Indonesian Night Market to Light Up Phnom Penh’s Chaktomuk Walking Street.
The vibrant flavors, music, and colors of Indonesia are set to illuminate Phnom Penh as the city prepares to host the upcoming “Indonesian Night Market” on Chaktomuk Walking Street this November. The event, scheduled for November 22 or 23, 2025, promises to bring a slice of Indonesia’s cultural richness to Cambodia’s capital through food, art, and performance.
What is Phnom Penh’s Chaktomuk Walking Street?
Located along the picturesque riverside where the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac Rivers meet, Chaktomuk Walking Street has quickly become one of Phnom Penh’s most popular leisure destinations. The street comes alive on weekends and holidays, transforming into a vibrant pedestrian zone filled with food stalls, cultural performances, and local vendors showcasing Cambodia’s creative energy.
Why Is It Special?
Chaktomuk Walking Street stands out as a family-friendly and community-focused attraction in the heart of Phnom Penh. It offers a safe, car-free space for people to enjoy evening strolls, street food, live music, and art performances while overlooking the glittering riverside skyline.
The street is also part of the city’s broader effort to promote urban tourism and cultural identity, creating an atmosphere similar to walking streets in regional cities like Bangkok or Hanoi but with a distinctly Cambodian charm. It’s a place where locals, expats, and tourists mingle, celebrate, and experience Phnom Penh’s growing cultural heartbeat.
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When to Visit
The best time to visit Chaktomuk Walking Street is during the weekends, particularly Friday to Sunday evenings from around 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, when the area is officially closed to traffic and turns into a bustling night scene. The cooler evening weather, the glow of riverside lights, and the aroma of freshly cooked street food make it a perfect spot for a relaxed outing.
What You Need to Know
- Getting there: Located near the Royal Palace and the Riverside area, the street is easily accessible by tuk-tuk or on foot from central Phnom Penh.
- Safety: The area is well-patrolled and family-friendly, making it suitable for both locals and tourists.
- Local experience: Try Khmer-style snacks, shop for handmade crafts, and enjoy live performances that showcase Cambodian music and dance.
- Cultural events: The street regularly hosts special festivals, including food fairs, art markets, and national celebrations such as Khmer New Year and Water Festival.
What You Can Do There
At Chaktomuk Walking Street, visitors can:
- Sample Cambodian street food like nom krok (coconut pancakes), grilled squid, and iced coffee.
- Watch traditional dance shows and live acoustic performances.
- Shop for handmade jewelry, souvenirs, and local crafts.
- Take scenic riverside photos, especially during sunset.
- Join community or international cultural events like the upcoming Indonesian Night Market.
Whether you’re a local exploring the city’s new public spaces or a tourist looking for authentic experiences, Chaktomuk Walking Street offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and community that captures the spirit of Phnom Penh’s modern charm.
A Celebration of Culture and Friendship
The initiative was proposed by Santo Damosumarto, the Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, and officially approved by Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, during a courtesy meeting earlier this week.
Showcasing traditional cuisine, dance performances, and artisanal crafts, the Indonesian Night Market aims to highlight the deep cultural heritage of Indonesia while strengthening the friendship between the two nations.
“Phnom Penh is a centre of economy, trade, tourism, and culture. Through this event, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia seeks to enhance cooperation and investment in these areas,” said Ambassador Damosumarto.
He added that the Indonesian community in Cambodia continues to grow, with six Indonesian restaurants already operating in Phnom Penh, showcasing the expanding potential for collaboration in tourism and hospitality.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Exchange
The event is expected to attract both local and international visitors, serving as a lively hub of cultural and commercial exchange. Governor Sreng emphasized Phnom Penh’s readiness to support the event and ensure its success.
“The Phnom Penh Capital Hall is pleased to allow the Indonesian Embassy to organise the ‘Indonesian Night Market’ on Chaktomuk Walking Street,” he said. “We have instructed relevant authorities to ensure proper security and coordination during the event.”
Chaktomuk Walking Street has already become a favorite destination for food, crafts, and cultural performances. The addition of the Indonesian Night Market, officials believe, will further enhance the city’s cultural diversity and strengthen Phnom Penh’s image as a regional tourism hub.
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Honoring Historical Ties Between Indonesia and Cambodia
Governor Sreng also highlighted the enduring friendship between Cambodia and Indonesia, which dates back to 1959. He recalled Indonesia’s historic support for Cambodia’s peace process, particularly the contributions of President Sukarno and former Foreign Minister Ali Alatas.
To commemorate these efforts, Phnom Penh Capital Hall has named two roads in Chroy Changvar District after the Indonesian leaders—Soekarno Boulevard and Ali Alatas Boulevard—with official inaugurations planned soon.
He also expressed appreciation to Indonesia’s military attaché for their contributions to peacekeeping missions along the Cambodia–Thailand border in previous years.
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Strengthening Cultural Bridges
As preparations move forward, the Indonesian Night Market stands as a symbol of deepening regional partnership. The event will not only celebrate Indonesia’s artistic and culinary identity but also foster economic collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations.
With cultural performances, authentic food stalls, and handcrafted souvenirs, this unique celebration is set to become one of Phnom Penh’s most anticipated cultural events of the year.