Cambodia is not just a destination for ancient temples and tropical sunsets; it’s a shopper’s paradise filled with unique local goods, handmade crafts, and edible souvenirs that reflect centuries of Khmer culture.
In this article, you will find a curated list of 10 must-buy items in Cambodia, including traditional textiles, artisanal crafts, local food products, and cultural souvenirs, complete with price ranges, where to purchase them, and tips on how to spot authenticity.
- 1. Cambodian Silk
- 2. Krama (Traditional Cambodian Scarf)
- 3. Kampot Pepper
- 4. Cambodian Lacquerware (Boxes, Trays, Bowls)
- 5. Khmer Silver Jewelry & Silver Boxes
- 6. Angkor Wat & Apsara Sculpture Replicas (Small Statues/Carvings)
- 7. Hand-Woven Baskets & Bags (Rattan / Seagrass)
- 8. Local Paintings (Temple, Apsara, Street-Life Art)
- 9. Khmer Ceramics & Pottery (Bowls, Mugs, Plates, Mini Vases)
- 10. Rice Paper Prints (Temple Rubbings)
- Why Choose OneVasco?
- FAQs
1. Cambodian Silk
Cambodian silk is known for its soft feel, natural shine, and beautiful hand-woven designs. Many silk items are made on handlooms using traditional methods passed down in families. It’s a classy souvenir you can wear or gift, and it also reflects Cambodia’s culture.
- Why Cambodia: Cambodia has weaving villages where artisans make silk using local skills and traditional patterns (especially ikat-style weaving in some areas).
- Where to Buy:
- Price Range: KHR 50,000– KHR 300,000 (INR 1,000–INR 6,000), based on size, design, and quality
- Occasion Suitability: Great for gifts, weddings, festivals, office wear (scarves), and home décor (table runners, cushion covers)
- Authenticity Identification: Real silk feels smooth but not slippery like plastic. It has a gentle shine and tiny uneven parts (because it’s hand-woven). If it looks too perfect and feels very shiny, it may be a blend.
- Pro Tip: Buy from trusted places like Artisans Angkor or Silk Island weavers to get real silk and fair pricing. Ask if it’s 100% silk before you pay.
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2. Krama (Traditional Cambodian Scarf)
The krama is Cambodia’s most famous everyday scarf. It’s a simple checked cloth (usually cotton) that locals use in many ways, like a scarf, head cover, towel, belt, or even to carry small items. It’s light, easy to pack, and one of the most useful souvenirs you can buy.
- Why Cambodia: The krama is a national symbol and a big part of Khmer daily life, worn by men, women, and children.
- Where to Buy:
- Price Range: KHR 10,000– KHR 50,000 (INR 200– INR 1,000) depending on size and cotton quality
- Occasion Suitability: Great for gifts, daily use, travel, summer wear, and quick temple visits (for shoulder cover)
- Authenticity Identification: A real krama is usually cotton, feels breathable (not slippery), and has a neat checked pattern with strong stitching on the edges. If it feels very shiny or “plastic,” it may be polyester. Traditional colors include red, blue, and other shades.
- Pro Tip: In some places, red-and-white checks can remind people of Khmer Rouge history, so if you’re buying a gift, choose blue/white or modern colors to be safe.
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3. Kampot Pepper
Kampot pepper is one of the most famous products of Cambodia and is loved by chefs all over the world. It has a strong aroma, a slightly sweet taste, and comes in different types: black, white, and red. It’s grown in Kampot Province, where the soil and climate make it very special.
- Why Cambodia: Kampot pepper has a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, meaning it can only be produced in the Kampot region. It’s hand-picked, sun-dried, and processed without chemicals, making it 100% natural.
- Where to Buy:
- Kampot Pepper Plantations (Farm tours available)
- Central Market, Phnom Penh
- Price Range: KHR 20,000– KHR 100,000 (INR 400– INR 2,000) per pack, depending on type and weight
- Occasion Suitability: Perfect as a cooking ingredient, kitchen gift, or gourmet souvenir for friends who love food
- Authenticity Identification: Real Kampot pepper usually has a PGI label or seal on the packet. The grains are slightly uneven in shape and have a strong, fresh smell. Avoid very shiny or uniform-looking pepper; it may not be genuine.
- Pro Tip: Try the pepper sauces or flavored salts sold in Kampot; they make amazing gifts and are easy to carry.
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4. Cambodian Lacquerware (Boxes, Trays, Bowls)
Cambodian lacquerware is a beautiful handmade craft where wooden items are coated, polished, and decorated with traditional Khmer designs. You’ll often see Angkor temple scenes and shiny mother-of-pearl inlay work. These pieces look premium and make great home or gift items.
