The economy of Vietnam is mostly been based on agriculture, fishing and forestry and is still a developing market economy. Petroleum, coal, gold, iron, tin, and zing are some of the exports. Manufacturing products are cigarettes, tobacco, chemicals, textiles and electrical goods, which has shown great growth. Services and tourism has contributed to the economy, which the Vietnam Tourism is working on a plan to branch out the tourism sector.

Vietnam has a diverse climate, with a subtropical south, a tropical north and unstable weather in the core of the country. There are two monsoons seasons that carry heavy rains in the winter from October until March. In the summer from April to October monsoon creates hot and humid weather. Typhoons during the months of July to November are known to be in central and northern Vietnam. In the Mekong Delta the average temperature can be 40 degrees Celsius.

The best time to travel to Vietnam is during the months of October and April. The temperatures are much more comfortable for the traveler.

Oreusey Market

Fresh Meat and Vegatable

After arriving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, you want to go shopping for yourself as well as your friend or relative back at home. So where should you go and what is the best market that you can get a great souvenir and bargain price in Phnom Penh city?

Let me introduce to you some of the popular market and the best stuff that each market has to offer especially a tourist like you.

MODERN MARKET

Sorya Mall

Sorya Infront

Sorya Shopping Mall

1. Sorya Shopping Center

It is located in the center of Phnom Penh city which is every Cambodian know how to get there. Any Moto taxi, Tuk-Tuk, and taxi can take you there. It is a modern market which is called MALL if you are from Europe. It has a lot of great stuff importing from all over the world starting from A to Z. The price of the goods are a little higher than any market since it is supper modern market of Cambodia. You won’t get sweat because it has Air Conditioning, Cleaning Floor, Elevators, ect. It offers Lots of European Foods, Up to date Clothes, Great Electronics, and so on. Although, you get everything cheaper than your country but don’t forget to bargain as they will be asking a lot more than what they are willing to sell- should be roughly off from what they ask by 30 % to 50 %.

2. Sovanna Shopping Mall

This market is a modern market too. It looks clean, also offer air conditioning, elevator, and so on. It is a type like Sorya Shopping Center. It has everything to offer. Just don’t forget to bargain.

REGULAR CAMBODIA MARKET

Fresh Seafood Demkor

More food to eat

Dry Fish and more

3. Demkor Market

This is a regular market of Cambodia, but after all, it offers a great deal for Cambodian especially people with low income, they would go there to get a fresh goods they would want. This market has everything to offer, but the best part is that, you can find any food, meat,  and vegetable in a very lower price and fresher than any market.

Demkor Fish Sellers

Fresh Fresh Demkor

Demkor Market

Good thing:
1. Best Fresh Vegetable, Fruit, Meat
2. Price is reasonable
3. Lots of new thing to see and learn
4. Tasty food ( Cambodian food! If you can eat Chinese food than you definitely can eat

Demkor Infront

Leas Harl

Demkor market

Cambodia food as most of the foods is just Chinese food.

Bad thing:
1. Getting sweat- no air condition
2. The environment and floor may not clean
3. Need to bargain especially if you are foreigner, they will ask higher than Cambodian.

4. Oreusy Market

Oreusy Market

Phnom Penh

This market is great for clothes and leather goods, especially fake jewelery starting from ear ring, necklace, belly ring, and many many more piecing stuff.:)
If you like to decorate yourself than come to buy at Oreusy Market.

Bad thing:
1. Getting sweat- no air condition
2. The environment and floor may not clean
3. Need to bargain especially if you are foreigner, they will ask higher than Cambodian.

5. Olympic Market

This market is great for its fabric and best of all, it is the Cambodia Silk. You will find a lot of great

Olympic Market

Mouth Watery

hand-made silks which directly made by poor Cambodian people living in the rural. But guess what, although, they live in the country side, but they know how to make the best silk than any people in the city or any big factory or industry in Phom Penh, Cambodia- like one said ” The tree in the rural, but the product in the city”.

Bad thing:
1. Getting sweat- no air condition
2. The environment and floor may not clean
3. Need to bargain especially if you are foreigner, they will ask higher than Cambodian.

6. Boeung Keng Kang Market

This market is all about second-hand stuffs and fake jewelery like Oreusy Market too. If you want to get a great second-hand clothes, bells, or shoes than this market is your perfect place to explore.

Bad thing:
1. Getting sweat- no air condition
2. The environment and floor may not clean
3. Need to bargain especially if you are foreigner, they will ask higher than Cambodian.

