RIVERSIDE NIGHT MARKET: A GLIMPSE INTO SIEM REAP’S EVENING CULTURE
While Siem Reap is best known for its iconic temples, its vibrant night markets offer another side of Cambodian culture that shouldn’t be missed. After a day of volunteering, I made my way to the Riverside Night Market, located just across the river from the famous Pub Street. This night market, though often overshadowed by its neighbours, is a great spot for souvenirs, street food, and a taste of local life.
TWO SIDES OF THE MARKET
The Riverside Night Market is spread across two main areas—one side operates throughout the day, while the night market on the opposite side of the river truly comes alive after sundown. Both sections sell largely the same types of items, so there’s plenty of overlap in what’s on offer. I had hoped to find some truly unique souvenirs, but much of the market features mass-produced goods alongside a few handcrafted items. Still, it’s a good spot for anyone looking to pick up gifts or mementos.
BARGAINING IS KEY
One thing to note when visiting is that haggling is a big part of the experience. Vendors often quote prices much higher than the value of the item, expecting tourists to negotiate. I quickly learned to bargain hard—some items were priced at double or even triple their actual worth! Walking away is a helpful tactic too, as many sellers, eager for business, will offer better deals to make a sale. However, it’s important to note that once a vendor agrees to your price, it’s courteous to make the purchase—bargaining for sport isn't respectful to the sellers who depend on these sales.
SUPPORTING LOCAL VENDORS
The Riverside Night Market was much quieter and provided a more relaxed vibe compared to the Pub Street area. Sadly, this side of the river seemed to be somewhat overlooked by tourists, and there were much fewer tourists than pre-Covid days. Many vendors here don’t see as many shoppers, which can work in your favour if you’re looking for a deal. The sellers were generally friendly, although a few were understandably a bit pushy in their efforts to make sales. Some stalls had hand-painted t-shirts and unique art pieces, and it’s worth seeking out these gems amid the more common mass-produced goods.
Beyond the souvenirs, the market is a great place to try local food. I enjoyed sampling street food and browsing the stalls, which had everything from traditional Cambodian crafts to modern trinkets. I left with a snow globe, silk scarves, and Cambodian krama, a traditional cotton scarf, as souvenirs of my visit. The market, though catered to tourists, provides a slice of Cambodian culture in an accessible setting.
I also had a nice chocolate gelato at an affordable price of 1.50 USD.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
While the Riverside Night Market may not offer the most unique shopping experience in Siem Reap, it’s still a worthwhile stop, especially if you enjoy bargaining and are looking for affordable souvenirs. If you’re planning to visit, remember to negotiate for a fair price, explore both sides of the river, and support the local vendors. It’s a nice change of pace from the busier markets and a good way to spend an evening in Siem Reap.
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