- Why Cambodia: Lacquerware is a long-standing Khmer craft, known for detailed patterns and careful hand-finishing.
- Where to Buy:
- Price Range: KHR 30,000– KHR 250,000 (INR 600– INR 5,000) depending on size, inlay work, and finish
- Occasion Suitability: Perfect for gifting, home décor, desk organizers, jewelry boxes, and serving trays
- Authenticity Identification: Real lacquerware usually has a smooth polished finish, and inlay work looks neatly set (not printed). Handcrafted pieces may have tiny natural variations. Items with flat “sticker-like” designs are usually mass-made.
- Pro Tip: If you want the best quality, choose mother-of-pearl inlay pieces, they’re more expensive but look much richer and last longer.
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5. Khmer Silver Jewelry & Silver Boxes
Cambodia is known for silver jewelry and silver gift items with Khmer-style patterns. You’ll find rings, earrings, bracelets, and also small silver boxes that look premium and are great for gifting. Popular designs often include temple-inspired shapes and traditional carvings.
- Why Cambodia: Many pieces are made with Khmer patterns and sold in famous local markets like the Russian Market, where you can find lots of craft and jewelry shops.
- Where to Buy:
- Russian Market (Phnom Penh)
- Central Market, Phnom Penh (good for gold/silver shopping)
- Price Range: KHR 80,000– KHR 800,000 (INR 1,800– INR 18,000) depending on weight, design, and workmanship
- Occasion Suitability: Best for gifts, weddings, festive wear, and premium souvenirs
- Authenticity Identification: Check for a “925” stamp (this usually means sterling silver: 92.5% silver). Also ask for a bill/receipt from the shop.
- Pro Tip: If a “silver” item is too light, super shiny, and very cheap, it may be plated. Buy from known markets/shops and compare 2–3 stores before you decide.
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6. Angkor Wat & Apsara Sculpture Replicas (Small Statues/Carvings)
Mini Angkor Wat models, Buddha statues, and Apsara dancer figures are some of the most popular Cambodian souvenirs. They look traditional, remind you of the temples, and are easy to display at home or gift to someone.
- Why Cambodia: These designs come from Cambodia’s strong temple culture (especially Angkor), so they feel more “Cambodia” than regular souvenirs.
- Where to Buy:
- Price Range: KHR 30,000– KHR 300,000 (INR 600– INR 6,000) depending on size and material (wood/stone/resin/metal)
- Occasion Suitability: Great for home décor, office desk items, housewarming gifts, and cultural souvenirs
- Authenticity Identification: Handmade pieces usually have small natural uneven marks and fine detailing (not perfect machine symmetry). Avoid items that look very light or plastic-like or have rough paint finishing.
- Pro Tip: If you want something that lasts long, pick a small stone or metal piece and ask the shop to bubble-pack it properly for travel.
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7. Hand-Woven Baskets & Bags (Rattan / Seagrass)
Cambodian woven baskets and bags are handmade from natural materials like rattan and seagrass. They look stylish, feel light, and are very useful for daily use. These are great souvenirs because they are practical and made by local artisans.
- Why Cambodia: Many Cambodian women artisans weave these items by hand using traditional methods, often through local craft groups and fair-trade brands.
- Where to Buy:
- MANAVA Cambodia (handmade baskets by local women)
- Artisans Angkor shops (reputed craft store)
- Price Range: KHR 25,000– KHR 200,000 (INR 500– INR 4,500) depending on size and weave quality
- Occasion Suitability: Perfect for gifts, daily use bags, home storage baskets, and picnic/travel use
- Authenticity Identification: Real woven items have a natural fiber smell, tight weaving, and strong stitching. If it looks too shiny or feels like plastic, it’s likely synthetic.
- Pro Tip: Choose a bag with a firm base and tight weave; it lasts longer and keeps its shape. Keep it dry to avoid smell or damage.
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8. Local Paintings (Temple, Apsara, Street-Life Art)
Cambodian local paintings are a great way to take home the feel of the country. You’ll see artwork of Angkor temples, Apsara dancers, monks, village life, and sunsets. Many are made by local artists and sold in art-focused markets.
- Why Cambodia: Cambodia has a strong art culture in places like Siem Reap, where markets support local artists and handmade work.
- Where to Buy:
- Siem Reap Art Center Night Market (good for local art)
- Made in Cambodia Market (locally made items)
- Night markets in Siem Reap / Phnom Penh (choose artist stalls)
- Price Range: KHR 50,000– KHR 400,000 (INR 1,100– INR 8,900), based on size and detail
- Occasion Suitability: Best for home décor, office walls, gifts for art lovers, and travel memories.