7. Central Market or another word Cambodian calls ( Phsar Thmey translated in English is New Market )
Although this one is a not a modern market but this market is cleaner and better than others because it is designed mostly for high class people and foreigner to go. the asking price may higher than any regular market. It is best for Clothes, Hand-made gifts made from woods, metal, and silver. You might want to check out.

Bad thing:
1. Getting sweat- no air condition
2. The environment and floor may not clean
3. Need to bargain especially if you are foreigner, they will ask higher than Cambodian.

Hand-made Straw Boxes

Tuol Tumpoung Market

Silver Decoration

8. Here you go the last one Tuol Tum Poung Market

It is mostly designed for tourist from all around the world. It offers a great deal on all kind of hand-made silks, silver jeweleries made by Cambodian, and also Buddha, Apsara, Angkor Wat, ect which made from great wood, and many many more to explore. You have to go there if you want to find the best souvenir to impress your friends or relatives back in your country.

Nice Nice Gifts

Cute Cute Gem

Hand Made Khmer Silk

Hand Made Silver Ware

Bad thing:
1. Getting sweat- no air condition
2. The environment and floor may not clean
3. Need to bargain especially if you are foreigner, they will ask higher than Cambodian.

Looking 4 Bargain

Khmer Wood

Kra Mar Silk

Hand Made Wood

Phnom Penh

All Kind of Stuff

*****Ok, before we finish this post, I would like to remind you guy again.

You have to bargain, the Cambodian seller would be asking about double or sometimes even triple prices of what they are willing to sell. So keep on bargaining, don’t say you have a great deal if you can’t find the stuff you want without 30 % to 50 % off or sometimes 70 % off from what they will be asking. If you love one thing so much and you try to bargain but the seller seem not really want to low the price to what you offer, you should act like you walk away and tell the seller that is your offer- this is how we are as Cambodians do when we can’t get something cheaper . If they can sell to you, they will definitely call you  back and give you the price you offer, but if they don’t call, it means you need to be back and have to offer a little bit more, lolz. Good luck! Hope you learn some tips. To get more tips on visiting Cambodia please click on Travel to Cambodia.

Geography: The size of Kep City is 336 square kilometers. Located in the south of Cambodia, this city is bordered on the North, West and East by Kampot and on the South by the Gulf of Thailand. Unlike the other provinces of Cambodia, Kep City does not have an abundance of plain wet areas. Regardless of this fact, one can still observe areas that are covered with different types of agricultural plantations and rice fields.

Population: As of 2007, the population of Kep City is approximately 40,280 which accounts for 0.3% of Cambodia’s population of 14,363,519. Of this, there are 20,130 males and 20,150 females.

Kep city- Kampot Cambodia

Climate: As with the other parts of Cambodia, Kep City has a typical topical climate that is warm and humid. Thanks to decent rainfalls during the monsoon season, there are no problems for farmers who cultivate different types of crops. Due to its topical climate, this region can be visited throughout the year. The average temperature is approximately 27º Celsius with the minimum temperature being 16º Celsius. The winter season lasts from November to March, summer from March to May and monsoon from May to October.

Economy: Agricultural products sustain the economy of Kep City. It exports fruits like coconut, mango and durian. Connoisseurs of food consider pepper grown in this city worldwide as one of the best available pepper and this too gives a great boost to the economy of this region. Apart from this there is a sizeable earning through tourists, both domestic and foreign.

Get in and out: As with the rest of Cambodia, the bus is the best way to reach Kep City. One can take the No. 3 national highway from Phnom Penh to Kampot. From there one has to go an additional 25 kilometers to reach Kep City. One can avail of the buses that depart from the central bus station located near the Central Market. One can also take a bus directly to Kep City traversing through highway No. 2, but this is not recommended, since the road is a little bumpy. The air-conditioned buses are quite cheap. Those who are willing to spend a bit more can opt in for the share taxis that are available throughout the day.

Geography: Situated on the south middle of Cambodia, Kandal province covers an area of 3,568 square kilometers. Kampong Cham and Kampong Chhnang border it on the north, on the South Vietnam, on the east Prey Veng and on the west Takeo and Kampong Speu. Most of the province consists of the wet areas typical of Cambodia along with agricultural wetlands and rice fields covering most of the area. This province has an average altitude of about 10 meters above sea level. Tonle Bassac and the Mekong, two of the biggest rivers of Cambodia are in this province.

Population: Kandal Province has a population of approximately 1,280,781 people that constitutes 9% of the country’s population as of 2007. Of these, 621,948 are male and 658,833 are females.

