Looking for affordable clothes, unique vintage pieces or unexpected bargains in Siem Reap? Beyond the souvenir stalls and tourist markets, the city has a growing selection of second-hand clothing shops, vintage boutiques and Japanese recycle stores worth exploring.
Thrifting in Siem Reap can be a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without paying full retail prices. Depending on the shop, you might find everyday T-shirts, dresses, bags, Japanese-imported clothing, homeware or one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.
Whether you're a traveler looking for a lightweight outfit, an expat shopping on a budget or a vintage-fashion enthusiast, this guide introduces places to explore and practical tips for shopping second-hand in Cambodia.
A quick note: Second-hand shops frequently change their stock, prices and opening hours. Confirm the latest details before making a special trip.
1. Best Thrift Stores in Siem Reap
Here are some places to start your second-hand shopping adventure.
1. Repeat Secondhand Fashion
Best for: Curated second-hand clothing for women and men
Repeat Secondhand Fashion is a dedicated second-hand clothing shop at 454 Sombai Road, near Bamboo Street. It is a good starting point if you prefer browsing selected clothing rather than searching through a large mixed-goods store.
Customer feedback highlights clothing in good condition and a useful selection for men as well as women.
- Location: 454 Sombai Road, near Bamboo Street, Siem Reap
- Phone: +855 15 775 752
- Reported hours: 10 AM–6 PM on most days; verify before visiting
- Google Maps: Search for “Repeat Secondhand Fashion Siem Reap”
TravelKH tip: Start here if wearable everyday clothing is your priority.
2. Sakura Recycle Shop Japan
Best for: Japanese second-hand goods, clothing and unexpected finds
Sakura Recycle Shop Japan is a recognizable name in Cambodia's second-hand shopping scene. Its Siem Reap locations are associated with Japanese-imported used goods, including clothing and household items.
The experience is closer to browsing a recycle shop than visiting a tightly curated vintage boutique. Stock and quality can vary, so give yourself time to look around.
- Location: Siem Reap has listings for Sakura Recycle Shop Japan; check the map for the branch you want
- Reported hours: One listed branch operates approximately 8 AM–8:30 PM
- Google Maps: Search for “Sakura Recycle Shop Japan Siem Reap”
TravelKH tip: Look beyond clothing. If you're furnishing a rental home, you may also find second-hand household items.
3. Thrift Up @ Mex'd Up
Best for: Curated second-hand fashion and accessories
Thrift Up is a small second-hand shop reported above Mex'd Up in the Wat Damnak area. It is particularly worth considering if you enjoy browsing a more selected range of clothing rather than a warehouse-style assortment.
Customer feedback mentions both women's and men's clothing, along with accessories and varied sizes.
- Location: Above Mex'd Up, Wat Damnak area, Siem Reap
- Reported hours: Mainly afternoon and evening; confirm current hours
- Google Maps: Search for “Thrift Up @ Mex'd Up Siem Reap”
TravelKH tip: Combine this stop with a visit to Wat Damnak's cafés and restaurants.
4. TheSun Vintage Thrift
Best for: Vintage-inspired women's fashion and accessories
TheSun Vintage Thrift is a smaller shop on Wat Bo Road, known for its fashion-focused selection. It may appeal to shoppers searching for colorful clothing, skirts, tops and handbags rather than basic everyday items.
As with most vintage shops, the selection depends on what is available at the time.
- Location: 27 Wat Bo Road, Siem Reap
- Reported hours: Around 10 AM–9 PM; verify before visiting
- Google Maps: Search for “TheSun Vintage thrift Siem Reap”
TravelKH tip: If you enjoy individual pieces and distinctive styles, make time to browse rather than expecting to find a specific item immediately.
5. SR Vintage
Best for: Budget-friendly second-hand clothing
SR Vintage is a clothing shop on Sok San Road associated with affordable second-hand and vintage-style apparel. It is worth investigating if you want to browse without focusing exclusively on premium vintage labels.
- Location: Sok San Road, Siem Reap
- Reported hours: Approximately 8 AM–9:30 PM; verify before visiting
- Google Maps: Search for “SR Vintage Siem Reap”
TravelKH tip: Check seams, zippers and fabric condition before buying, especially when shopping for inexpensive everyday clothing.
