14 Must-Buy Cambodian Souvenirs: Treasures of Khmer

Cambodia is a country rich in culture and craftsmanship. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful country, you'll definitely want to bring back some of that cultural richness with you. Whether for yourself or for friends, Cambodian souvenirs always bring joy. If you're wondering what to bring back from Cambodia on your next trip, here are some gift ideas that might interest you.

Written by Lan DUONG (Travel Consultant) Updated on 13-12-2024

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1. Krama, the Cambodian Scarf

The Krama, a traditional and iconic checked scarf, is a must-have souvenir for anyone visiting Cambodia. Worn by men, women, and children of all social classes, the Krama transcends social status and is a cherished item across the country. This cultural gem is also a staple amongst the Khmer communities in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.

The traditional Cambodian Krama scarf is a cultural staple, easily recognized by its iconic checkered pattern in vibrant color combinations like red and white, blue and white, or classic black and white. Crafted from soft cotton or luxurious silk, this versatile accessory is both practical and stylish.

It offers protection from the elements – perfect for wrapping around your head on sunny days or draping over your shoulders or waist for a touch of Cambodian charm. Lightweight, packable, and budget-friendly (just $3 -$5), the Krama makes an ideal souvenir. 

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2. Sampot, the Traditional Cambodian Outfit

Every country has its own traditional dress style, and the Kingdom of Cambodia is no exception with the Sampot. Don't forget to discover the elegance of Cambodia's national garment. This rectangular piece of fabric, approximately 3 meters long and 1 meter wide, is expertly wrapped around the waist and secured with a metal belt. Unlike a skirt, its unique draping resembles trousers. Cambodian artisans weave the Sampot from luxurious silk, creating intricate and beautiful designs that embody the country's rich textile heritage.

3. Antiques

The sale and export of registered Cambodian antique pieces are strictly forbidden. Unfortunately, this hasn’t prevented thousands of priceless artifacts from Angkor being stolen over the years – and sold overseas. Because of this and several protective laws, you're unlikely to come across any genuine antiques that are openly on sale in Cambodia. However, items bearing intricate stylings and exotic forms, even knock-off or antique-like ones, can make great keepsakes of your memorable visit to Cambodia.

4. Wood Sculptures

Imagine holding a piece of Cambodian history in your hands! The country's woodcarving tradition stretches back centuries, and you can see Cambodian artisans possess remarkable expertise and refined carving techniques, which are particularly evident in the intricate sculptures and bas-reliefs of the walls of Angkor Wat and other ancient temples throughout the country. Now, you can find beautiful carvings perfect for taking home – think miniature gods, Buddhas, elegant dancers, or even playful animals. Many of these pieces are made from ebony or teak, woods known for their rich colors and detailed patterns.

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5. Cambodian Silk Fabrics

Weaving is an ancient craft dating back to the 13th century in Cambodia and is still preserved today. The traditional method of weaving ikat silk and the use of natural dyes represent the essence of this craft in Cambodia.
The term "ikat" refers to a textile design process in which threads are dyed before being woven together to create complex and elaborate patterns. In the famous temple complex of Angkor Wat, you can admire a series of patterns on the temple walls representing traditional Khmer ikat patterned clothing.

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Handcrafted ikat silk with care is unique because of the use of materials sourced from the Cambodian landscape. For example, traditional Khmer ikat uses golden silk spun from the fibers of the golden silkworm, as well as natural dye pigments extracted from indigenous species.

Silk fabrics produced using this method are of high quality: they are soft, washable, and do not easily fade. Although handmade woven products are more expensive, they are unique and have great value.

6. Cambodian Silver Jewelry

As early as the 11th century, Cambodians excelled in goldsmithing, a tradition that continues with the country's silver jewelry. These jewelry pieces, adorned with local gemstones, feature unique Khmer motifs, reflecting Cambodian culture.
During your visit to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you will easily find silver jewelry, perfect for gifts or for yourself. Siem Reap's night market is the perfect place to buy them, but be sure to distinguish authentic products from counterfeits by favoring certified large stores. Prices vary depending on design and weight, and bargaining is possible.

7. Cambodian Paintings

Rice paper is often associated with spring rolls, but forget those tasty spring rolls! In Cambodia, rice paper becomes a canvas for incredible art. Local artisans take inspiration from Angkor Wat's stunning carvings, transferring their beauty onto delicate rice paper. They carefully rub charcoal over the paper to reveal every intricate detail. Framed and illuminated, these prints become stunning, lightweight souvenirs – perfect for travelers who love unique finds.

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8. Handmade Organic Skincare Products

If you've experienced the spa services in Cambodia, you'll surely fall in love with the Cambodian scents that leave you feeling serene and relaxed. Cambodians excel in cultivating local minerals, herbs, and plants to create perfect natural organic products. These beauty items, which range from body butter and bath salts to foot scrubs and facials, make for excellent Cambodia souvenirs. Packaged in lovely boxes or reusable fabric bags, they are unique gifts for your friends and family members at home.

Bodia Cambodia Apothecary , Dai Khmer and Senteurs d’Angkor, or Kambio Nature are among the many shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap where you can treat yourself and purchase all manners of natural skincare products like balms, lotions, soaps, and massage oils. These products are paraben-free, silicone-free, color-free, and sulfate-free.

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9. Dried Fruits

For snack enthusiasts, Cambodian dried fruits are a must with their delicious variety of flavors. Dried tamarind, in particular, is highly appreciated for its unique taste, blending whole fruits, seeds, salt, and chili. Don't miss the opportunity to bring back this memorable snack home, especially since they are beautifully packaged, making them an ideal gift for your loved ones.

