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Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh is becoming hip, Asia style. Often a one or two day stopover for travellers heading for Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, the city is a low cost destination for great food, hospitality and nightlife. 

To taste Phnom Penh’s traditional flavours visitors head for its main markets, the bustling, narrow aisle Russian Market south of the city, and the brilliant art deco Central Market serving customers since the 1930’s.  Both markets offer a treasure trove of clothes, fabrics, shoes and accessories; imported electronics, homemade knick knacks and souvenirs; fruits, herbs and spices as well as food, and beauty care. It is all real, fake, new and second-hand. Sharpen your bargaining skills. Bring your smile.

More recently, two new markets have opened that reflect the changing tastes of the city’s affluent young professionals and expats looking for a more edgy night out:  more Bangkok than traditional Angkor.

Jet’s Container Night Market located on National Assembly Street, near Street 78, is close to Aeon Mall, the city’s first modern retail mall that opened in 2014 and the Singapore inspired multi-billion dollar Koh Pich residential development.  Using modified steel shipping containers and galvanised iron, Jet’s promoters have created a hub of 320 eateries, shops, and drink kiosks supported by live music, bars and restaurants over two levels.  Expect to pay US$2 for beers and $4 for cocktails.  Open daily from 4pm-11pm and later on the weekends.  A three-story parking lot is being built to free up more space for outlets.

The Arts Container Market located in nearby Beoung Kak hosts 80 shipping container kiosks offering mainly Khmer cuisine plus some western favourites – caesar salad (US$4) and deep-fried sea crabs in garlic ($4) – as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in a mix of outlets showcasing works from artists, sculptors and graphic designers. This is the scene for the 18 to 23 age group, which accounts for 70 percent of the customer mix.  Location: Street r1, Boeung Kak, next to the Central Park Sports Complex. Open 4pm – 1am daily.

Promoters say the new markets are tapping into Cambodian millennials who have more disposable income than ever before, and tourists looking for a different style of night out at a lower spend compared to coffee chains or Aeon Mall outlets.

Elsewhere, Container Square, located along Street 1928 in Sen Sok district, is opening soon.  It will be developed over 10,000 square meters with 196 stalls.  There’s also talk of similar markets opening in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

New super malls are also on the way.  The major warehouse club Makro and E-Mart, South Korea’s largest retailer, are opening flagship stores next year as is Parkson Mall on Russian Boulevard.  These leading retail brands are specifically chasing the increasingly available aspirational middle class disposable income; while others are focusing on the Khmer and expat high-end retail market.

By way of comparison, average rents within prime shopping malls in Phnom Penh are about $31.60 per square metre per month, while community malls are an average $26.90 per square metre.  Top rents in high street positions are at $52 per square metre.