Climate: Since Cambodia has a topical climate; it is the same with this province. One can find hot and humid climates round the year with abundance of rainfall during the monsoon that helps cultivation of a variety of crops. This type of climate is also suitable for tourists and they can enjoy Kandal Province round the year apart from Monsoon when the roads are not in a good condition. Since most part of the country are covered extensively by roads, some parts become a little hard ccessible during the monsoon but all the roads in Cambodia are, now, improving as the repairing is just taking part lately. The average temperature of this province is about 27º Celsius with the minimum temperature being approximately 16º Celsius. One should visit this province between the months of December to January when the weather is no too hot. The winter season lasts from November to March, summer from March to May and monsoon from May to October.

Economy: Apart from the natural agricultural economy all over Cambodia, Kandal Province has an added advantage of being close to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh that gives its economy an additional boost. There are various exports like pepper, peanuts, palm oil and rice. There are a number of garment industries in Cambodia and most of them lie in this district.

Get in and out: There are many different options of visiting Kandal Province due to its close proximity with Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The central bus station close to the central Market offers vehicles for all destinations. Being close to the capital means that buses that go to other districts also have to pass through Kandal Province. There are lots of air-conditioned buses that leave at scheduled intervals and are cheap. One can also opt in for the costlier share taxis. Further more, you can also get moto taxi for a cheaper price and enjoy the view along the road around Phnom Penh.

Geography: Kampot province occupies 4.873 square kilometers and is situated on the southwest of Cambodia. It is bordered on the north with Kampong Speu, on the south with the Gulf of Thailand, on the east with Takeo and on the west with Koh Kong and Sihanoukville. The east side of this province is flanked by typical plains that consists of agricultural plantations like rice fields. Height wise, the highest locations in this province are Bokor Hill Station which has an altitude of 1,027 meters and another hilltop to its north that has an altitude of 1,050 meters.

Population: As of 2007 the population of this province is approximately 619,088 or 4.31% of Cambodia’s population of 14,363,519. Of this there are 299,814 males and 319,274 females.

Climate: Cambodia is a tropical country hence one will find hot and humid climate in Kampot province. There is abundant rainfall during the monsoon. This climate makes it suitable for tourism all round the year. The average temperature of Kampot province is approximately 27º Celsius. With the coolest months being December and January and the hottest April, the minimum temperature is 16º Celsius. Due to its close proximity to the mountains and seashore, the weather of Kampot province is cooler when compared to the rest of Cambodia’s cities or provinces. Winter is from November to March, summer from March to May and monsoon from May to October.

Economy: The economy of Kampot depends upon its industries and produce. Thanks to its famous mango, cocoanut and durian along with it’s world famous pepper, the main economy of Kampot revolves around the export of these farm produces. Apart from this, there are no other industry.

Get in and out: There are many ways of visiting Kampot province and once can approach it directly from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. There are a number of bus services that you can take from Phnom Penh. It is recommended that one use national highway No. 3 for approaching this district since it is the best-maintained road. Air-conditioned buses depart from the central market ( New Market ) two times a day and it costs approximately $5 per person. This journey takes around 5 hours. Once can also avail of share taxis which will cost $3 to $5 per person for an air-conditioned one.

Geography: Located at the center of Cambodia, the Kampong Thom province occupies a total land area of 15,061 square kilometers consisting of 737 villages, 81 communities and 8 districts. This province is bordered on the north with Siem Reap and Preah Vihear, on the south with Kampong Cham, on the east with Kratie and on the west with Kampong Chhnang.

Population: As of 2007, Kampong Thom has a population of 708,398, which is 4.5% of the total Cambodian population of 14,363,519, and the growth rate of the same is 2.4%. Out of this population, approximately 343,478 or 48.3% are males and 364,920 or 51.7% are females. Of the total population 517,072 consists of farmers, 28,150 are fishermen, 91,248 are traders and the remaining are government officials.

Climate: Cambodia is a topical country and this shows in its climate that is both humid and warm. This is also true to Kampong Thom that has got a temperate climate. This climate facilitates tourism and adequate rainfall facilitates the cultivation of various types of crops. Those planning to visit Kampong Thom can visit it throughout the year, but they are recommended to avoid road travel during the monsoon when some of the roads of the country become inaccessible. The average temperature of Kampong Thom is 27º Celsius and the lowest temperature is about 16º Celsius.