6. Happy Japan – Siem Reap
Best for: Mixed second-hand goods and Japanese imports
Happy Japan is another second-hand shop to consider when exploring Siem Reap's Japanese-imported goods. The range can extend beyond clothing, and the inventory may change significantly between visits.
- Location: Trapeang Ses / Kok Chak area, Siem Reap
- Reported hours: Approximately 8:30 AM–8:30 PM; verify before visiting
- Phone: +855 70 603 435
- Google Maps: Search for “Happy Japan Siem Reap”
TravelKH tip: This is more suitable for shoppers who enjoy browsing and discovering unexpected items than for anyone looking for one specific product.
7. Happy Japan Lite
Best for: A convenient second-hand clothing stop
Happy Japan Lite is listed on Taphul Street in central Siem Reap. It focuses on second-hand clothing, including Japanese-associated stock.
Its selection may be more limited than larger recycle shops, so treat it as a convenient stop rather than a guaranteed source for a particular style or size.
- Location: Taphul Street, Siem Reap
- Phone: +855 86 663 210
- Reported hours: Approximately 11 AM–8 PM; verify before visiting
- Google Maps: Search for “Happy Japan Lite Siem Reap”
8. The Cocoon House
Best for: Curated vintage fashion, design and contemporary culture
The Cocoon House is not a traditional bargain thrift store. It combines an art gallery, concept store, fashion boutique and skate shop, with curated vintage pieces, designer items and original creative products.
It's a good alternative if you're interested in distinctive fashion and design rather than the lowest possible price.
- Location: Sivatha Road, Siem Reap
- Reported hours: 9:30 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–7 PM; listed as closed Tuesdays
- Phone: +855 86 349 906
- Website: The Cocoon House
TravelKH tip: Visit for a more curated shopping experience and expect prices to differ from those at ordinary second-hand shops.
2. Which Siem Reap Thrift Store Should You Visit?
| Your shopping goal | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Everyday second-hand clothes | Repeat Secondhand Fashion |
| Japanese-imported clothing and household goods | Sakura Recycle Shop Japan |
| Curated second-hand fashion | Thrift Up @ Mex'd Up |
| Vintage-inspired women's clothing | TheSun Vintage Thrift |
| Budget-friendly clothing | SR Vintage |
| Mixed second-hand discoveries | Happy Japan |
| Central clothing stop | Happy Japan Lite |
| Curated vintage and designer style | The Cocoon House |
These are starting points, not guarantees of price or stock. Check current listings and recent customer feedback before travelling across town.
3. What Can You Buy While Thrifting in Siem Reap?
The selection varies by shop, but you may come across:
- Everyday clothing: T-shirts, shirts, trousers, shorts and casual dresses.
- Vintage fashion: Distinctive cuts, patterns, accessories and older styles.
- Bags and accessories: Handbags, belts and other fashion accessories.
- Japanese-imported items: Clothing and miscellaneous goods sourced through Japanese recycle-shop supply chains.
- Homeware: Some mixed-goods stores carry used kitchenware and household items.
- Books and other second-hand goods: Worth looking for in specialist shops rather than clothing-only stores.
Don't expect every shop to carry every category. If you need a particular size or item, message the shop first if contact details are available.
4. How Much Does Thrifting Cost in Siem Reap?
Prices depend on the shop, brand, condition and type of item.
A basic second-hand T-shirt may cost much less than a curated vintage piece. A Japanese-imported household item may also be priced differently from clothing sold at a small local thrift shop.
To shop on a budget:
- Compare similar items across more than one shop.
- Check the condition before deciding whether the price is fair.
- Ask politely whether the price is fixed.
- Don't assume every second-hand item is automatically cheaper than a new one.
- Set a budget before entering a store with lots of tempting finds.
Important: Treat prices you see online or hear from other shoppers as examples, not guaranteed current prices.
5. Tips for Successful Thrifting in Cambodia
Check clothing carefully
Look for stains, holes, loose stitching, broken zippers and stretched elastic. Check the underarms, collars and hems, where wear may be less obvious.
Try items on when possible
Sizing can vary between countries, brands and older clothing styles. A size label may not match what you normally wear.
Wash purchases before wearing them
Wash second-hand clothing before use and follow the garment's care label. For delicate pieces, use an appropriate cleaning method.
Visit with an open mind
Thrifting is about discovery. You may find several great pieces in one visit and very little in the next.
