SHOPPING IN CAMBODIA

There are a wide variety of items available for purchase in Cambodia. The country was once well-known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving. After decades of neglect, many of these arts are being revived.

Visitors can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for sarong and hats (variegated silks), wood carving, paper maché masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets and shops on main avenues. The traditional clothing for both men and women is the Krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops. Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems. The export of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry of Culture. Bargaining is essential for all souvenir shopping, it travelers are to obtain reasonable prices. Reductions of up to 20 percent are possible.