Psar Nat literally means the “meeting market,” but is also often called the Central Market as it is both the physical and social center of the town.
Like most Cambodian markets, it’s more of a place for locals buy their groceries than a tourist destination, though those who haven’t experienced a local Cambodian market will enjoy the lively atmosphere, particularly in the cooler morning hours when most locals shop. In addition to typical household goods and a wide variety of foodstuffs, the market features a number of gem and jewelry shops that sell gems from both Cambodia and abroad, though local emeralds and rubies are harder to come by in recent years.
Getting There
Psar Nat is located between streets 1 and 3, on the west side of the Sangke River towards the northern end of the city-center. The market can be visited either on foot or by bicycle, motorbike, or tuk tuk.
Need to Know
- What is It?: Psar Nat is the main market in Batdambang town.
- When to Go: In the early morning when monks are going to or returning from receiving alms and most locals do their shopping.
- Nearest Town: Psar Nat is located in central Batdambang town, which can be reached by bus from Phnom Penh in 4-5 hours, from Siem Reap (bus: 3 hours or boat: 7-10 hours), or from the Poipet and the Thai border (2 hours).
- Opening hours: From morning alms to till early evening