Top Souvenirs to Buy Home from Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh is a city where tradition and daily life still shape what you see in the markets. The souvenirs here are more than just items to pack in your suitcase — they are small pieces of Cambodian culture that carry stories of craft, history, and flavor. If you’re wondering what’s truly worth bringing home, here are five of the best souvenirs from Phnom Penh.

1. Silk & Krama Scarves

Cambodian silk is famous for its softness and the way it holds color, with weaving traditions that go back generations. In Phnom Penh, you’ll find silk scarves, shawls, and even fabric by the meter, all made using handlooms. They’re elegant gifts that fold easily into your bag and make for timeless keepsakes. Alongside silk, don’t overlook the humble krama — a checked cotton scarf that Cambodians use for everything: sun protection, baby slings, or even as a towel. Buying a krama is like taking home a piece of everyday Cambodian life.



2. Silverware & Silver Jewelry

Silver has long been part of Cambodia’s artistic heritage. In Phnom Penh, you’ll come across everything from delicate bracelets and pendants to intricately crafted bowls and boxes. The designs often carry motifs from Khmer history and Buddhist traditions, which makes each piece more than just an accessory — it’s a link to the culture. Smaller jewelry items are easy to carry, while handcrafted silverware for the home can make for a striking, long-lasting reminder of your travels.



3. Stone Carvings & Small Sculptures

Inspired by the carvings at Angkor and other ancient temples, Cambodian artisans continue to produce small statues and decorative figures. These can be carved from stone, wood, or sometimes cast in metal, and often depict apsaras (celestial dancers), Buddha images, or mythical animals. While large carvings are impractical to transport, the smaller versions make excellent desk ornaments or shelf pieces. Each sculpture carries with it echoes of the country’s deep artistic traditions.



4. Lacquerware & Ceramics

Glossy lacquerware — in the form of trays, bowls, and decorative boxes — is another souvenir that reflects Cambodian patience and artistry. The process of applying layer upon layer of lacquer until the surface shines is slow and meticulous, which makes every piece feel crafted with care. Alongside lacquerware, Phnom Penh is also known for handmade ceramics, from rustic cups and bowls to painted vases. These pieces are beautiful reminders of Cambodia’s craft traditions and also make practical items to use back at home.



5. Kampot Pepper & Local Food Gifts

Food souvenirs always bring back the taste of a journey, and in Cambodia, nothing is more iconic than Kampot pepper. Grown in the southern province of Kampot but sold widely in Phnom Penh, this spice has an unmistakable fragrance and flavor that chefs around the world prize. Small packets of black, red, or white pepper are light, travel-friendly, and perfect for gifting. Alongside pepper, you can also find palm sugar, dried fruit, or locally made sweets — all of which capture the flavor of Cambodia in a way that lasts long after your trip.