All over Asia and Cambodia in particular, markets (Psar in Cambodian) are an important part of daily life. There are the places where people meet and exchange news. Siem Reap boasts four medium-size markets and countless smaller ones. They are good places to buy souvenirs, but it is worth strolling around just to soak in the atmosphere.

- The Psar Chas (Old Market): oddly named, this newly built market is located in the Old French Quarter near the river and caters to tourists and locals alike. Dozens of small stalls display the usual inexpensive handicrafts one expects to find in any such place, along with videos, CDs, postcards, books, etc. It is worth a visit after a day at the temples. Bargaining is the order of the day. On the other side of the market is the food section: meat, fish and spices on display for the discerning customer. Check it out.

- The Psar Loeu is on Rd N°6 to Phnom Penh.
It is the economic centre of the region and geared mainly for locals. Recent renovation work means it has lost some of its "traditional" Cambodian feel. Watch where you're going, the traffic around the market is one of the worst in town.

Two new markets have recently opened:
- Samaki Market, on the left hand side on the way to Psar Loeu caters essentially to locals but tourists are welcome.

- On Sivatha Avenue, Psar Kandal (Central Market) houses stalls that cater mostly to tourists, a large restaurant that looks like the inside of a railway station (but the prices are reasonable) and a mini-mart. Unfortunately, the stalls are essentially "cut-and-paste" jobs that all sell identical wares and the shopkeepers have taken up the bad habit of hailing customers in a booming voice, "Sir, you buy, Sir", that may prompt you to turn on your heels rather than have a look at the goods on display. The market is dark and badly ventilated and can get very hot. Around the market, you will find various shops, moneychangers, photo labs and a bank.