Economy: The economy of Kampong Thom depends upon its fish trade and tourism. There is no dearth of tourists, thanks to the huge number of ancient temples, along with picturesque mountains, lakes, forests and rivers. Raising fish is a cottage industry and one can find the same being pursued in most homes. The cultivation of cashew nuts also provides a huge boost to the economy of the region with Kampong Thom being the second largest producer of the same in Cambodia.

Get in and out: As with the other parts of Cambodia, the best way to reach Kampong Thom is via the national highways. To reach this province from Phnom Penh, one should take the national highway No. 6. There are air-conditioned buses that one can avail of and they are quite cheap. Share taxis are also available.

Geography: Kampong Chhnang province is located close to the geographical middle of Cambodia and it borders Kampong Thom along with the lake Tonle Sap on the north, Kampong Speu to the south, Kampong Cham along with Kandal on the east and Pursat on the west. There are hardly any forests except in the southwest. This province is rich in alluvial soil and has lots of fisheries and rice plantations. The borderline on the southwest is on the hillside of one of the highest mountains of Cambodia, Phnom Aoral, which has an altitude of 1813m.

Population: As of 2007, Kampong Chhnang has a population of 538,163 persons and this accounts for 3.6% of the total population of Cambodia. This includes 259,347 males and 278,816 females. Roughly 85.5% (407,453) of its population is engaged in farming. Of the remainder, 6% (29,250) are fishermen, 7.5% (35,076) are traders and the remaining 1% (4,783) consists of government officers.

Climate: Kampong Chhnang has a warm climate and one can find sunny weather throughout the year. The average temperature of this province is about 27º Celsius. The summer season is from March to May, monsoon from May to October and winter from November to March.

Economy: The economy of Kampong Chhnang consists basically of rice, fishery and fruit cropping along with several garment factories. Its rural households depend on agriculture and related sub-sectors.

Get in and out: One can take the air-conditioned bus service that runs to and from Phnom Penh to reach Kampong Chhnang. Apart from that, one can also avail of share taxis.

Big Buddha Statue, Kampong Cham

The Kampong Cham province is located in the south-east of Cambodia, and has a rich history. The capital city of the province also follows the same name: Kampong Cham City. This city lies on the banks of the Mekong River, and it is so popular with tourists for its extravagant forests, rubber plantations and crops, and its historic temples. The province is made up of the following 16 districts:

Prey Chhor, Stueng Trang, Tbuong Kmoum, Memot, Srey Santhor, Ponhea Kraek, Krouch Chhmar, Ou Reang Ov, Khong Meas, Kampong Siem, Koh Suothin, Kampong Cham, Bateay, Dambaer, Chamkar Leu, and Cheung Prey.

The province itself spans almost 10,000 square kilometers, but its biggest city is by far the capital, being the third largest in the whole of Cambodia, with almost 2,000,000 residents as at 2007.

Mekong River

As it is located on the Mekong river, inhabitants of the area have thrived on the produce and basic materials that are naturally endowed to the area and its surroundings.

A wild and quiet road to Kampong Cham

There are a number of entry methods to the Kampong Cham province, with a mode of transport to fit every style and budget. Firstly roads are generally well developed in and out of the region, but as with most of the Cambodian rural roads, the upkeep and maintenance is sometimes not performed in a timely manner, and hence problems can develop with these routes, often slowing travel time or even halting it altogether. To avoid this issue whilst sticking with the publicly provided infrastructures, visitors can take a motorbike, which will eliminate the delay factor completely. If this is not your style, a bus service operated daily, and for a small cost, the bus will take you directly to your final destination, or at least somewhere very close. In the capital city Kampong Cham City, the bus arrives and departs from the Kampong Cham market. Bus schedules are available in print from travel agencies or bus offices, and also on the Internet.

Phnom Pros, Kampong Cham

A long stair up to Phnom Srei, Kampong Cham

As a final recommendation, the Han Chey Mountain, which is sometimes referred to by its official name: Chey Kiri Mountain, is located approximately 18 kilometers to the east of the Kampong Cham province. For those tourists who enjoy an adventure, the mountain features a 300 step track, with a pagoda and temple at the top. For those who are pressed for time, or not up for the mountain climb, another temple lies in the valley created by the bordering mountain. This is definitely a must see attraction for tourists who enjoy nature and the wilderness and don’t forget to stop by Phnom Srei and Phnom Pros too.

