✨ Phnom Penh · Riverside
Phnom Penh Night Market
Set along the Tonle Sap riverfront, the Phnom Penh Night Market is a lively evening gathering place where locals and visitors browse stalls, enjoy street food, and experience the city's nightlife.
About Phnom Penh Night Market
The Phnom Penh Night Market (Khmer: ផ្សាររាត្រី ភ្នំពេញ) is an open-air evening market located on the riverfront along Preah Sisowath Quay, near the junction with Street 106 in central Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Every evening as the sun sets, vendors set up stalls selling clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs, while a large food section offers grilled dishes, noodles, and drinks beside the river.
More than a shopping spot, the market reflects everyday urban life in Cambodia's capital — a relaxed place where residents wind down and visitors get a feel for local culture after dark.
📍 Preah Sisowath Quay
🌊 Tonle Sap Riverside
History & Culture
Night markets are a long-standing part of urban life across Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Phnom Penh's riverside night market grew as the city's waterfront — near the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers — became a focal point for public life after sunset, where cool river breezes have drawn residents to gather at dusk for generations.
Its signature is the open-air 'mat dining' tradition: the central plaza is laid with woven reed mats, and locals buy food from the stalls, slip off their shoes, and sit cross-legged with family and friends to share a meal — a living echo of rural Khmer communal feasting unique among Southeast Asian night markets.
Far from a tourist-only spectacle, Phsar Reatrey (ផ្សាររាត្រី ភ្នំពេញ) is where everyday Khmer life, handicraft heritage, and the modern city rhythm meet beside the water.
Khmer Language Mini-Guide
A quick key to the local names you'll see around the market.
- Phsar (ផ្សារ)
- Means “market” or “bazaar”.
- Reatrey (រាត្រី)
- Means “night” or “evening”.
- Phsar Reatrey
- Literally translates to “night market.”
Shopping Experience
Stroll through rows of stalls offering a mix of local and regional goods — look for these quintessential Khmer symbols.
Krama (ក្រមា)
The iconic checkered cotton scarf with centuries of history — worn as a scarf, sun-shade, or all-purpose utility cloth in daily Khmer life.
Silver & Woodcarving
Handmade silver jewelry and miniature red-ebony carvings inspired by Angkorian sculpture.
Silk & Textiles
Handwoven scarves and silk products from Khmer weavers.
Souvenirs
Postcards, magnets, and small keepsakes to remember your trip.
Food & Drinks
The food court near the riverbank serves the most authentic Khmer home flavors — here are the dishes worth seeking out by name.
Sach Ko Yak (សាច់គោយ៉ាក់)
Herbal grilled beef skewers marinated in lemongrass, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaf, charred over charcoal for a distinctly Southeast Asian aroma.
Lort Cha (ឆាចាប់)
Short silver-pin noodles flash-fried with bean sprouts, chives, and egg, finished with a sweet-chili sauce — a favorite late-night energy boost.
Num Banh Chok (នំបញ្ចុក)
Cambodia's national rice-noodle dish in a fragrant fish-curry broth, topped with fresh herbs and banana blossom.
Kuy Teav (គុយទាវ)
Clear pork-bone broth simmered for hours, served with thin rice noodles, herbs, and beef or seafood.
Sugarcane & Kumquat Juice
Fresh-pressed sugarcane juice with a squeeze of kumquat — sweet with a tangy lift, the classic way to cool off.
Best Time To Visit
Around 17:00
Stalls begin to open and the temperature eases after the afternoon heat.
19:00 – 21:00
Best atmosphere with full lighting, more vendors, and lively crowds.
Avoid Midday
The market is an evening event; visiting at noon means little is open.
How To Get There
The market sits on the central riverfront, within reach of most downtown areas.
On Foot
Easy to reach on foot if you are staying near Sisowath Quay or the riverside.
Tuk Tuk
A common, flexible way to get around Phnom Penh; agree on the fare first.
Taxi / App
Ride-hailing apps operate in the city for a more comfortable trip.
Public Transport
Local buses serve central Phnom Penh, though routes are limited at night.
From the Airport
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is about 10 km west of the city. A taxi or ride-hailing app (Grab/PassApp) takes roughly 30–45 minutes and costs around US$12–15 to Sisowath Quay; book at the official airport taxi counter or via the app. Tuk-tuks are cheaper but slower. From your drop-off, the market is a short walk along the riverside.
Explore Nearby
Sisowath Quay Riverside
A riverside promenade for evening walks, city views, and open-air dining along the Tonle Sap.
Royal Palace Area
Cambodia's royal compound and nearby temples showcase classic Khmer architecture.