- Authenticity Identification: Original art usually has brush strokes, small natural uneven lines, and often the artist’s signature. If the design looks too perfect and repeated, it may be a printed copy.
- Pro Tip: Ask the artist to sell it as a rolled canvas (no frame). It’s easier to pack and safer in luggage.
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9. Khmer Ceramics & Pottery (Bowls, Mugs, Plates, Mini Vases)
Cambodian ceramics are simple, beautiful, and handmade. You’ll find cups, bowls, plates, small vases, and décor pieces with Khmer-style shapes and patterns. These items look premium, are useful at home, and make great gifts.
- Why Cambodia: Places like Siem Reap have workshops that still make handmade Khmer ceramics, not factory items.
- Where to Buy:
- Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre (Siem Reap)
- Angkor Pottery Center (Siem Reap)
- Artisans Angkor (Siem Reap)
- Fair Trade Village (Siem Reap)
- Price Range: KHR 20,000– KHR 250,000 (INR 450– INR 5,600) depending on size and finish
- Occasion Suitability: Perfect for home use, kitchen gifts, housewarming, and office desk décor
- Authenticity Identification: Handmade pottery usually has small natural uneven marks and slight shape differences. The glaze won’t look “too perfect” like factory items. If the item is super light and looks plastic-like, skip it.
- Pro Tip: Buy small, thick pieces (mugs/bowls) for safer travel, and ask the shop to bubble-pack it properly.
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10. Rice Paper Prints (Temple Rubbings)
Rice paper prints, also called “temple rubbings,” are one of the easiest souvenirs to carry from Cambodia. They show beautiful temple designs (like Angkor carvings) and look great when framed at home. These are made by placing rice paper over a carved pattern and rubbing it gently with charcoal to bring out the design.
- Why Cambodia: These prints are inspired by the Angkor temple carvings, so they feel truly Cambodian and not “generic.”
- Where to Buy:
- Souvenir stalls near Angkor/Siem Reap temple areas
- Siem Reap Art Center Night Market (artist stalls)
- Made in Cambodia Market (Siem Reap)
- Price Range: KHR 20,000– KHR 80,000 (INR 450–INR 1,800) depending on size and detail
- Occasion Suitability: Perfect for home wall décor, office décor, and gifting (lightweight and easy to pack)
- Authenticity Identification: A real temple rubbing has a raised texture you can feel, and the charcoal shading looks natural (not like a flat printed photo). If it looks too perfect and fully flat, it’s likely a print copy.
- Pro Tip: Buy it unframed and roll it in a tube (or ask the seller). It’s safer for travel, and you can frame it nicely once you’re home.
Must Read: Cambodia on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Adventures
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FAQs
What are the best things to buy in Cambodia for gifting?
Cambodian silk, krama scarves, Kampot pepper, lacquerware, and handmade baskets are great gifts. They’re useful, easy to carry, and feel truly Cambodian.
Are things cheaper in Cambodia than in other countries?
Yes, many items are cheaper, especially in local markets and craft stores. You’ll usually get better prices on scarves, souvenirs, and local snacks than in tourist-heavy shops.
Where can I find authentic local crafts in Cambodia?
For real crafts, shop at Made in Cambodia Market, Artisans Angkor, and trusted artisan stores. In street markets, pick stalls that clearly sell handmade items (not bulk imported goods).
What food items can I bring back from Cambodia?
You can bring back sealed items like Kampot pepper, packaged spices, snacks, and chocolates. Avoid open/unlabeled food, and always check your home country’s rules before packing.
Is it better to shop at local markets or malls in Cambodia?
Local markets are best for souvenirs, crafts, and bargaining. Malls are better for fixed prices, comfort, and branded items. If you want “local,” choose markets and artisan stores.
Can I bargain while shopping in Cambodia?
Yes, bargaining is common in night markets and street markets. It’s usually not done in malls, supermarkets, or fixed-price artisan stores. Be polite and keep it friendly.
Are silver jewellery and branded goods genuine in Cambodia?
Silver can be genuine, but you should buy from reputable shops and look for a “925” stamp. Branded “luxury” items in markets are often not authentic; use official stores if you want originals.
Are there any customs restrictions on what you can bring home from Cambodia?
Yes. Some countries restrict food, liquids, antiques, and high-value items. If you buy art, old-looking items, or lots of pepper/spices, keep bills and check your home country’s customs rules before you travel.