Battambang Town

The Battambang province of Cambodia lies in the far north-west of the country, with a capital city going by the same name. The region has an interesting history. Originally, during the Angkor period, the area was split in to many territories, namely Amogha Boreak and Bhima Boreak. Throughout this period, the region prospered due to the hospitable environment for growing fruit, vegetables, and other produce. In the 15th century however, when the Siamese army began to invade the regions to the northwest, the provinces’ locals were driven out of their homes, and land was confiscated. Three centuries later, until the 20th century, Battambang was under the rule of the Siamese. At the start of the 1900’s however, descendants of the people who once occupied the region demanded that land, which had been previously confiscated, should be returned to the rightful owners. These claims were based on the French Siamese Treaty of 1907. Indeed, the land was returned, and in the same year, the entire province was split in to three separate provinces, namely Battambang, Siem Reap, and Serei Sophorn. The areas then underwent a number of further alterations, both in geographical and textual terms, until the 1940’s. At this time, the province of Battambang was made up of 7 separate districts. In the following 40 years, the province underwent an excruciating ordeal of killings, torture, and other human rights abuses. This was conducted under the administration of Poi Pet. This period is now referred to as the period of the Killing Fields.

Finally in 1979, genocide was halted in the region, and the historic first election in the area was held in 1993. Between this period, and the current time, further changes were made to the districts which comprised Battambang. As it stands today, the province has 13 districts”: Banan, Thma Koul, Bat Dambang, Bavel, Ek Phnom, Moung Ruessei, Rotanak Mondol, Sangkae, Samlout, Sampov Loun, Phnum Proek, Kamrieng, and Koas Krala. The entire Battambang province spans over 11,500 square kilometers, and has a population of approximately 180,000 people.

Fresh Fruit and Food, selling along the road

The area is known locally and internationally as the “Rice Bowl” of Cambodia. This is because the economy of Battambang is extremely efficient in the production of rice, and additionally because of the comparative advantage and local endowments in the region. An estimated 2,400 square kilometers of land is used in rice production, with the figure growing consistently each year. This abundance of land results in over 500,000 tonnes of rice being produced annually, with around 300,000 of that being traded locally and internationally. Other successful industries include sweet potatoes, cassava, normal and red corn, a chillies. Indeed, industrial crops took up approximately 500 square kilometers of land – a far cry from the rice production fields, but nevertheless a significant proportion. Inflation in the area is a modest 1.6 percent in 2002, with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. This is unsurprising given the amount of produce required to be harvested, and the variations of growing seasons leading to consistent, year long employment.

Cow cart is popular for local resident to transport or travel

As far as travel in and out of the province is concerned, a number of options are available. Roading is in place from Battambang to neighboring provinces, however the infrastructure lacks modern development, and can therefore take some time to travel in some parts. Movement by road will require the use of your own vehicle, or a shared taxi – which can be an excellent idea if you are on a budget. During the rainy season, which is typically in effect from June to October, an interesting method of travel is speed boat. The boat leaves from Siem Reap, and arrives a number of hours later in Battambang. Additionally, the cost is very reasonable, at around $15 USD. A service also runs from Phnom Penh, another neighboring province, and takes the best part of half a day. Prices for this service are around $20 USD. For those who wish to save their money and just want to enjoy the great and wild view should consider the train service between Phnom Penh and Battambang, taking 13 or so hours.

Temple in Battambang

Once you arrive in the province, there are a number of attractions for tourists to see. The area is home to some spectacular scenery, which makes walking, tramping, and sightseeing a must for any visitor. Numerous historic ruins are open to the public, including Wat Ek Phnom, which was constructed during the Bayon period. The temple and ruins lie 10 kilometers north of the Cobra River, and are at the bottom of a hill, hence only limited exercise is required to reach them. For a more enduring experience, Phnom Banan is a mountaintop temple built in the Angkor period. The temple is still in relatively good condition, however pillaging and looting was once rife in the area, and the effects of this are noticeable. Nevertheless, this is an excellent sight to see, and any tourists to the area should be sure to check out at least a few of the many temples, as they certainly build a cultural and historical awareness. Other attractions worth a note are the Phnom Sampeou Mountain, the Kamping Puoy Reservoir – an incredible engineering project, Wat Pee-Pahd – an important symbol of Buddihsm in Battambang, and the Gold Buddah Hill. As you can see, a tourist will not be lost for things to do in the province.

Finally, the climate is unlikely to provide any major impact on your activities. Any tourist should be sure of their travel dates, and know the corresponding season in which they will be visiting. As mentioned previously, the rainy season is from June to October, the cool season takes place between November and February, and the hot season runs from March to May.

As with any area in Cambodia, but in particular relation to Battambang due to the popularity of bush and mountain walks, you should never venture off the set trail, as land mines are still actives in some areas. It’s better to be safe than sorry.