A sanctuary of calm behind the royal palace, this is a great part of the city to while away a few hours or spend a relaxed evening. Nice artsy shops, a handful of cafes that wouldn't feel out of place in Marylebone and a couple of good restaurants, notably Tamarind with its charming roof terrace.

There's also a Seeing Hands blind massage place nearby which is recommended after an afternoon tramping round the Royal Palace.

Street 240, Phnom Penh

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The Central and Russian markets deserve an afternoon visit. With a vast array of goods from gold and silks to knick-knacks and locally grown food produce. Haggling is a must, but should always be done with a smile - a bit of very basic Khmer thrown in goes a long way.

Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung)
Central Market (Psah Thmei)

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This restaurant is very good. The frenetic pace of Phnom Penh’s roads can be left behind. With a style that is clean and modern, The Shop wouldn’t be out of place in any smart urban setting. There is a great Mediterranean menu offering frittatas, quiche, and delicious sandwiches. It also has a wonderful selection of fruit tarts, fresh breads and croissants.

The Shop: No.39, Street 240, 12006 PP
Tel: 023 986 964
Web: theshopcambodia.com
Email: theshop.cambodia@gmail

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There are still some very beautiful parts to PP for example, Street 240, with its galleries, lovely restaurants and tree lined colonial feel.

Steet 240

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There are still some very beautiful parts to PP. For example, Street 240, with its galleries, lovely restaurants and tree-lined colonial feel.

Steet 240

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Friends Restaurant is a non-profit restaurant run by former street children who are being provided with training. It's part of Mith Samlanh Friends, the Cambodian arm of Friends International. The food is good, the service is friendly, and your bill helps to fund Friends' charitable aims. Go to the shop and gallery while you're there.

House 215, Street 13, Phnom Penh
(+855) 12 802 072
www.streetfriends.org

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These are free publications with detailed listings of bars, restaurants, guesthouses, shops etc plus useful articles, maps and so forth. They are very handy for tourists and other newcomers to this rapidly changing city, where annually published guidebooks can be out of date almost as soon as they are published.

The guides are available at guesthouses, bars, restaurants and shops.

www.cambodiapocketguide.com

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A good places to shop for gifts, cheap essentials for more comfortable backpacking (sarongs, bamboo mats) and, erm, computer software. Be prepared to haggle good-naturedly for excellent bargains. Also great for cheap noodles and ice desserts.

South of central Phnom Penh,
Phsar Toul Tom Poung (streets 155 and 50)

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One of Phnom Penh's better market complexes. Set around a run-down 1930's art-deco building, it has cheap bags, t-shirts, random souvenirs and food on sale; it's a great place to test out your bargaining skills.

Located near the Central Bus Station, you can't really miss it. Every taxi driver knows the location. Phsar Thmey is the Khmer name.

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