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Shopping
There are a wide variety of items available for
purchase in Cambodia. The country was once well-known
for its superior silk weaving, metal work and
woodcarving. After decades of neglect, many of
these arts are being revived. Visitors can find
silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for
sarong and hats (variegated silks), wood carving,
paper mach? masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer
art, brass and bronze figurines and oil paintings
in the different markets and shops on main avenues.
The traditional clothing for both men and women
is the krama, a long, narrow checked silk or cotton
cloth available in most markets and shops. Jewelry
is generally not up to international standards
for design and workmanship and buyers should use
caution when purchasing gold and gems. The export
of antiques is subject to approval of the Ministry
of Culture. Bargaining is essential for all souvenir
shopping, it travelers are to obtain reasonable
prices. Reductions of up to 20 percent are possible.
Entertainment
Cinemas
Cambodian cinemas are best avoided. Event if you
can understand the proceedings, they tend to be
scruffy, hot and sometimes dangerously overcrowded.
There are a few exceptions in Phnom Penh - such
as Mittapheap Cineplex address 262, Monivong Boulevard,
Khan Daun Penh.
Nightclubs
Phnom Penh is the place for disco nightlife. There
are several clubs that see a good mix of locals
and expats. Nightlife in Phnom Penh tends to begin
fairly late - an 11 pm start is usual, after a
leisurely meal and some drinks at a bar. Drink
prices can be steep, but you can always pop outside
and get a swift half from a street seller.
Outside Phnom Penh, nightlife is dominated by
Khmer nightclubs. These are basically 'hostess
clubs' aimed at men, but it is no problem for
foreign women to enter. They have a live band
and are a good place to learn a bit about Khmer
dancing.
Traditional Dance
Public performances of Khmer traditional dance
are few and far between. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
are the places to find them. Check the local English-language
newspapers for news of upcoming events.
Pubs & Bars
Again, Phnom Penh is best place for pubs and bars.
Elsewhere around Cambodia, drinking takes places
at street stalls, in restaurants and in nightclubs.
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