South East Asian Trips

Cambodia isn't the best place for shopping if what you're looking for designer clothing and electronics- but if you like traditional handicrafts, then you can pick up some pretty exciting stuff in the capital, Phnom Penh. Look out, particularly, for some of Cambodia's native arts and crafts- silverware (a tradition which dates back to the 11th century), brassware, textiles (silks and cottons, and the popular checked scarves known as `kramas'), readymade garments (sarongs and the like), woodcarvings, and masks crafted out of papier maché. The country also makes exquisite jewellery out of gold, silver and precious stones mined in the gem fields of Pailin; within Phnom Penh, the Central Market, le Bijouterie d'Etat, the Tuol Tom Market and the Old Market are good places to buy jewellery. The School of Fine Arts or L'école des Beaux-arts is worth a visit, particularly, if you're interested in buying local art.

Bargaining is a common- and much accepted- practice in Cambodia, so haggle all you want to. Only make sure you don't lose your temper- rudeness of any kind is frowned upon.

Handicraft and gemstones are among the most important items to buy in Cambodia, Cambodia's culture of handicrafts originates from the early years of the country's history. The ancient traditions were passed from generation to generation. Cambodia is widely renown for its beautiful religious carvings, featuring Indian Ramayana and Mahabharata motifs, and its bas-reliefs. Excellent quality replicas are available in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Intricate wooden boxes and other carvings are also used for ornamentation and furniture in Cambodia and are readily available in souvenir shops. Cambodia has excellent silverware of both classical Khmer and Chinese design which can be bought in the main markets of the capital and hotel shops. Khmer silversmiths' craft intricate silver bowls in the shapes of fruits, elephants, deer, wild pigs, fish and goats. Dancer's anklets, decorated with tiny silver bells are also popular buys.

Precious and semi-precious gemstones are for sale in the markets and shops. Experts might make some good buys, but it is better to be a little careful since guarantees of authenticity are not so readily available and the cutting of the stones usually is less precise compared to western standards. Beautiful textiles, made from silk and cotton, woven in traditional designs and tie-dyed, are also available. A traditional and popular item, mostly made from cotton, is a krama, a coloured, checked scarf. In Cambodia it is used for many part from wearing as scarf. Silk may be embroidered with gold and silver threads, woven with bold vertical stripes, shimmering contrasting colours, or in ancient patterns of elephant, fish and jasmine flowers. It is made into items like dresses and purses. Other crafts include basketwork and pottery, which comes in traditional designs.