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In today’s world, the benefits that come from shopping locally can extend beyond your neighborhood farmer’s market.
For travelers in Southeast Asia, taking care to spend tourism dollars responsibly is one of the most direct ways to make a positive impact in communities visited. Buying local does more than support the vendor who sells you the goods — it supports the entire supply chain, protects local production and provides jobs.
Studies also show that taking care to buy local ensures that more of the money you spend stays with in the community, circulating locally rather that contributing to the overwhelming clout of a multinational giant.
While there are an abundance of shopping options available in Siem Reap, Shinta Mani’s newest outdoor, Made in Cambodia Market, takes the guess-work out of finding well made, locally hand-crafted products.
Located on the street in front of the hotel, the market features unique, high quality products not seen in Siem Reap’s other copy-cat night and street markets.
“Our main aim is to create a platform for good quality locally made products available for visitors. Usually all markets are flooded with imported items and it is hard for the visitors to identify locally made products. On the other hand when the products are made in Cambodia it creates employment for the locals. All stalls are either NGO run, or privately run and support many local causes.” — Chitra Vincent, Shinta Mani
From Sombai’s ginger and red chilli infused rice wine to the soy scented candles handcrafted by Saarti, the new market offers a variety of well-made boutique products.
Any local businesses that make quality products in Cambodia are invited to participate in the market. There is a committee in place to ensure that vendors meet the criteria. From clothing and jewellery to unique art and NGO projects, the market offers a wide variety of wares that range from traditional to new-age.
A great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, the market place vibe also makes for a fun evening out.
Running from 4-9:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month, visitors will also find live entertainment — guest appearances by musicians and the local circus — as well as fresh food. With most of the stalls maned by business owners, shopping at the market also presents the opportunity to connect with some of the most creative individuals in town.