Central Phnom Penh
Explore the city center, including markets and streets close to the riverfront.
Travel Tips
Remove Your Shoes
Before stepping onto the central reed mats to eat, take off your shoes and leave them at the mat's edge — a basic sign of respect for local custom.
Cash & Currency
Both USD and KHR are accepted. For small purchases use riel or small bills ($1/$5); change is often given in riel.
Stay Safe
Along Sisowath Quay, keep phones and bags secure while photographing — occasional snatch theft occurs near the riverside.
Bargain Politely
Haggling is normal at markets — keep it friendly and good-natured.
Gallery
A glimpse of the night market, riverside, and street life in Phnom Penh.
Location & Map
Phnom Penh Night Market · Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
📌 HWFG+JV8 · 11.574045, 104.924613
🗺️ View on Google Maps🧭 Location tip: Phnom Penh Night Market sits at the corner of Preah Sisowath Quay and Street 106, right beside the Tonle Sap river passenger pier.
Visitor Facilities & Services
To help you plan your trip, here is a practical overview of infrastructure and services around the night market and its surrounding area.
Note: As a non-profit guide, we list only categories of nearby facilities and do not recommend specific businesses.
On-site Facilities
Restrooms (WC)
- • Inside the market: paid public toilets are available within the market area, usually for a small maintenance fee (about 1,000 KHR / US$0.25). Carry some small change and tissue.
- • Nearby: the public promenade along the riverfront and adjacent commercial buildings also offer restroom facilities.
Parking & Transit
- • Motorbikes / e-bikes: designated temporary parking zones near the 106th & 108th Street entrances, managed by on-site staff for a small fee.
- • Cars: street parking along Preah Sisowath Quay is scarce at night due to crowds. Ride-hailing or tuk-tuk is recommended; if driving, use paid lots at nearby commercial buildings or hotels.
- • Tuk-tuk / ride-hailing: a drop-off and pick-up zone sits at the market main gate where it meets the riverside road, for quick stop-and-go.
ATMs & Currency Exchange
- • ATMs: several banks operate 24-hour ATMs around the market and along Sisowath Quay, supporting international cards (USD / KHR).
- • Currency exchange: licensed exchange points along the riverside let you convert foreign currency into small US dollars or Cambodian riel (KHR).
Nearby Amenities
Dining Options
- • Market food court: central and riverside stalls offer charcoal grill, Khmer fried noodles, fresh spring rolls and fruit drinks, with the signature reed-mat picnic experience.
- • Riverside restaurants: indoor and open-air restaurants along Preah Sisowath Quay serve Khmer cuisine, French bistros, Asian fusion and Italian.
- • Rooftop bars: several high-rise buildings nearby have viewing bars overlooking the Tonle Sap river and Phnom Penh skyline.
Accommodation Categories
- • River-view boutique hotels: along Sisowath Quay, within walking distance of the market, ideal for the river sunset and night view.
- • Budget & backpacker hostels: behind the market (around 108th, 110th and 118th Streets), affordable for independent and young travellers.
- • Star-rated & business hotels: 10–15 minutes’ walk (near the Royal Palace or city main roads), full facilities for families and business trips.
Supermarkets & Retail
- • 24-hour convenience stores: several around the market and the riverside main road for water, mosquito repellent, snacks and daily needs.
- • Compact supermarkets: a few within walking distance offer imported food, household goods and personal care products.
Gas & EV Charging
- • Gas stations: the riverside market area is a scenic, pedestrian-dense zone; car fuel stations are mainly 5–10 minutes’ drive on city main roads (e.g. Preah Norodom Blvd or Preah Monivong Blvd).
- • EV charging: public charging in Phnom Penh is concentrated in large commercial complexes, upscale offices and some international-brand hotel parking lots. EV drivers should check open stations in advance via a maps app.
General Travel Tips
Sockets & Voltage
Cambodia uses 220V. Common plugs are two-flat-pin (Type A) or two-round-pin (Type C).
Payment
Market stalls mostly take cash (USD or KHR); larger supermarkets and restaurants nearby accept cards or QR payment.
FAQ
What time does Phnom Penh Night Market open? ＋
The market generally begins to open around 17:00 each evening.
Is Phnom Penh Night Market free to enter? ＋
Yes, entering the market area is usually free; you pay only for what you buy or eat.
What can visitors buy at the night market? ＋
Visitors can find souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and a range of local goods.
Is the night market suitable for tourists? ＋
Yes, it is a relaxed, family-friendly place to experience Phnom Penh's nightlife and market culture.