Toul Tum Poung 1 Location Profile

Overview

Buy$160K - $1M

Rent$710 - $2K

For Sale64 Homes

For Rent2421 Homes

Toul Tum Poung 1 is more well known and commonly called TTP or Russian Market. It is one of the districts that makes up the large Chamkarmon (Khan) and it has become increasingly popular, maintaining a certain amount of Cambodian charm, a neighborhood feel and a range of easily accessible amenities.

There is also nearby Toul Tum Poung 2 but TTP is more well known and popular, and is one of the most rapidly changing Phnom Penh neighbourhoods. Because of this, it’s an exciting place for expat’s craving diversity. With plentiful dining and drinking options, cafes, means to exercise and of course the famous Russian Market at its epicenter.

The district is also home to several international schools, medical centres and supermarkets catering for a diverse local and expat community.

Toul Tum Poung 1 is also experiencing the effects of a rapidly developing city, and new build condos and modern serviced apartments have sprung up in the area.

Key Information

Russian Market (Psa Toul Tom Pong) is the most well known landmark and historical site within Toul Tum Poung 1. Located in the southern part of Phnom Penh, the Russian Market area picked up its name as it was popular among the Russian expats during the 1980s. The rabbit-warren style market has narrow, and mostly humid market stall alleyways, as there is no air-conditioning. It is a focal point of Toul Tum Poung 1 and surrounded by retail shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

There are some Cambodian governmental and non-government organisations in Toul Tum Poung 1. Historically they have converted villas and shophouses into commercial spaces but some are also located in purpose-built government offices and buildings.

Toul Tum Poung 1 became a hotbed of activity in recent years and relies more on a sprawling food and beverage (F&B) scene. The area is more suburban and has a community feel with some quiet neighborhoods too.

The area has also become attractive for entrepreneurs and startups while much of the local economy is driven by a wide range of mom-and-pop shops and medium-large local enterprises.

TTP is less affected by massive new developments but there is a great mix of residential, hotels (such as Frangipani Living Arts) and retail properties including many shophouses, some of which have been converted into residential dwellings

Many of these new residential developments and hotels have sprung up in recent years but there is less of a high-rise skyline in the TTP area. However full-service modern apartments and condominiums with a pool, fitness centre, 24-hour security, and housekeeping services are becoming more common in the area.

The city of Phnom Penh had a total population of just over 2 million in 2019 and the area of Chamkarmon (according to the 2008 census of Cambodia), had a population of 182,004. It would have grown significantly since then as it includes some of the most popular and populated areas of the capital of Cambodia.

There is no official date on the population of Toul Tom Poung 1 but the new census results are expected in 2020.

Things To Do in Toul Tum Poung 1

Phsar Toul Tom Poung Market (Russian Market) is one of the most popular markets for tourists and expats in Phnom Penh. It is also one of the best places to pick up souvenirs but the market also stocks a healthy range of electronics, clothes and others, souvenirs and knick-knacks.

There are also many designer brands but the authenticity is not always reliable, so please be careful when you buy these.

There are also big-retail clothing outlets like Zando, and Brand Collection which offer discounted prices on branded clothes.

Well-known western-style supermarkets are spread through Toul Tum Poung 1 such as at Super Duper, Angkor Market, boutique organic and health shops, butchers and minimarts.

For health enthusiasts, a number of local and western owned health and organic shops have opened in recent years, some of which focus on vegan food and healthy juices.

On the flip side, new bakeries have also popped up, and favourites like Crumbs offer delicious homemade cakes, cookies and desserts while the newly opened Cakes and Craft offers, well delicious cakes, cookies and craft beers!

Wat Toul Tom Poung is one of the most well-known pagodas in the Toul Tum Poung 1 area, located to the north of the Russian Market.

Both of these sites are key landmarks and great points of reference for navigating the area of TTP 1.

There are not many established landmarks in Toul Tom Poung 1, but several local and international schools are spread out within the area.

The Russian Market neighbourhood is the place to go if you want to travel the world through food. Everything from Armenian to Japanese food is served at restaurants in Toul Tom Poung 1. For local fare check out 72 Restaurant on street 123 or, for a mix of everything, stop into Eleven One on the corner of street 460 and 123.

