The Old Market (Phsar Chas) and surrounding area including the nearby Pub Street, Pub Street alleys and the Night Markets are ‘must sees’ when visiting Siem Reap. Very popular, the whole Old Market area stretching from the river across to the night markets on Sivutha Blvd is now the dining, shopping and nightlife center of town.

Of the various traditional Cambodian markets in Siem Reap, the Old Market offers the deepest selection of souvenirs and curios. There are souvenir vendors on all sides off the market and into the interior, especially on the river side – offering silks, silverworks, carvings, statuary, art and handicrafts as well as t-shirts, boot-legged DVDs and books.

The 2 Thnou Street side of the market is a mix of local and tourist vendors, some offering souvenirs, others specializing in clothing, shoes and hats aimed more at the local consumer. The side opposite Street 11 is also a mix, with many vendors offering handicrafts, puppets, musical instruments and basketry and local food and dried fish vendors toward the other end. The north side of the market along Street 9 caters more to the locals than tourists, vending fruit, vegetables, meats, clothes, hardware and such but there are several interesting local spice, tea and coffee vendors on this side and a number of inexpensive cafe stalls lining the street, serving Cambodian fare in an interesting, very local atmosphere. A good place for a budget meal and a taste of real Cambodian cuisine.

The streets in the area around the market, especially the now famous Pub Street and Pub Street Alleys, sport dozens of tourist oriented business including galleries and boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, massage and spas, travel agents, bookstores, a pharmacy and lots more.

Hup Guan Street, Center of town