| 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. |