Phnom Penh Night Market (Psar Reatrey)
Phnom Penh’s only formal night market, Psar Reatrey overlooks the riverside from the central reservation that separates downtown and northern Phnom Penh — it’s easiest to enter by the gate at the north end of riverside to avoid scrambling between lines of parked scooters. As with Orussey, the Night Market is chiefly oriented towards the local market, but is definitely worth a dip to pick up some very reasonably priced clothes — there’s not a huge lot else really aside from some tacky and generic souvenirs.
Shopping as the sun goes down.
It is a world away from the night markets of Siem Reap — which is awash with the things to a point far beyond absurdity — and for that, we are grateful. You’ll find a selection of Asian fashions, impossible designer brands with misspelled names, sparkly jewellery, cushions and beautiful paper flowers. Prices are often advertised but if you’re buying multiple items, you’ll probably get a discount.
Come in. Great excitement awaits.
It also gives you an excellent chance to sample some live local pop music, and discover why most Cambodians are hearing impaired. In the centre of the market is a stage which hosts members of the Night Market band, who would probably do well in a wannabe K-pop star talent contest. They’re usually engaged in cutesy choreographed dances, belting out dance numbers and Khmer love songs. It is LOUD.
Something on a stick, sir?
Behind the large central stage with its banks of monster speakers, there is an array of food stalls and a big space laid out with matting on which to tuck in to your nosh alongside dozens of local families and young couples. There is everything here from spring rolls to Cambodian sausages, grilled meats and more, and the lovely family atmosphere just makes everything seem even better than it already is on a balmy evening.
You’d be tetchy too, if you’d had a stick inserted there.
When you’ve grabbed a plate and got a fruit shake, beer or sugarcane juice to wash it down, add your shoes to the pile at the edge of the expanse of floor mats. The trick is to find an empty spot to sit, negotiating the family groups and friends already chowing down. Each mat comes with communal tissues, chilli sauce and pepper and lime mix. If your knees aren’t what they used to be, there are some metal tables and plastic stools by the food stalls instead.
The Night Market is a fun introduction to retail therapy the Khmer way, avoiding the sweaty mazes and trip hazards of the day markets. Be careful not to relax so much that you stop being vigilant with your belongings — especially wallets and cameras — or you could end up funding someone’s Amanni belt or Guccy T-shirt habit.
Source: http://www.travelfish.org