Why is Russian Market called Russian Market? – A Phnom Penh Guide
Why is Russian Market called Russian Market in Phnom Penh? The simple answer is that during socialist times the Russian/Soviet Residents of Phnom Penh used to shop here – hence it became colloquially known as Russian market.
This iy should be remembered was after the time of Pol Pot and when The Peoples Republic of Kampuchea was considered an advanced Socialist country and very much within the USSR’s area of influence.
To read about Socialist Countries click here .
To read about Pol Pot click here.
When did the Soviets leave Cambodia?
The Soviets never had as much of a presence as the Vietnamese did, although their troops left during the peace period of 1991-1993. Therefore the Soviet Union changed to Russia before the modern Kingdom of Cambodia was born.
To read about Democratic Kampuchea click here .
The contemporary Russian market scene
You will not find lots of Russians here, nor Russian goods, sadly it is but Soviet in name only. You will though find one of the coolest markets in Phnom Penh, although it is not as good, or big and important as Kandal Market.
To read a great piece on Kandal market click here.
It is also the hip and happening place for bars, clubs, restaurants and the like. Street 130 and Street 172 might be where the older crowd hang-out, but this is where the cool kids go.
It was also where I watched the football! You can read about Score Bar here . Another rather nice restaurant I visited here was Kinin Restaurant, very hipster, but great food and vibe.
Why is Russian Market called Russian Market in Phnom Penh?
And back to the main point, the crux of the matter as it were. Basically it is because during Soviet times the Russians shopped here. If you are looking for Russians, or Soviet kitsch you will have more luck at Jungle Cat , although the flamboyant owner is currently not on the scene.
And has anything changed since the Russian “special military operation” in Ukraine? Most Khmer people are indifferent to the war at best and if anything still remember Russian ties with Cambodia fondly.
And that is the Russian Market Phnom Penh story.
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Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
