One obvious place to drain your travel funds, while at the same time strengthening your haggling skills, is the Old Market (known colloqui¬ally as Psar Chas) or its cousin, Center Market (Psar Kandal). Colourful fabrics, statues, silver, kramas, backpacks, shoes, swimming gear, flip flops, trinkets and more can be found at Psar Chas, but take note that many of the items on sale are mass produced in neighbouring Thailand or Vietnam rather than being genuine local produce.

Psar Kandal’s prices are a little higher but some of the outlets carry genuine brand-name items whose better quality justifies the additional outlay. Both markets are still very worthwhile experiences and you are sure to find some simple gifts to bring back home to your loved ones without spending a whole lot of money at the same time. If you're seeking style on a budget, check out Tutti Frutti in Center Market (011 467 097), for a selection of beautiful jewellery handmade from freshwater pearls and murano glass, as well as a range of quality reproduction designer handbags.

For a more local experience, head east out of town to Psar Leu on National Road 6, where you can find pretty much everything and anything you wish. Just keep in mind it is a local market, so without some basic knowledge of the Khmer language you’re dead in the water - take a Khmer friend if possible. If none of these markets satisfies your cravings, then be sure to visit the Angkor Night Market. Established in 2006, the Balinese-influenced market is open from 4pm to midnight every day and makes a pleasant change from the heat and clutter of the local versions. There are currently around 130 stalls offering a vast array of products, many of which you won’t find elsewhere, and there’s the food court and Island Bar if you find yourself in need of a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

For something more personal, getting a tattoo is a perfect way to attach a memory to Cambodia. Rotanak Visak (012 550 333) started tattooing over 10 years ago, learning about the art of ink with other people from all over the world on flip flops and pig’s skins in a Thai tattoo shop. Tribal designs, Khmer lettering, scor¬pions and other pictures cover the wall of the shop. There’s a large selection of tattoos to choose from his catalogue, but feel free to bring in your own ideas and design as well. The shop is on Taphul Road just across from The Villa, and opens from 9am-5pm every day.

If branding yourself is not your idea of an everlasting memory, but fashion satisfies your needs, you might wish to check out Samatoa. With a wide selection of quality products made from natural Cambodian silk, they offer made-to-measure tailored clothes and accessories. This three-storey boutique and gallery has been around since 2004, adopting fair trade practices while providing employment to Khmer women and men who wish to work in the silk industry. Elegant dresses, jackets, blouses, hats, handbags, slippers, ties and kramas of different colors and design manufactured to perfection is what you can find here. Call Linna Sin (011 766 276) or Nicolas (092 373 207) to make arrangements.

For an experience that allows you to interact with local villages producing original crafts and textiles, while learning a little about everyday Cambodian life, you have sev¬eral options. To name just a few, you can visit nearby Phnom Slok and learn about silk manufacturing processes, contact ecotourism company Osmose (063 963 710) for a tour of the lake including hyacinth weaving products from the Tonle Sap, or head out to Preah Dak for an interesting range of rattan products. Just ask your hotel or guesthouse to make the arrangements for you.