On Saturday 17 October 2026, as Cambodia enters the sacred final days of the Khmer Buddhist observance of Pchum Ben, Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap will host one of the largest private peace blessings located within a Cambodian boutique hotel setting.
At sunset, more than 500 Buddhist monks are expected to gather in a candlelit procession for an evening of prayer, reflection and blessing – an event dedicated to peace, compassion and hope for future generations.
For Cambodians, Pchum Ben is among the most spiritually important periods of the entire Buddhist calendar. Across the country, families gather at pagodas before dawn to honour ancestors, offer prayers and perform acts of generosity and merit-making. Temples glow with candlelight, chants echo through the night air and communities come together in quiet reflection and remembrance.
As dusk settles over Siem Reap, hundreds of saffron-robed monks will walk in silence through pathways illuminated by thousands of candles, lotus flowers and incense before gathering for a large-scale evening blessing unlike anything traditionally seen within a boutique hotel environment.
The evening will also feature a rare performance by the Sacred Dancers of Angkor, whose graceful interpretations of ancient Khmer dance traditions have become internationally recognised for preserving Cambodia’s spiritual and artistic heritage. Their performance will accompany the ceremony with classical movements inspired by temple carvings, mythology and centuries of Khmer storytelling.
“At a time when luxury hospitality is often defined by excess, we wanted to create something rooted in meaning,” said Christian de Boer, Managing Director of Jaya House River Park. “This evening is not about performance. It is about creating a moment of peace, cultural respect and human connection while honouring the spiritual traditions that remain at the heart of Cambodia.”
The ceremony will also support local pagodas, community initiatives and ongoing environmental programmes connected to the hotel’s long-standing sustainability efforts in Siem Reap.
Guests attending the evening are respectfully requested to observe an elegant white dress code in keeping with the spiritual significance of the ceremony. White attire symbolises peace, purity and respect within many Buddhist traditions and will create a unified candlelit atmosphere throughout the evening. Traditional Khmer-inspired attire and refined formalwear in white or soft neutral tones are encouraged. Out of respect for the monks and the religious nature of the gathering, revealing clothing, loud colours and casual beachwear are kindly discouraged.
Known internationally for its focus on meaningful luxury, Khmer cultural preservation and sustainability, Jaya House River Park has become recognised not only as one of Southeast Asia’s leading boutique hotels, but also for creating immersive experiences that connect travellers more deeply with Cambodia itself.
As hundreds of candles illuminate the gardens and the sound of Buddhist chanting rises into the night sky, the evening aims to offer something increasingly rare in modern travel: stillness, authenticity and remembrance.
