Night Markets, Cambodia

Night Market - Angkor, Siem Reap

For those who would like a little night life and night time activities whiling visiting Angkor Wat, the Night Market is an interesting and busy place to be.

After our visit to the Cultural Village during our first day at Angkor, we asked the tour bus driver to drop us off at the Night Market which was not too far away from our hotel. We knew that we could easily hire a tuk tuk to get back.

The Night Market was much busier than we anticipated. It seemed that every tourist visiting Angkor Wat was out in the market shopping and enjoying the cooler night weather.

Night Market - a popular place for locals and tourists alike

There were a lot of stalls selling clothes, food, and various items. It is a great place for tourist to shop for souvenirs.

We found that there was even a better selection of designs or materials for women's clothes. It was not more expensive than the markets in Phnom Penh. 

Local artist selling their craft items

The stalls which captured my interest was the ones selling local arts and craft items in the Night Market.

Outdoor foot massage was available at Angkor's Night Market

There were even outdoor foot massage chairs set up for customers who wanted to enjoy  some massage service right in the open, feel the night breeze and did not mind being seen by passerby.



A few days later, after we finished visiting Angkor, we went back to Phnom Penh and visited a Night Market there as well.

Audience enjoying free musical entertainment at the Night Market by the river, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 

Free musical entertainment at the Night Market stage, Phnom Penh

The Night Market in Phnom Penh is a popular and busy place! We went on a Sunday evening after dinner at around 7:30p.m. It was jammed packed! At some places, it was shoulder to shoulder.

There was a stage set up and free entertainment was provided to all who came to the Night Market. People just sat on the ground and enjoyed the musical performances.

There were a lot of stalls selling clothes, shoes, toys, decorative items and souvenirs at bargain prices. Cambodians are quite slender in their body types. Unfortunately, since I am of North American size, I could not find something that fit me.

Tourist ferry boats bypassing each other at night, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Night scene in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The sight, smell and sound of visiting a Night Market was quite a different experience.

Since it was a nice evening, we took a walk along the river park and enjoyed the night scene on the waterfront.

There were people everywhere relaxing by the river, eating and talking at the tables and chairs set out by night vendors. It almost had this great festival feel to it. 

Independence Memorial at night, Phnom Penh

 Back home in Toronto, a Sunday night is considered a week night and we would be home getting our minds ready for the next day's work.

In Cambodia, the pace of life is a little different.

We stopped by the Blue Pumpkin Cafe by  the waterfront for an ice cream.

What a treat! I requested a coconut and pineapple yoghourt shake for myself - a special custom order.
 ( Mindful of my sensitive stomach, this was the first time I ordered something cold with ice since I arrived  in Cambodia three weeks ago!)

What a fantastic sensation when that ice cold feeling hit my bone dry throat cooling off my overheated body! 

A home sweet home feeling indeed!



R.T.
A night out around town
Phnom Penh, Cambodia