From the mist-softened faces of Angkor’s stone devas at sunrise to the pepper-sweet air of Kampot’s riverbanks and the frying-scented alleyways of Phnom Penh’s night markets, Cambodia is a tapestry of texture, flavor, and history.

Sun-bleached sandstone, lacquered wood, hand-dyed silk and the chatter of bargaining vendors—each street and village offers a tactile memory you can tuck into your bag.

Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted textiles, gourmet pantry staples, or carved reminders of the Angkorian past, these Cambodian souvenirs capture the country’s spirit. Here’s what to buy in Cambodia to bring a piece of its rich heritage home with you.

1. Kampot Pepper

Why pick this up: Kampot pepper is world-famous for its floral aroma and complex heat—an agricultural pride of south-coast farms that tastes nothing like supermarket black pepper.
What to look for: Single-origin peppercorns labeled “Kampot” (geographical indication), and try black, red (semi-ripe), or the prized white pepper. Check for small producers’ labels that note harvest year.
Price bracket (2025): 10,000–60,000៛ per packet (depending on grade and quantity).
Where to find it: Kampot town markets, Omdey Market in Phnom Penh, specialty food shops in Siem Reap, and producers’ stalls along Route 33 near Kampot.

2. Krama (Traditional Khmer Scarf)

Why pick this up: The krama is Cambodia’s iconic checked scarf—versatile, durable and woven into everyday life from childcare to headwraps. It’s wearable history.
What to look for: Tight, even weave and natural indigo or red dyes; hand-loomed krama have slight irregularities that show authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): 10,000–50,000៛ each.
Where to find it: Local markets like Siem Reap’s Old Market (Psar Chas), Phnom Penh’s Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung), and village weaving cooperatives on Koh Dach (Silk Island).

3. Khmer Silk Textiles

Why pick this up: Handwoven Cambodian silk—often from Kampong Cham and Takeo—carries traditional ikat and ikat-ikat patterns that reflect regional motifs and the labor of village weavers.
What to look for: Natural silk sheen, hand-dyed ikat patterns, and pieces stamped by reputable cooperatives to avoid cheap machine-made imitations.
Price bracket (2025): 50,000–300,000៛ (scarves and small shawls) to 300,000–1,000,000៛ for larger, high-quality textiles.
Where to find it: Koh Dach, artisan shops in Siem Reap, the Silk Island cooperatives, and Phnom Penh boutiques selling fair-trade textiles.

4. Sombai Infused Rice Liqueur

Why pick this up: Sombai bottles are playful, hand-painted and filled with locally infused rice liqueurs—mango-ginger, chili-lime and other Cambodian-flavored blends that taste like the country in a glass.
What to look for: Sealed, labeled bottles (150–375 ml sizes), special edition flavors, and hand-painted glass art which makes the bottle a keepsake.
Price bracket (2025): 35,000–120,000៛ per bottle depending on size and edition.
Where to find it: Sombai shop in Phnom Penh, duty-free at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, and selected gift shops across the country.

5. Lacquerware from Battambang

Why pick this up: Battambang’s lacquer techniques, often layered over carved wood or papier-mâché, produce glossy bowls, trays and decorative boxes rich in color and Cambodian motifs.
What to look for: Even lacquer layers (not sticky), traditional Khmer motifs, and items made with local wood for durability.
Price bracket (2025): 50,000–500,000៛ depending on size and intricacy.
Where to find it: Artisans’ workshops in Battambang, craft stalls in Siem Reap, and galleries in Phnom Penh.

6. Sandstone and Stone-Carved Replicas

Why pick this up: Miniature Angkor faces, lintels and bas-reliefs echo the temple architecture and are carved from local sandstone—portable pieces of Angkorian artistry.
What to look for: Smooth, hand-carved details, sealed surfaces for travel safety, and reputable vendors who source stone responsibly.
Price bracket (2025): 30,000–300,000៛ for small to medium replicas.
Where to find it: Near Angkor Wat’s artisan markets in Siem Reap, souvenir stalls on Pub Street, and workshops that do custom carving.

7. Silver and Goldsmith Jewelry

Why pick this up: Cambodian silversmiths combine Khmer designs—Apsara motifs, lotus and naga imagery—with contemporary styles to create wearable art.
What to look for: Hallmarks or weight indicators, handcrafted details, and shops that can certify silver purity (sterling).
Price bracket (2025): 100,000–600,000៛ for sterling silver pieces; gold is considerably higher.
Where to find it: Silver workshops in Phnom Penh’s old quarters, high-end boutiques along Norodom Boulevard, and artisan stands in Siem Reap.

8. Palm Sugar and Traditional Sweets

Why pick this up: Cambodian palm sugar and snacks—like coconut-boiled candies and pressed palm blocks—carry the caramel warmth of village kitchens and make authentic edible gifts.
What to look for: Blocks labeled “pure palm sugar” with no additives, vacuum-sealed packaging for transport, and small jars of palm syrup.
Price bracket (2025): 5,000–30,000៛ per pack/jar.
Where to find it: Local food markets (Psar Thmei in Phnom Penh), Kampot roadside stands, and specialty food stores.

9. Apsara Paintings, Textiles and Shadow Puppets

Why pick this up: Visual art inspired by Angkor’s dancers—Apsara paintings, hand-printed textiles and shadow puppets—captures mythic stories and the country’s classical arts.
What to look for: Signed prints from local artists, natural pigments, intricately carved leather puppets, and pieces that cite the artist or cooperative.
Price bracket (2025): 25,000–300,000៛ depending on size and medium.
Where to find it: Siem Reap gallery street, the Phare Ponleu Selpak arts center in Battambang, and stalls around Angkor Night Market.

10. Woven Rattan, Palm Mats and Baskets

Why pick this up: Functional, beautifully patterned mats and baskets are woven by hand across Cambodia and reflect the rhythms of rural life—perfect for picnics or home décor.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving, natural dyes or untreated finishes, and sturdy construction for practical use.
Price bracket (2025): 20,000–150,000៛ depending on size and complexity.
Where to find it: Provincial craft markets, Phnom Penh’s Central Market vendors, and cooperative stalls in Kampong Chhnang and Takeo.

Tip: When shopping for Cambodian souvenirs, always ask about provenance, support village cooperatives when you can, and check carry-on rules for food and liquids before you fly ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!