To market, Two markets
Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) can boast diversity.
There are herb stalls next to chicken stalls; fruit next to grease-caked motorbike parts; pottery next to clothing; antiques next to vegetables.
Rows of fresh flowers to the right of us, and to the left women squatted over small charcoal fires to tend to roasting chestnuts.
Dim and dank, we pushed our way forward through the throng.
We are here because it is the better of the two markets in Phnom Penh for tourists. It probably has the best selection of souvenirs.
Copyright Tan and Trev 2005
Copyright Tan and Trev 2005
Across town is Psah Thmei (central market) which sells all sorts of items. It probably has better prices on produce and commodities, as it seems to be where more locals shop.
At the center of its maddening array of diverse stalls is a large orange building with a roof of concentric circles thinning out into a pyramid. "An art deco ziggurat," in the words of the Lonely Planet guide.
At the hub of both markets we were amazed to find a brilliantly lit arcade of gem sellers, wristwatch dealers, money-changers, makeup counters and perfume shops.
It was like pealing your way through an onion only to find a pearl at its core.
But we gave the glass cabinets little thought and pushed forward, ever forward. Our's was a different mission and our goal was clear. We were hunting for a little head.
There are herb stalls next to chicken stalls; fruit next to grease-caked motorbike parts; pottery next to clothing; antiques next to vegetables.
Rows of fresh flowers to the right of us, and to the left women squatted over small charcoal fires to tend to roasting chestnuts.
Dim and dank, we pushed our way forward through the throng.
We are here because it is the better of the two markets in Phnom Penh for tourists. It probably has the best selection of souvenirs.
Copyright Tan and Trev 2005
Copyright Tan and Trev 2005
Across town is Psah Thmei (central market) which sells all sorts of items. It probably has better prices on produce and commodities, as it seems to be where more locals shop.
At the center of its maddening array of diverse stalls is a large orange building with a roof of concentric circles thinning out into a pyramid. "An art deco ziggurat," in the words of the Lonely Planet guide.
At the hub of both markets we were amazed to find a brilliantly lit arcade of gem sellers, wristwatch dealers, money-changers, makeup counters and perfume shops.
It was like pealing your way through an onion only to find a pearl at its core.
But we gave the glass cabinets little thought and pushed forward, ever forward. Our's was a different mission and our goal was clear. We were hunting for a little head.
posted by Unknown at 8:44 AM
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