Photo: Talisma Amsilat
Photo: old market SIEM REAP
Photo: William Cowan
Old Market
★4.2(1,915 reviews)$Bowling
🕑 1-1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Older children and teens appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy picking out souvenirs, while younger kids might find the crowds and heat overwhelming. School-age children can practice bargaining skills and learn about local culture.🧡 Saved by 13 families
About
Old Market (Psar Chas) is Siem Reap's bustling traditional market offering families an authentic Cambodian shopping experience. While there is no bowling alley here, kids will enjoy exploring colorful stalls selling everything from local handicrafts and silk scarves to tropical fruits and souvenirs, making it an excellent cultural introduction to Cambodian daily life.
Highlights
- ✓Colorful displays of silk scarves, clothing, and traditional Cambodian textiles
- ✓Fresh tropical fruit stalls where kids can try exotic local fruits
- ✓Souvenir shopping including wooden toys, handmade crafts, and elephant pants
- ✓Authentic local atmosphere providing cultural immersion
- ✓Opportunity to practice gentle bargaining and learn about commerce
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) when it's cooler and less crowded, making navigation with kids easier and more comfortable.
- 2.Bring small US dollar bills for purchases as vendors prefer cash and may not have change for large bills. Cambodian riel is also accepted.
- 3.Keep children close in the narrow aisles and watch belongings carefully, as the market gets very busy with both locals and tourists.
- 4.The fruit section is great for adventurous kids to try dragonfruit, mangosteen, or rambutan with your supervision.
- 5.Use the market as a teaching opportunity about bargaining culture. Start at half the asking price and negotiate respectfully while kids observe.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning between 7:00-9:00 AM offers the coolest temperatures and thinnest crowds. Avoid midday heat (11:00 AM-2:00 PM) which can be exhausting for children. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends.
What to Know
This is a traditional open-air market with uneven surfaces, so bring a lightweight stroller or baby carrier rather than a full-size pram. Restroom facilities are limited, so plan accordingly. Most vendors accept US dollars, and bargaining is expected.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but visit during Cambodia's dry season (November to April) for more comfortable exploring. The wet season (May to October) brings afternoon downpours, so morning visits are essential. The market gets especially busy during Chinese New Year and Khmer New Year (April).
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Nearby Eats
The Blue Pumpkin on the east side of Old Market offers Western-style comfort food, air conditioning, ice cream, and free WiFi, perfect for cooling down after market exploring. Nearby Chamkar Restaurant serves kid-friendly Khmer dishes in a relaxed garden setting with vegetarian options.
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