The Central Market, known in Khmer as Phsar Thmei (ផ្សារធំថ្មី, literally “New Grand Market”), is one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks and a stunning example of Art Deco architecture in Southeast Asia.
Built between 1935 and 1937 during the French colonial period, it was designed with a striking cruciform layout: four wings radiating out from a soaring central dome. That dome, painted a distinctive ochre-yellow, is one of the largest of its kind in Asia and was considered an architectural marvel when it opened.
The design is often credited to French architect Louis Chauchon, with engineering input from others, and it was reportedly the largest market in Asia at the time of its completion.
Inside and beneath that great dome, the market is a maze of vendors. The central hall is famous for gold, silver, jewelry, gemstones, and watches, while the four arms and the surrounding stalls spill over into everything else: fabrics, clothing, electronics, souvenirs, flowers, fresh produce, and food. The outer ring is where you’ll find some of the best cheap eats in the city, with stalls serving noodles, fresh fruit, and Khmer street food.
Most people go to the Central Market for the ‘chaotic market energy.’ Not me. I go for the silence and solitude in the early morning and to observe the architecture – the only foreigner in the beautiful building and maybe one of 5 souls in the whole thing as it began to wake up…
3june26