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. |