Shoppers' Guide: Best Buys At Cambodia Airport

what to buy in cambodia airport

Cambodia is a shopper's paradise, with a variety of authentic products, from woven natural fabrics to special jewellery, handmade natural organic products, and even edible items. The country's two main airports, Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport, offer a range of shopping options for travellers looking to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or gifts. From unique jewellery made from clay to fashion accessories with Italian design and Khmer craftsmanship, there is something for everyone at Cambodia's airports. In addition, travellers can enjoy a variety of dining options, including traditional Cambodian dishes and international franchises, as well as convenience stores and beverage stands.

Characteristics Values
Number of airports 17
Main airports Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
Currencies accepted Cambodian Riel, US Dollar
Food options DQ, Dim Sum, Starbucks, Hard Rock Cafe, bakery, patisserie, ice cream parlor, restaurant
Shopping Artisans D'Angkor, Claycult, Kingdom of WOW, Smateria, Rock Shop
Other facilities VIP lounges, smoking rooms, children's play areas, banking services, ATMs, information and baggage counters, free Wi-Fi, SIM cards, currency exchange services

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Local handicrafts

The Fair Trade Village in Siem Reap is a handicraft centre dedicated to authentic Cambodian arts, crafts, and traditional techniques. It sells only locally made products that bear the seal of the Angkor Handicraft Association. The market features artisan workshops where master carvers, weavers, jewellers, and ceramicists create beautiful works of art.

Cambodian weavers produce mats, baskets, scarves, and home textiles, using silk, rattan, and sedge. Older silk pieces (pre-1970) are particularly prized, and you can see weavers in action at the historic silk centre of Koh Dach outside Phnom Penh. The krama is a traditional Cambodian garment worn by everyone, which is both inexpensive and practical. It comes in varying colours, patterns, and qualities.

Cambodian craftsmen are also known for their excellent carving skills, producing attractive and decorative wooden items, including furniture and wooden apsaras (nymphs). Silver shops have sprung up in Phnom Penh, selling decorative and practical items, including ornate containers and bowls crafted into animal shapes.

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Krama scarves

The scarves are handmade by local artisans and weavers, and are available in cotton and silk. The scarves are handwoven in workshops in Siem Reap, with some scarves also being made in Phnom Penh and other tourism towns and cities. The scarves are inexpensive, with the cheapest starting at around $1-2 per scarf, and they are available in a variety of colours, patterns, and qualities.

When buying a Krama scarf, it is worth noting that many of the scarves sold in tourist markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are mass-produced and of lower quality. If you are looking for a higher-quality scarf, consider buying directly from a weaving workshop, where you can discover the various stages of manufacture and support fair wages for weavers.

Krama Krama is one company that sells scarves handcrafted by Cambodian artisans. They work with a local workshop in Siem Reap to produce scarves made from cotton and silk, and 10% of the amount from each scarf sold is donated to the Sala Baï school to fight poverty in Cambodia.

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Silver items

Silverware is a unique and special item to buy in Cambodia, with silver having been prized in the country since the 11th century for religious and ceremonial purposes. Silver shops have been popping up all over Phnom Penh, selling decorative and practical items. Silver items are intricately designed in various shapes and sizes, from large plates to ornaments and carved statues.

Betel nut boxes are a popular item for tourists, crafted into different animal shapes and used for storage. Silver baskets, bowls, and plates are also popular, with ornate designs and often crafted into animal shapes. These containers once reflected the user's status, depending on their size, design, and material.

Silver jewellery is another excellent choice, with local artisans creating diverse and exquisite handmade pieces. Silver shops can also be found in village centres such as Tul Mau, roughly 30 km north of Phnom Penh. The normal working material is an alloy containing 70-80% pure silver, and prices are based on weight and artistry, so bargaining is common.

