Shopping in Cambodia

Good souvenirs include temple rubbings, replicas of Angkor's bas-reliefs and sculptures, wood carvings, stone carvings, Cambodian music and traditional musical instruments. Those who know what they're looking for may want to buy precious stones. But perhaps the best buy in Cambodia is silk. Much is still handwoven and colored with natural dyes (the inexpensive stuff is machine made and chemically colored). To get naturally dyed silk, ask for leak tomuhjeat. Untailored bolts of cloth are available, but if you want something wearable, look for a krama, the traditional peasant scarf still worn throughout the country.

Bargaining is generally the rule. Take along U.S. bills of small denomination, which are accepted throughout the country, along with the local currency and the Thai baht. Credit cards are accepted only at luxury hotels and a limited number of tourist-oriented shops.

Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm. Some stores may open earlier.