Phnom Penh Night Market

Phnom Penh Night Market (Phsar Reatrey), is located conveniently along the Tonle Sap riverside promenade, one of the popular Phnom Penh attractions, making it a good destination for us to visit as we enjoyed a walk in the cooler night time temperatures.

It was mentioned as one of the interesting things to do in Phnom Penh at night, especially along the riverside, so we timed our outing to enjoy some of the Cambodian street food along the promenade and at the night market Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh Riverside

A view along the Phnom Penh Riverside

We started our evening with a walk along the Phnom Penh riverside promenade, enjoying the cool breeze off the river, taking in the river traffic on the Tonle Sap, and trying some of the Cambodian street food.

There were noodle soup vendors, carts with steamed snails, barbecue options, and a few stalls aimed at the kids.

The riverside is active and a good place for a walk and is close to the Phnom Penh nightlife scene.

Different types and sizes of steamed snails ready to eat

Plenty of options for the kids, and kids at heart

Inside the Phnom Penh Night Market

Approaching the market from the promenade will mean crossing Preah Sisowath Quay. The road is busy thoroughfare and crossing requires some dodging of tuk tuks, motorbikes, and cars that sometimes bunch up making it difficult to pass through.

Above the entrance is a wooden board with a “Welcome to the Phnom Penh Market”.

Lots of good priced clothes and souvenirs for sale

Directly inside the opening are the main stalls selling clothes, shoes, handicrafts, silks, and a few of the usual souvenirs. There were quite a few signs indicating clothes at 10,000 Riels which seemed good value with that equating to $2.50.

However, we weren’t planning to do any shopping in Phnom Penh that night, so we walked through without stopping too often.

At the end of the shopping walkway, there is a big stage with huge speakers where singers, bands, and dancers put on a show for the night market crowds. On the night we visited, a solo singer sang a few traditional songs.

This singer was keeping the visitors entertained

Eating at Phnom Penh Night Market

A relaxing place to enjoy some Cambodian Street Food

The eating area is very different to other Phnom Penh Markets. At other markets, such as the Central Market and Russian Market, the eating areas are crowded affairs with small plastic seats squished close to each other and only to be used if eating.

Here at the night market, it is a very relaxing, with picnic mats laid out over a large area that is surrounded by the food stalls.

There are families, groups of friends, and couples all enjoying a friendly, lively and festive atmosphere, as they enjoy a mix of Cambodian street food, and other tasty options.

However, unlike some other Asian night markets, the food options can be a little pedestrian, but there is still enough variety to cater for most visitors.

On offer is a range of seafood, meats, sausages, offal, tofu, and vegetables to be barbecued, fried and boiled. There are noodle dishes, eggs, and a few dessert options.

Variety of food on a stick

Phnom Penh Night Market Opening Hours and location

Opening hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 5.00pm to Midnight
The main entrance gate is along Preah Sisowath Quay

Summary

If you are looking for what to do in Phnom Penh at night, or looking for a bit of late night food in Phnom Penh, then one good option is a relaxing walk along the riverside followed by and a visit to the night market.