Ask before bargaining
Some shops have fixed prices, particularly curated boutiques. At more informal sellers, polite negotiation may be possible. Avoid assuming that bargaining is expected everywhere.
Check opening hours
Small independent shops can change their schedules. Check their latest map listing or social media page before travelling.
6. Is Thrifting Better Than Buying New Clothes in Siem Reap?
It depends on what you're looking for.
| Thrifting | Buying new |
|---|---|
| Can offer lower prices | Easier to find consistent stock |
| May uncover unique styles | More predictable sizing and condition |
| Reuses existing products | May provide current designs |
| Inventory changes frequently | Replacements may be easier to find |
| Requires careful inspection | Often easier to compare identical items |
Second-hand shopping can extend the life of clothing and help you avoid buying everything new. However, the environmental benefit depends on what you purchase, how long you use it and whether it replaces a new purchase.
7. A Simple Thrift-Shopping Route in Siem Reap
If you're staying in central Siem Reap, consider this flexible route:
- Start at Happy Japan Lite on Taphul Street.
- Continue toward Repeat Secondhand Fashion on Sombai Road.
- Explore TheSun Vintage Thrift on Wat Bo Road.
- Head to the Wat Damnak area for Thrift Up, checking its current location and opening hours first.
- Finish with food or coffee nearby.
This is a suggested shopping sequence, not a verified shortest route. Check the shops' current locations before setting off, and use a tuk-tuk if the heat or distance makes walking uncomfortable.
8. Thrifting for Travelers, Expats and Digital Nomads
Second-hand shops can be useful for more than fashion.
For travelers: Look for affordable casual clothing, bags and pieces you won't mind wearing regularly in Cambodia's warm climate.
For expats: Explore second-hand household goods if you're setting up a rental home and don't want to buy everything new.
For digital nomads: Thrifting can be a practical way to replace worn-out clothing or find a few items for a longer stay.
For vintage enthusiasts: Curated shops such as The Cocoon House may be more appealing than large mixed-goods stores.
If you're staying for several months, consider shopping second-hand before buying new items that you may not need for long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there thrift stores in Siem Reap?
Yes. Siem Reap has second-hand clothing shops, Japanese recycle stores and curated vintage boutiques. Examples include Repeat Secondhand Fashion, Sakura Recycle Shop Japan, Thrift Up @ Mex'd Up and TheSun Vintage Thrift.
Where can I buy second-hand clothes in Siem Reap?
Start with dedicated clothing shops such as Repeat Secondhand Fashion, Thrift Up @ Mex'd Up and SR Vintage. Check current map listings before visiting, as small shops may change location or hours.
Are clothes from Japanese thrift stores good quality?
Quality varies by item. Some pieces may be in excellent condition, while others show wear. Inspect garments carefully and wash them before wearing.
Is vintage shopping expensive in Siem Reap?
Not always. Prices depend on whether you're shopping at a general second-hand store or a curated boutique. Designer and selected vintage pieces may cost more than basic used clothing.
Can I bargain at thrift stores in Siem Reap?
Some sellers may be open to negotiation, while other shops use fixed prices. Ask politely rather than assuming a discount is available.
Are thrift shops in Siem Reap open every day?
Some listings show daily opening hours, but independent businesses may change schedules. Confirm before making a special trip.
Is second-hand shopping suitable for long-term expats?
Yes. Second-hand clothing and mixed-goods shops can help long-term residents find affordable wardrobe items and, in some stores, household goods.
TravelKH Tip
The best way to thrift in Siem Reap is to explore more than one shop, check every item carefully and keep your expectations flexible.
You may not find exactly what you're looking for on the first visit, but that's part of the fun. A little patience can lead to affordable clothing, interesting vintage pieces and useful discoveries.
If you're new to the city, make thrifting part of a broader neighborhood exploration. You can combine shopping with a local café, a market visit or a walk through central Siem Reap.
Related TravelKH Guides
- Siem Reap Shopping Guide: Markets, Boutiques and Local Finds
- Best Markets in Siem Reap for Travelers
- Living in Siem Reap: A Guide for Expats
- Cost of Living in Siem Reap
- Where to Buy Everyday Essentials in Cambodia
- Sustainable Travel in Cambodia
- What to Buy in Cambodia: Souvenirs and Local Products
- Siem Reap Neighborhood Guide: Where to Stay and Explore