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Natural skincare products

Cambodia is known for its natural, organic, and handmade beauty and skincare products. If you're looking for natural skincare products to buy at Cambodia Airport, you may want to consider the following options:

Bodia Cambodia Apothecary

Bodia Cambodia Apothecary is a premium cosmetic brand that offers a range of natural skincare products. Their products are handmade in their workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, using carefully selected local ingredients. Bodia's skincare range includes balms, lotions, soaps, massage oils, and more. All of their products are free from parabens, silicones, colours, and sulfates, and they do not test their products on animals.

Senteurs d’Angkor

Senteurs d’Angkor is another popular brand for natural skincare products in Cambodia. Similar to Bodia, they use local and natural ingredients to create their products, which are handmade in their workshop. Their range includes various skincare and beauty products, all of which are free from parabens, silicones, colours, and sulfates.

Kambio Nature

Kambio Nature offers a range of natural skincare products made in Cambodia, including essential oils and other natural remedies. They also provide a unique refill solution for skincare products, which can help save costs and reduce environmental waste.

The Body Shop Cambodia

The Body Shop is an international brand with a presence in Cambodia. They offer a range of beauty products, makeup, and skincare solutions. Many of their products feature natural ingredients, such as their Community Trade camomile essential oil from the UK and their Community Trade moringa seed oil from Rwanda, as well as their sea holly plant stem cells from France. The Body Shop is also committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, with initiatives like their Community Trade recycled plastic from Bengaluru, India.

When visiting Cambodia Airport, you can look out for these brands and explore their selection of natural skincare products. Remember to check the ingredients and product specifications to find the ones that best suit your skin care needs and preferences.

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Collectibles from Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe is a legendary burger bar and live music destination with locations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Hard Rock Cafe's signature logo is instantly recognizable worldwide, and the brand has become synonymous with the rock experience. The Rock Shop at Hard Rock Cafe offers a diverse collection of clothing, accessories, and music-inspired souvenirs.

  • T-shirts, hats, and jackets: The Hard Rock Cafe's signature logo is emblazoned on these items, making them sought-after collectibles for fans of the brand.
  • Music-inspired souvenirs: Hard Rock Cafe is known for its connection to music, so you can expect to find unique souvenirs inspired by rock and roll, such as the orange Zippo lighter from the Phnom Penh location.
  • Clothing and accessories: The Rock Shop features a range of fashion merchandise, including items like shirts, hats, and jackets that bear the Hard Rock Cafe logo.
  • Location-specific items: Hard Rock Cafe often creates exclusive merchandise for its different locations. At the Cambodia airport, you may find collectibles specific to the Hard Rock Cafe in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, such as pins, keychains, or other small souvenirs.

The Hard Rock Cafe in Cambodia offers a unique shopping experience with its music-themed collectibles and fashion merchandise. Whether you're a fan of the brand or simply looking for a memorable souvenir, the Rock Shop is worth a visit when departing from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh Airport.

Frequently asked questions

Cambodia Airport offers a range of souvenirs, including clothing, accessories, and music-inspired items from the Hard Rock Cafe. You can also find unique jewelry made from clay and handmade shoes at Claycult and Kingdom of WOW.

Yes, Cambodia Airport offers a variety of food options, including traditional Cambodian dishes, fast food, and an international franchise restaurant, DQ, which serves light meals throughout the day. There is also a French bakery and patisserie, an ice cream parlor, and a restaurant with a lounge atmosphere.

Outside of the airport, you can find a variety of authentic Cambodian souvenirs, including woven natural fabrics, sculpture reproductions, jewelry, and handmade natural organic products. Krama, the traditional Cambodian garment, is a popular and inexpensive choice. You can also find handmade silk products, wooden carvings, and local paintings.

Cambodia is known for its local handicrafts, which are designed and created by locals. This includes items made from silk, cotton, rattan, bamboo, wood, and clay. Silver decorative and practical items are also popular, as well as natural skincare products made from local resources, such as those found at Senteurs d’Angkor in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

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