10. Local Snacks

For an authentic gift, consider Cambodian burnt rice, known as "burnt rice at the bottom of the pot" due to its round shape. This delicious dish combines the spiciness of chili, the saltiness of meat, and the sweetness of shrimp and sauce. The thick sauce that permeates each grain tantalizes your taste buds, making it an ideal gift for friends and family.

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11. Cambodian Jaggery

A unique and tasty souvenir from Cambodia is sweet and natural jaggery made from the sap of palm trees. With its rich caramel notes and a different type of sweetness, Cambodian jaggery gives a new taste different from sugar. For providing the necessary nutrients and elements in the body, which results in utilities surplus, it is a great way to go for sweet eaters.

Easy to store and lovely to look at, Cambodian Jaggery is an excellent gift for culinary enthusiasts. If you like to cook, you can add one of the esoteric touches, for example, your cakes are not complete unless you add the authentic flavor of Cambodian palm sugar that you got in Cambodian jaggery. It's real Cambodian food in every bite!

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12. Kampot Pepper

Kampot pepper, a pride of Cambodian agriculture and among the best in the world, is available in several varieties, including black, white, red, and green. Red pepper is especially prized for its aroma, although each variety has its own distinct taste. Overall, Kampot pepper offers a richer and spicier flavor than ordinary pepper. It's a perfect gift for cooking enthusiasts.

13. Khmer Herbal Oil

Khmer Herbal Oil is a prized Cambodian souvenir, available in various options. Made from herbs and spices, these oils offer benefits such as relieving headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, lowering blood pressure, and treating insect bites. Each bottle is affordable, making it an economical and practical gift.

Another choice is Cambodian Oud: It is highly prized as one of the finest and most luxurious types of oud. This rare incense, sourced from Cambodia, is renowned among oud enthusiasts for its rich oud oil content and distinct dark color, symbolizing quality. With varieties like luxury Cambodian oud, super triple, royal oud, and more, Cambodian oud is celebrated as one of the world’s best and most expensive incenses.

14. Cambodian Betel Boxes

Betel chewing, a centuries-old practice in Southeast Asia, involves a quid made of areca nut, lime paste, and a betel leaf. Despite its decline among younger generations, it remains a cultural symbol. Delicate silver betel boxes from Cambodia, dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcase the skill of Cambodian silversmiths. These intricate animal-shaped boxes were used by royalty.

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Betel chewing's endurance is due to its mild euphoric effects and its role in spiritual life. Betel quids symbolize trust in marriage, are offered post-birth, and accompany the deceased, signifying care and tradition. These Cambodian betel boxes are unique souvenirs, reflecting the country's rich heritage and making perfect keepsakes from your visit.

Where to Buy Cambodian Souvenirs?

1. Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung Market)

• Address: Street 440, Phnom Penh
• Hours: 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Russian market in Cambodia is a must-visit shopping destination, offering a wide variety of products such as clothing, shoes, silk items, antiques, sculptures, souvenirs, and much more. It's perfect for bargain hunters and lovers of local craftsmanship. Don't forget to bargain with the vendors to get the best price.

2. Angkor Night Market

• Address: Street 08, Siem Reap City
• Hours: Sun - Sat 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM

At the Angkor Night Market, over 200 stalls offer handmade items such as silk paintings, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. It's the perfect place to explore local craftsmanship and buy unique souvenirs to take home during your visit to Siem Reap.

3. Central Market

• Address: Calmette Street (53), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Phnom Penh's main market is the largest in the city, but it is crowded, so be careful to avoid thefts. You'll find everything here: gold and silver jewelry, antiques, watches, clothing, and shoes.

4. For more information and places to buy Cambodian handicrafts, click here.

4.1 Phnom Penh

• Cambodian Handicraft Association: A workshop creating silk clothes, scarves, and bags by victims of anti-personal mines.
• Tabitha: An NGO shop renowned for silk bags, decoration items, and toys, with profits aiding rural communities.
• Daughters: An NGO helping former sex trade workers by producing eco-friendly clothes, bags, and accessories.
• Street 240: Known for artsy retail outlets and eateries, featuring French colonial villas, fair trade products, jewelry, and accessories. Enjoy French Mediterranean cuisine and Belgian chocolates with ingredients from Mondolkiri mountain.

• Cambodian Creations: Stylish, contemporary products ethically made with fair trade materials. Collaborates with social enterprises like Cambodia Knits and Khmer Creations.
• Artisan Angkor: Sells handicrafts and wooden products made from local materials, including Cambodian silk scarves.
• Street 178: Close to the Royal Palace, this street is popular for souvenir shops, galleries, Cambodian art, handicrafts, and silk boutiques.

• Ta Prohm Souvenir Shop: Run by a landmine survivor, training disabled individuals as tailors. Offers unique silk accessories and homewares.
• Friends International Shop: After dining at Friends restaurant, purchase unique handmade products by parents of children in various projects, and enjoy services like manicures and massages.

4.2 Siem Reap

• Cambolac: Offers handmade souvenirs and home decoration products, supporting Angkor Park's poor communities.
• Senteurs d’Angkor: Visit this shop after Angkor Wat for authentic Cambodian products that support local incomes and reduce poverty. Awarded by the provincial government for contributing to Siem Reap's cultural richness.

Practical Tips for Buying Cambodian Souvenirs

When traveling to Cambodia, purchasing unique souvenirs for your loved ones is a must-do. To enhance your experience, keep these points in mind:

• Currency: US dollars are widely accepted. Use them or a Visa card for high-value items. For items under $1, use the Cambodian Riel.
• Pricing: Always ask for prices and negotiate to avoid paying more than locals.
• Quality Check: Compare prices in different stores but also consider the quality.

Souvenirs capture the essence of your trip. For ideas on what to bring back, check out the recommended Cambodia souvenirs above to avoid missing out on great finds!

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