Best Souvenirs of Cambodia: Capture the essence of its culture
- Cambodia offers a wide array of souvenirs, when choosing souvenirs, prioritize authenticity, craftsmanship, and supporting local artisans and businesses. Additionally, bargaining is common in Cambodian markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices, but always do so respectfully.
Here are some of the best souvenirs to consider when visiting Cambodia:
Basketry is not only a nice souvenir from Cambodia, but what makes it even better is that you can also support local women by purchasing basketry items. You will find plenty of beautiful basketry accessories in Cambodia, from purses and bracelets to placemats, baskets and bowls.
Statues are some of the best souvenirs from Cambodia to decorate your house with. They will remind you of your trip every time you look at them.
As Cambodia is a Buddhist country, you will find plenty of Buddha statues here. If this isn’t what you’re looking for, it’s good to know that you will also find many statues of animals and landmarks in this country.
You will find plenty of clothes for affordable prices in Cambodia. Whether you would like to buy traditional Khmer clothes or something you can wear daily, you will have lots of choices.
Cambodia has a long history of silk weaving, so one of the best Cambodian souvenirs you can get are silk products. Handwoven scarves are the most popular silk products out there, but you will also find silk clothing and bed linen.
Silk is famous for its extremely soft and smooth texture and durability. In Cambodia, this fabric is spun from the cocoons of golden silkworms, which can only be found in this country.
Silver was a symbol of wealth and prosperity during the ancient Khmer Empire, and it has a big cultural significance in Cambodia. For this reason, silver jewellery has been made here for centuries and it’s still a popular craft today.
While the salt fields of Kampot are a more famous tourist destination, Kampot pepper is argued to be some of the finest pepper in the world!
You will find this pepper in black, green, red and white varieties and if this is the souvenir you’re going for, it will remind you of your trip every time you cook with it once you’re back home.
Paintings are one of these souvenirs that you will find in nearly every country and Cambodia is no different. From paintings of Buddhas to paintings of Angkor Wat and other Cambodian landmarks, choice is abundant.
Chances are that you will see wood carvers at work in Cambodia, as woodcarving is a popular craft in this country.
Wood carvings make for unique souvenirs that are perfect to decorate your house or garden with. On top of that, a wood carving can be a beautiful gift from Cambodia too.
If you’re into music, bringing back a traditional Cambodian musical instrument is a fun souvenir.
While Cambodia is home to plenty of traditional musical instruments, many of these are pretty big. You could have them shipped to your country, but if you’re looking for something easy to pack, the following ones are good options:
- Krap: A small percussion instrument
- Ching: Small cymbals
- Khloy: Type of flute
- Angkuoch: Type of harp
Robusta coffee is grown in the Cardamom Mountains, Phnom Kong Rei Mountain range, and Elephant Mountains of Cambodia. The number of Cambodian coffee plantations has drastically declined over the last few years, though.
Apart from Kampot pepper (#6 on this list), Cambodia is home to plenty of other delicious spices.
So, if you’re into cooking and would like to bring the taste of this country to your kitchen, bringing back spices is a great Cambodian souvenir.
Some of the spices that are often used in Cambodian cuisine are tamarind, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, galangal and turmeric.
A kite is one of the most unique souvenirs from Cambodia out there. You can either use it to fly or to decorate your house.
Locally known as “kleng ek”, Khmer kites are Cambodia’s cultural kites. These kites are not only beautiful but they’re pretty unique too, as they make a vibrating hummer sound when you fly them. They’re believed to have originated around 400 BC and people used to fly them during harvesting season.
Indulge in the unique combination of rich chocolate infused with the renowned Kampot pepper, known for its complex flavor profile with hints of floral and citrus notes. This gourmet chocolate is a must-try souvenir from Cambodia.
Sample palm sugar candy, a traditional Cambodian treat made from natural palm sugar sourced from local palm trees. These candies offer a sweet and caramel-like flavor, reflecting Cambodia's rich culinary heritage.
Delight in lotus seed candy, sweet treats made from lotus seeds coated in sugar or honey. These candies have a subtly nutty flavor and a chewy texture, making them a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy ginger candy, a spicy and sweet treat made from ginger root and sugar. These candies are known for their warming properties and are often enjoyed as a natural remedy for digestive issues.
Safety tips when you exploring Cambodia: Phnom Penh capital city of Cambodia
Traveling in Cambodia can be an enriching experience, but like any destination, it’s important to take certain safety precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
By following these safety tips and staying vigilant during your travels in Cambodia, you can have a memorable and enjoyable experience while minimizing potential risks.
Here are some safety tips for traveling in Cambodia:
Stay updated on travel advisories issued by your government regarding Cambodia. These advisories can provide important information about safety and security concerns in specific regions of the country.
Cambodia has a tropical climate, so it's important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Be wary of common scams targeting tourists, such as overcharging for goods or services, fake tour operators, or distraction techniques used by pickpockets. Trust your instincts and avoid situations that seem suspicious.
Cambodia is a culturally diverse country with its own customs and traditions. Respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
Respect the environment and local communities during your travels. Dispose of waste properly, support local businesses, and engage in activities that promote sustainability and cultural preservation.