There are countless great restaurants, some of which are among the most popular in Phnom Penh for expats, in Toul Tom Poung 1. Along the very popular St.123 in Tuol Tom Poung, there are a string of popular international restaurants, music venues and bars.

These include Dos Besos, Kinin, Flavors of India, and Curry Pot. Brooklyn Pizza, Azure Bar and Grill, Alchemy Gastropub (all within touching distance) have incredible western food and also plenty of weekly specials between them. Azure and Alchemy also offer live music and other entertainment and events.

Mama New York Deli, is a long time favourite with comfort food inlusing burgers, sandwiches and more.

As mentioned above, for the sweet tooths, there are many fantastic bakeries and cake shops in TTP too.

There are ample cafes in Toul Tum Poung, including the recognised franchises of Amazon Cafe, Brown Cafe, Starbucks and many more regional coffee and bubble tea outlets. Lot 369 is a popular cafe with great coffee and western and Khmer style food. Otherwise just poo by one of the many corner coffee carts and cafes in TTP.

In Toul Tum Poung 1, the Sangkat has become one of the biggest concentrations of expats in recent years and the nightlife reflects the changes. However there is a nice mix of the local and international in TTP.

Some of the more popular hangouts in the evenings include Sundown Social Club, Ege Bar, and Long After Dark with more bars continuously being set up. Boran House was set up in 2020 and offers special and live music.

Salsa and dancing events also take place at Azure Bar and Grill and Alchemy.

For fans of craft beer, Long After Dark, Cakes and Craft and a handful of other bars have started offering batches of local and regional craft beers and drinks from local distillers.

Off St.155 is an alleyway with bars and restaurants that is busy on the weekends and in the evenings. Le Petanque bar is the most popular (French-inspired) bar in the alley.

There are easily accessible public transportation options for you within the capital and in Tuol Tom Poung 1.

Cambodia’s tuk-tuk or the remork-moto is a carriage attached to a motorcycle and are popular while newer smaller tuk-tuks have also entered the market in recent years and are popular with a number of ride-hailing apps which are commonly used in Phnom Penh (PasApp and Grab are two examples). Motodops (or motorbike taxis) are also common. There are many near Russian Market and on the street corners in the area.

Taxis are also alternatives for commuters. In TTP, finding these forms of public transportation should be relatively easy during the day and at night. The Phnom Penh public bus system also has a range of routes nearby.

Private buses and taxis are also alternatives for commuters and can be arranged via the many hotels and guesthouses in the area, or through the apps and online booking sites.

The airport is about 30-40 minutes away from Tuol Tom Poung 1 and there are many ways to be transported to/from the airport. Vehicles can be pre-booked or simply taken from the airport to get to TTP. Most taxi and tuk tuk drivers will recognise the name Russian Market or Tuol Tom Poung 1.

As Toul Tum Poung 1 has grown in popularity for western expats in particular, and it appeals to Cambodia’s young middle class Khmers, there is an eclectic choice of eating, drinking and socializing in the area which makes it incredibly popular. There is a real neighbourhood feel to the Russian Market area.

This also means that a great convenient number of tailors, grocery stores and markets are within walking distance. Three of the most popular butchers which are more tailored for the western market are within Toul Tum Poung 1 too (or nearby)- Dan Meats, Super Meats and Strokesys Meat.

Accommodation is still more affordable in Toul Tum Poung 1 than BKK1 or Tonle Bassac, and although the choices may not be as modern, there is a great selection of ground floor apartments, converted shophouses and smaller residential complexes with taller and bigger residential blocks under construction.

There are also fantastic sporting facilities in the Toul Tum Poung 1 area or nearby, including gyms (Core Explore and Kevens Gym), indoor rock climbing at Phnom Climb, crossfit (Amatak) and mixed martial arts etc.

All of these factors, combined with renewed modernisation, make Toul Tum Poung 1 a hotbed of activity and one of the most desired areas of Phnom Penh for expats.