over a mould taken from a bas relief carving from an Angkor temple, and rubbing charcoal over it. They make excellent lightweight souvenirs, and when framed are an intriguing decorative piece.
Silk Weaving: Cambodian silk is still handmade using traditional dying and weaving methods in which a single piece can take several weeks to make. Silk pieces woven more than 30 years ago have increased in value. Visitors can watch weavers at work at the silk centre in Koh Dach near Phnom Penh and in the more remote provinces of Kompong Cham, Takeo and Kandal.
Silver: Silver shops sell decorative silver pieces as well as dining ware. The alloy is 70-80% pure silver and selling prices, which can be bargained over, are based on a combination of weight and artistry.
Wood Carvings: Traditional wooden asparas along with decorative items and furniture can be purchased and shipped home from Cambodia. Prices vary depending on wood quality and maturity as well as artistry.