Top 5 Cambodia Souvenirs: Best things to buy

By Jenna Jolie

Cambodia is truly a souvenir-buying heaven, with a wide range of original things ranging from woven natural textiles and sculptural reproductions to unique little jewelries, handcrafted natural organic products, and even culinary items. Tourists may find it challenging to choose which Cambodian souvenirs and goods to bring home as souvenirs of their Cambodian vacation. The top souvenirs to buy in Cambodia are listed below.

Whether you visit Angkor Wat for a day or spend a week or more in this Kingdom of Wonders, you should not pass up the opportunity to purchase these wonderful souvenirs for your loved ones and yourself.

What to buy in Cambodia - Top 5 Cambodian Souvenirs for Travelers

Cambodian handicrafts have benefited from a number of local and non-governmental organizations' efforts aimed at assisting Cambodia's handicapped population and other underprivileged segments of society by providing them with a new source of income via training in traditional crafts.

Local markets are frequently the greatest area to look for bargains when shopping in Cambodia; nevertheless, while specialized stores, boutiques, and galleries are normally more costly, they often provide superior quality.

Here are the top 05 best souvenirs in Cambodia that you should look for.

1. Cambodian Silk Products

Cambodia has a long and rich history of silk weaving and silk items with eye-catching colors and designs. Therefore, Cambodian silk products are constantly at the top of the list of Cambodian souvenirs that are worth buying. It's fascinating to learn that silk in Cambodia is still created by hand-dyeing and traditional weaving processes. A single piece of silk takes many weeks to color and weave by local craftspeople. Among the several silk varieties in Cambodia, golden silk is world-renowned for its high quality and extraordinarily soft feel.

Visitors may view the complete process of silk manufacturing, from the life cycle of the silkworm to a finished silk product, at Artisans Angkor's silk farm on the outskirts of Siem Reap or Santuk Silk Farm near Kampong Thom. Lotus Silk in Phnom Penh also sells scarves, clothing, and other items made of golden silk.

2. Krama – Cambodian Traditional Scarf

Krama is a traditional Cambodian garment worn by all Cambodians, from the elderly to the young, men to women and children, and from rural to urban places.Farmers wrap karma around their heads to protect themselves from the sun and to absorb perspiration droplets on hot, sunny labor days. It's also used as a hammock for infants, to transport goods, and to wrap around the neck like a scarf. This multi-purpose fabric features a gingham pattern and is often available in red and white.

Modern kramas come in a variety of colors, designs, and quality. They can be found in any of the marketplaces in tourist towns and cities around Cambodia, with the lowest starting at roughly $1 - $2 per krama.

3. Sculpture Reproductions

Cambodian artisans have exceptional carving talents and methods. Their skills may be seen in the elaborate carvings and bas-reliefs on the walls of Angkor Wat and other ancient temples in Cambodia. Sculpture copies, from huge to tiny, are manufactured and marketed as souvenirs at inexpensive costs. Artists work for hours delicately sculpting bits of wood, stone, or copper into elaborate shapes. These pieces of art are small copies of God Spirits, Buddha, Apsara ladies, and animal variants.

Furthermore, wall art such as hand-carved wooden screens and sculptures, is accessible. You can purchase these magnificent pieces of art in night markets in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other tourist destinations.

4. Lacquerware

Lacquerware is one of the greatest items of art to bring home from Cambodia. This handicraft has deep origins in Cambodia, peaking between the 12th and 16th centuries. Lacquer goods include Khmer-style patterns or portrayals of traditional Cambodian life. To manufacture exquisite lacquer boxes, vases, bowls, decorations, and Buddha statues, skilled artisans now mix old techniques with modern designs.

Tourists in Siem Reap may visit Theam's House to view the process of producing lacquer items firsthand at the workshop, as well as enjoy a broad choice of Khmer styles for sale.

