In Rolous, local market and daily life Cambodian style

In case Hindu gods and sacred images scattered all over Angkor Wat temples are not enough to remind you of India, head to Rolous village and take a stroll around its local market. “It’s in proper Cambodian style”, warned me our tour guide Borey, style that turned out to be pretty much like the one I saw in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

The freshness of Rolous market, typical Cambodian style
The freshness of Rolous market, typical Cambodian style

Rolous is the town where the first temple of the early Khmer Empire was built, and when I arrived, the old temple was indeed the first sight I stared at. From afar. Why? Because the reason behind my 13-km jaunt from Siem Reap was to meander around the on-the-ground local market selling anything from dried fish to mangoes to steamed corn on the cob.

Selling on the ground, literally
Selling on the ground, literally

I’m sure you know how much I love local markets, and I know you’ve read my other posts about the open-air fairs I’ve already visited, from the one in Qingdao, China, to Iran’s oldest bazaar in the capital of East Azerbaijan province, Tabriz, to the colorful markets of Bangkok, Thailand, to the gorgeous Feira Hippie, Sunday market of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, so you’ve probably guessed how excited I was to snap pictures here all morning, not without generating much giggling from the locals who didn’t quite understand my interest in the nitty-gritty of their daily routine.

—>> If you are a backpacker, check out this detailed Cambodia backpacking guide

During my wanderings, I even managed to do some grocery shopping. Don’t ask me how, since apart from not speaking the language I wasn’t even familiar with the local currency which was seldom used and usually replaced with the US dollar, but I did it, I managed to buy some juicy ginger and sweet small bananas.

Without further ado, here are the photos I took at the market, I hope you’ll enjoy the ride and sense the life, the daily struggles and also the cheerful atmosphere that surrounds Cambodia’s open markets.

Workers, any age
Workers, any age
Red and chilli
Red and chilli
Fruits and veggies
Fruits and veggies
rolous market6-min
Monk collecting donations from the locals
Monk collecting donations from the locals
A transaction at the local market
A transaction at the local market
Scales and products ready to be sold
Scales and workers ready to use them
Steamed corn on a cob
Steamed corn on the cob
Dried fish on sale
Dried fish on sale
rolous market12-min
rolous market13-min
More dried fish
The woman behind the dried fish
The woman behind the dried fish
rolous market15-min
Fruits, at last
Fresh, juicy, sweet fruits, at last
Watermelon anyone?
Watermelon, anyone?
Bananas with the market as a background
Bananas with the market as a background
A sea of bananas
A sea of bananas
More fresh fruit as the main attraction.
More fresh fruit as the main attraction.

READ MORE: Do you like nature, adventure and experiencing local life? Check out our tips on how to go trekking in Cambodia and why you should!

about me: Angela Corrias
About the author

I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

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