Must-buy Cambodian travel souvenirs you shouldn't miss

After every international trip, we often seek a small keepsake to cherish the memories of the places we’ve visited. These souvenirs, though simple, hold special meaning and help travelers remember their journey. So, if you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, don’t miss out on these iconic Cambodian travel gifts! Mytour will suggest unique cultural specialties that make perfect gifts for loved ones and friends.

Top 10 famous Cambodian travel souvenirs

What should you buy as gifts when traveling to Cambodia? This is a common question for many travelers, alongside concerns about expenses, food, and transportation. Especially for first-time visitors, the uncertainty of what to bring back as souvenirs can be overwhelming. Below are 10 unique and fascinating Cambodian travel gifts you definitely shouldn’t overlook.

1. Silk

Cambodia offers a variety of souvenirs, but its premium silk stands out as the most renowned. Cambodian silk is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship, from the fine stitching to the luxurious material. If you're unsure what to buy as a gift for your grandmother or mother, silk is an ideal choice. Its soft, smooth texture and excellent sweat absorption make it both flattering and comfortable to wear.

Silk is a beloved Cambodian travel souvenir among Vietnamese tourists (Image source: Collected)

Beyond clothing, silk can also be transformed into scarves, head wraps, or bows, offering versatile uses. The price of silk in Cambodia is relatively affordable, catering to a wide range of budgets. Additionally, finding silk is hassle-free, as it is widely available in traditional markets.

• Reference price: Starting from 2 USD (around 50,000 VND).

2. Checked Scarves

Checked scarves are a cultural staple familiar to many Vietnamese living in the Mekong Delta region. Interestingly, Cambodia also produces similar scarves, with the main difference being their larger size and enhanced durability. These scarves are among the popular Cambodian travel souvenirs, handcrafted by the Khmer people. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, offering plenty of options for travelers.

Checked scarves are not just ordinary accessories but also serve many practical purposes (Image source: Collected)

Travelers can purchase checked scarves for sun protection, as face masks, neck wraps, headbands, or even to wipe off sweat. It’s no exaggeration to say that these scarves are one of Cambodia’s most sought-after and iconic products. Many visitors go out of their way to find the perfect scarf to take home as a cherished keepsake.

• Reference price: Checked scarves range from 2 USD to 10 USD.

3. Silver Jewelry

For those who love accessories and jewelry, Cambodian silver pieces are a must-buy. The variety is vast, with items like bracelets, necklaces, chains, anklets, and more, all crafted from high-quality silver.

Silver jewelry is an elegant gift choice for women (Image source: Collected)

Cambodian silver jewelry is not only intricately crafted with eye-catching designs but also boasts relatively high quality. If you’re searching for a meaningful Cambodian travel souvenir to gift your friends, don’t overlook these silver pieces. A friendship bracelet or a pair of rings can beautifully symbolize and strengthen your bond!

4. Beef Jerky

It would be a missed opportunity not to bring back Cambodian specialties as gifts for loved ones. Among these, beef jerky stands out as one of Cambodia’s most famous products. While this snack might already be familiar to many Vietnamese travelers, Cambodian beef jerky offers a unique flavor profile. It has a naturally sweet aroma and a rich, savory taste. Additionally, Cambodians use a traditional marinating method, making it impossible to find anything quite like it elsewhere.

Beef jerky is a Cambodian travel souvenir that perfectly meets the criteria of being delicious, nutritious, and affordable. It’s a safe choice if you’re unsure what to buy to suit everyone’s taste.

Cambodian beef jerky boasts a rich, irresistible flavor (Image source: Collected)

5. Palm Sugar

Palm sugar is a widely used ingredient in Cambodian cuisine. The reason for its popularity lies in its natural sweetness and captivating aroma, making it a staple in many local dishes.

Cambodian palm sugar is often cut into uniform circular pieces and sold at a relatively low price. For just 2 USD to 3 USD, you can buy this sugar to enhance the flavor of your dishes. Alternatively, you can also purchase liquid palm sugar for easier cooking.

Palm sugar is a fantastic seasoning for various dishes (Image source: Collected)

6. Sausage

If you’re looking for a Cambodian specialty to bring back as a gift, don’t overlook sausages! This snack is easy to find and appeals to a wide range of tastes. Made from pork or beef, it’s marinated with a unique blend of spices, making it incredibly flavorful. When you try it, you’ll notice its rich, savory taste and a hint of sweetness. A bag of sausages is quite affordable and widely available in local markets.

Don’t miss out on the famous Cambodian sausages when buying local specialties as gifts (Image source: Collected)

7. Buddha Statues and Carved Sculptures

Cambodia is renowned for its temples and pagodas, making the craftsmanship of Buddha statues exceptionally skilled. Each sculpture is meticulously and artfully created by talented artisans, showcasing their dedication and creativity in every detail.

If you’re looking for a Cambodian travel souvenir for worship or meditation, Buddha statues are a perfect choice. Displaying these sculptures not only adds elegance to your home but also brings luck and peace to your family. These statues are widely available at Cambodian temples, where you can explore and “invite” one home to seek blessings.

8. Dried Bananas

Dried bananas are a Cambodian specialty that suits the taste preferences of many Vietnamese. This snack is widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores at incredibly affordable prices. For just 30,000 VND to 40,000 VND, you can get a large, generously filled pack. Cambodian dried bananas are crispy and flavorful, packaged in attractive, sealed paper boxes, making them easy to carry.

9. Woven Rattan Baskets

What’s a practical and easy-to-buy souvenir from Cambodia? The answer is woven rattan baskets! These are sure to be a popular Cambodian travel gift, especially among women. The baskets are entirely handwoven by local women, showcasing their traditional craftsmanship.

The craft of weaving rattan baskets is widely promoted through programs supporting victims and those disabled by war. When you purchase a rattan basket, you’re contributing to improving their lives. These baskets are not only practical but also carry a profound humanitarian message, making them a meaningful Cambodian travel souvenir. Don’t miss out on this wonderful gift that embodies such a powerful story!

Handbags and baskets made from rattan are incredibly stylish and unique (Image source: Collected)

10. Durian

For hardcore fruit enthusiasts, Kampot durian is a must-try. It’s no exaggeration to say that few durians from other countries can match the soft, sweet, and flavorful flesh of Cambodian durian. Many Vietnamese travelers visit Cambodia specifically to “hunt” for this national fruit. However, it’s not always available, as you need to visit during the right season to enjoy Kampot durian.

It would be a shame not to try Kampot durian at least once in your lifetime (Image source: Collected)

Where to buy reliable Cambodian travel souvenirs?

Travelers can visit souvenir shops and handicraft stores in markets or shopping centers in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. For specialty items, it’s best to purchase directly from authentic producers, such as local craft villages. Buying from the source ensures better quality and also offers a golden opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of these villages.

Important tips when buying Cambodian souvenirs

• The official currency in Cambodia is the riel, but the US dollar is also widely accepted. You can use either currency for transactions.

• Most shops in Cambodia only accept cash and rarely take credit cards, so it’s advisable to carry cash when shopping.

• Ensure your cash is in good condition and not heavily damaged.

• Don’t hesitate to negotiate if you feel the product’s price doesn’t match its value.

• Be cautious of counterfeit goods when shopping for gemstones or jewelry. It’s best to purchase high-value items from reputable stores or those recommended by trusted sources.

What Cambodian travel souvenirs should you buy for loved ones and friends? By now, you’ve likely found your answer in this article. With Mytour’s insights, we hope you’ve gathered fresh ideas for your upcoming trip. For those interested in booking a Cambodia tour package, please contact the hotline 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!