Study on Major Markets in Phnom Penh: Investigation of the Current Status and Positioning as a Livelihood and Tourism Resource

Abstract

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has been experiencing rapid population growth and urbanization. This study focuses on the markets in Phnom Penh and aims to clarify their current situation, how local people position them as a place to live their daily lives, and their attractiveness as a tourism resource. For each of the nine major markets, the year of establishment, the number of shops, and their characteristics were identified. In addition, the questionnaire survey revealed that the markets are quite common and important to the daily lives of Phnom Penh residents, who also feel that the markets are a distinctive feature of their city. Furthermore, tourists were found to be highly interested in markets because they provide opportunities to interact with local people and experience the local atmosphere. Given these findings, markets in Phnom Penh are quite important as a place for local people to live their lives, as well as being a cultural and tourism resource.