My biggest piece of advice for traveling to Cambodia…accept that you will have to buy a spare bag to bring home your treasures…because there will be many!
As a fight attendant, we are very accustomed to bringing our two pieces of luggage with us at all times when at work. We also are used to bringing our luggage with us when traveling abroad. A flight attendant can absolutely pack for two weeks in a roll-aboard and a tote or backpack. Check a bag? No way!
I had prepared in advance for my shopping in Thailand and Cambodia. Cleaning out my underwear drawer, I brought the old pairs that I didn’t mind leaving. I purchased 3 pair for $1 ankle socks that I could also throw out. My oldest beach hat and two tank tops were going to retire in southeast Asia. Anything that could be left behind would, if space was needed once I had scoured the markets in Thailand and Cambodia.
Thailand was pretty easy. The only things I wanted to purchase were two Thai buddhas and two Pandora charms. The buddhas fit pretty well in my suitcase and the latter two on my arm. I even laughed with my husband about my two travel companions having to purchase duffel bags in Thailand because they had acquired so many things.
After the first night, however, wandering through the Angkor Night Market, I was embarrassed that I had laughed! Impressed with the abundance of things that could be purchased, I quickly accepted that I was going to drop a bundle of cash in its vicinity.
Pants, dresses, flip flops, bowls, Cambodian buddhas, Bose speakers, another Pandora charm, artwork, sunglasses…it all came home with me…and more!
Trying hard not to have to check a bag home, proved fruitless. I had brought with me a small foldable, but not very sturdy, travel bag that I could check. When I began divvying up my newfound possessions between the foldable bag and my big suitcase, however, I began to worry about its ability to travel unscathed from Cambodia to Thailand, back thru Narita and then on to Atlanta and finally, Richmond.
On my last morning, I ventured back to one of the markets and quickly searched for a duffel-style suitcase that I trusted to protect my goods. Making a deal with a local woman for a North Face duffle (which I am sure was not real!) that converted to a backpack (my son has since claimed this for his own), I returned to my hotel and began unpacking and repacking.
Everything fit snugly within my three bags and I am happy to report that everything made it safely home to the United States! Thus, proving to myself that,
YES, it is OKAY to check luggage!
And YES, while in Cambodia, shop til you drop!
Markets to visit in Siem Reap
Old Market (Phsar Chas)
Located near the Siem Reap RIver, the Old Market is the original Khmer market in Siem Reap and has some of everything…souvenirs, silks, silver, jewelry, antiques, clothing, shoes, household items, hardware and fresh food.
Central Market (Phsar Kandal)
Located downtown on Sivatha Boulevard, this market sells, souvenirs, clothing, luggage, gems, silver, paintings and Khmer food.
Phsar Leu
Selling food, clothing, shoes, tools, electronics, housewares and many other goods, this is a huge market where most local people go to buy. Located on Highway No. 6, east of town.
Phsar Samaki
This market is a smaller version of Phsar Leu and is also located on Highway No. 6, but closeer to town.
Night Markets
Angkor Night Market
The oldest night market in Cambodia, this was my favorite. Located next to our hotel, the Cheathata Suites and off of Sivatha Boulevard, it was convenient for popping in for souvenirs, clothing and shoes.
Noon Night Market
The second largest and second oldest night market, located off Sivatha Boulevard, you can find food, clothing, shoes, souvenirs and electronics.
Siem Reap Night Market
Also located on Sivatha Boulevard, this market is the newest and smallest night markets. Offering mostly souvenirs, you can also find some antiques.
Shopping Malls
Angkor Trade Center
The first real shopping center in Siem Reap, the Angkor Trade Center contains a supermarket on the first floor, a Swenson’s Ice Cream, Pizza Company and many other shops. The second floor sells clothes, shoes and electronics. The third floor is reserved for a gaming arcade. The shopping center can be found near the Old Market near the river.
Lucky Mall
The newest shopping center, Lucky Mall, has very few shops, but contains a Lucky Supermarket and a Lucky Burger. It is located on Sivatha Boulevard, south of Highway No. 6.