Backpacking Southern Cambodia 3/41: Phnom Penh Morning Market - The Early Morning Fresh Fish Market Near Wat Unalom

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 3/41: Phnom Penh Morning Market - The Early Morning Fresh Fish Market Near Wat Unalom

When I, mr.hotsia, arrived in Phnom Penh one morning, I chose to wake up early to experience the real atmosphere of Khmer life atPhnom Penh Morning Marketor simply called the “Phnom Penh Fish Market,” located not far from Wat Unalom, an ancient temple and one of the landmarks of Cambodia’s capital city.

This market is a lively fresh market from dawn, where locals from the suburbs and fishermen bring a variety of fresh fish to sell, including freshwater fish from Tonle Sap and Mekong River fish. This market has become the heart of morning shopping for Phnom Penh residents. It is not only a place to buy seafood but also a meeting point for people who strongly preserve their traditional way of life.

I entered the market with excitement. The fresh fish smell mixed with the scent of spices and herbs that vendors displayed filled the atmosphere with vitality. Some stalls had Khmer roasted duck that I had tried on previous trips (recommended to watch fromthe Khmer Roasted Duck Eating Clip), arranged in rows waiting for buyers. I also saw female vendors wearing traditional skirts chatting happily and male vendors hanging fresh fish on bamboo poles skillfully weighing for customers.

The Phnom Penh Fish Market is near Wat Unalom, a temple with authentic Khmer architecture. Walking through the morning market feels like experiencing two dimensions of Phnom Penh: the lifestyle and the deep culture at the same time. I, mr.hotsia, enjoy walking through the small alleys surrounding the temple and market. Sometimes I find other fresh goods shops such as local vegetables, rice, and Khmer chili paste fragrant with chili and garlic.

For tourists interested in visiting this market, I recommend starting early at dawn to fully witness the locals’ start of the day and to taste local foods such as sticky rice with grilled pork or Khmer-style bread sold along the market paths. At this time, the morning light shines through bamboo arches and old corrugated iron roofs, creating a charming scene harmonizing with real life.

Travel and Connections to Other Points in Phnom Penh

As I, mr.hotsia, have traveled to Phnom Penh many times, I have learned that traveling in this city is quite convenient, especially if you plan to continue to other provinces such as Takeo Province south of Phnom Penh, which can be easily reached by bus service from Sorya Tour company atPhnom Penh Bus Stationwith several departures daily.

The bus from Phnom Penh to Takeo takes about 2.5 hours. Although the bus is air-conditioned, sometimes the air conditioning may not be very cold. I usually book tickets through hotel agents for convenience and to ensure good seats. For those who want to explore southern Cambodia after Phnom Penh, I recommend planning trips to Kandal City and Kampot Province, as well as the coastal city of Sihanoukville (read more aboutBuses from Phnom Penh to Takeo Province)

Fresh Market Atmosphere and Tangible Lifestyle

Fresh markets in Phnom Penh are places I, mr.hotsia, really enjoy visiting because they gather the culture and daily life of Khmer people authentically. I have written aboutPhnom Penh Fresh Market 2013which is another interesting fresh market.

At the Phnom Penh Fish Market, I saw traditional fishing methods, manual weighing scales, and lively price bargaining. I saw children playing and elderly people sitting chatting by the walkway. Everything made me feel like going back to a time when life was not too rushed.

The food I tried at this market was diverse, from freshly steamed fish, grilled shrimp, to Khmer desserts made from coconut and palm sugar. There was also a roasted duck stall I had tasted in the clipDuck at Phnom Penh Early Morning Fresh Marketwhich had a rich flavor and fragrant spices.

Summary of Impressions from Phnom Penh Fish Market

Phnom Penh Morning Market is not just an ordinary fish market but a window to truly experience the real life of Khmer people in Phnom Penh. For me, mr.hotsia, walking through this fresh market feels like traveling back in time and learning deep culture through food and people.

If you plan to visit Phnom Penh, don’t forget to set aside a morning to walk through this fresh market. It will enrich your experience and make your trip more meaningful. If you plan to continue traveling, I recommend reading more about traveling in Phnom Penh and nearby provinces atPhnom Penh Travel InformationandTraveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penhwhich I have previously shared.