Cambodia may not have the glitzy shopping malls of developed nations, but it certainly makes up for it in markets. In Phnom Penh some of the best markets are the Art Deco Psar Thmei, known as "Central" or "New Market", where everything is on offer from old coins to T-shirts, sarongs to cuts of pork. The Russian Market, Psar Tuol Tom Pong, is a better bet for souvenirs, with a range of jewellery, artwork and antiques on offer.

Better still are the shops in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap that support community programmes for landmine victims and disabled people. There are many NGOs that have set up workshops for these people, training them in the necessary skills to produce silk wall hangings, garments and leather goods. Some of the better shops include Khemara, UNDP, Apsara and Rajana. Tourist dollars spent here are guaranteed to make a difference.

There's a vast array of artwork on sale at both markets and small boutiques. Much of it is quite run of the mill depictions of Cambodian temples, tropical flora and fauna or traditional people in traditional poses, but search through this and some gems can be found.

Also at the main markets, bronze Buddhas, temple rubbings, and woodcarvings make good souvenirs, as does jewellery or the fabulous fabrics widely available. Hand weaving is still widely practised in Cambodia and you can find some remarkably intricate designs that make great wall-hangings or throw-over covers. Compared to handwoven fabrics at home the price is a pittance.

Silver has been mined in the country for centuries and is used for a variety of items, including traditional jewellery. The designs aren't as intricate as you find elsewhere in Southeast Asia, but are not without charm. You can find some rather neat antique pieces however, and prices are very reasonable. One particular thing to look out for is a
betel nut box. These personal containeres for the widely-used mild stimulant are nowadays produced for the tourist market as much as for actual use, but that makes them no less an attractive and unusual souvenir. The better examples are highly decorated and you can find some novelty ones created in a variety of shapes. Antique examples are more valuable than the ones produced for the tourist market.

Silk making is a particularly highly prized skill. One of the best places to obtain silk is Koh Dach, near to Phnom Penh. Here you can see the traditional way of weaving coloured silk threads to create patterns in the completed fabric. With sizeable pieces taking a very long time - months in many cases - handwoven silk is quite expensive. There is a market for antique fabrics as well - particularly for pre-Khmer Rouge aged pieces. If you don't know your silk though don't purchase pieces offered as "antique".

No trip to Cambodia is complete without buying a krama, the cotton check scarves worn by most Cambodians. Pol Pot was rarely seen without his red and white krama. They also come in a silk and cotton mix in various colour combinations.

If you want to carry some of the distinctive flavours of the country back home, Cambodian peppercorns have a reputation for being particularly fragrant. Take advantage of the low prices and bargain for the best black, red and green varieties. Other spices that travel well are dried chillis, turmeric and tamarind.