5. Silverware & Silver Jewelry

Another historic craft existed in Cambodia as early as the 11th century is Khmer silversmithing. During that time, Cambodian silversmiths made various things for the royal palace and the wealthy upper class, including weaponry, coinage, funeral, and religious artifacts, and betel boxes. With the tourism sector developing, Khmer silverware is becoming well-known far beyond its boundaries.

Cambodia is now a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind handcrafted silver objects, ranging from big plates with exquisite designs to collections of ornate boxes, decorations, and trinkets. To make more trendy goods, local artists integrate Cambodian silver and semi-precious stones into their creations. What could be more beautiful than these gorgeous pieces of art to carry home as a keepsake or gift for your loved ones?

Garden of Desire (Phnom Penh), Central Market (Phnom Penh - Map), Ammo Jewellery (Siem Reap), and Artisans Angkor are all prestigious places to look for Cambodian silverware (Siem Reap).

 6. Handmade Paintings

The vibrant brushstrokes of outstanding local painters represent Cambodian daily life, custom, and history. The materials used in paintings vary, although oil appears to be the most prevalent. Outstanding works of art combine local scenery and traditional Khmer patterns with historical and Buddhist themes.

If you're looking for high-quality paintings, Asasax Art Gallery in Phnom Penh is a must-visited place. If you want to buy affordable painting artwork, go to Old Market in Siem Reap or Central Market in Phnom Penh, where you may get one-of-a-kind pieces for as low as $10 to $150. These works of art will look excellent on your home's wall or as a perfect gift for your friends.

7. Recycled Bags

Cambodia is a lovely yet impoverished country. This country is full of people with incredible creative talent and fantastic craftsmanship. Fortunately, several foreign NGOs and organizations with a deep enthusiasm for this area are assisting locals in improving their income by creating handbags from recycled materials. Ingenious artists create attractive, high-quality goods with patterns that reflect Khmer culture from the bags used daily by Khmer households.

These one-of-a-kind goods are sold at night markets in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, including handbags, bags, wallets, passport holders, and other accessories. They are practical for everyday use, have zippers and a second layer, are waterproof, and have lovely designs. By purchasing one of these gorgeous goods, you assist people better their lives while also helping to safeguard the environment.

8. Handmade Organic Skincare Products

If you have had spa treatments in Cambodia, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the Cambodian smells that will leave you tranquil and relaxed. Cambodians are experts in transforming native minerals, herbs, and plants into flawless natural organic items. Body butter and bath salts are among the beauty products available, as are foot scrubs and facials. They are one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family members at home, wrapped in a nice box or reusable cloth bag.

9. Kampot Pepper

Bodia Cambodia Apothecary and Senteurs d'Angkor are just two of the numerous boutiques in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap where you can pamper yourself with natural skincare goods like balms, lotions, soaps, massage oils, and more. These products are paraben, silicon, color, and sulfate free.

Top chefs worldwide utilize Kampot pepper, which is widely regarded as some of the greatest pepper in the world. Kampot’s milder environment and highly rich soil are thought to be ideal for cultivating this premium pepper. Kampot pepper, which is grown in abundance across the province, comes in black, green, red, and white types with a harsh taste and powerful, unique flavor. To obtain real organic peppers, simply pay a visit to their authentic home in Kampot. It will make an excellent present for your culinary-savvy pals.

10. Palm Sugar

The palm tree is so common in Cambodia that it has become the country's emblem. Locals ingeniously employ every component of the tree for a variety of uses, including lumber, branches, leaves, fruit, and palm juice. Palm juice is cooked to produce palm sugar, a common Cambodian take-home gift.

Palm sugar has a flavor comparable to brown sugarcane but not as sweet, with a wonderful caramel undertone. They are shaped into spherical, brown pills that are available at all local marketplaces. This form of sugar offers several health benefits and works well in a variety of cookery methods. Khmer cuisine is frequently sweetened with palm sugar.

Cambodia shopping guide

First and foremost, we need to learn specific tactics and tricks before venturing into the retail districts. Before you begin your exploration, consider the following suggestions: