An extraordinary Candlelit Monk Blessing at Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap.

Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a luxury boutique hotel. Located alongside the Siem Reap River, nestled amongst a lush tropical garden. This stylish five-star hotel has 36 rooms, creating an intimate boutique atmosphere; two outdoor pools, a Spa with an award-winning restaurant and on the 17th October, you are invited to Java House River Park as they host a private peace blessing in observance of Pchum Ben. 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.

Pchum Ben is known as Ancestors Day and is a religious festival that combines Buddhists beliefs with Khmer traditions. The festival is a time for reflection and remembrance and lasts for around 15 days. For Cambodians, Pchum Ben is among the most spiritually important periods of the entire Buddhist calendar. Across Cambodia, families will gather at pagodas before dawn to honour ancestors, offering prayers and performing acts of merit-making and bringing offerings. It is one of Cambodia’s most significant and deeply spiritual festivals.

Christian de Boer, Managing Director of Jaya House River Park said, “At a time when luxury hospitality is often defined by excess, we wanted to create something rooted in meaning.” The evening is not about performance; it’s about  “creating a moment of peace, cultural respect and human connection while honouring the spiritual traditions that remain at the heart of Cambodia.”

So on the 17th October 2026 at Java River Park Hotel as the 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. A truly magnificent experience to be part of and witness as you gain a richer appreciation of Pchum Ben.

For those guests attending, it is 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. By observing respectfully, you’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodian traditions.

It’s no surprise that Jaya House River Park Siem Reap is listed among the top 25 hotels in the world for the last four years. The hotel's aesthetic of luxury Cambodian modernism and 1960’s art deco is part of their stylish appeal. Their commitment to creating immersive experiences that connect travellers more deeply with Cambodia itself resonates with guests.

On the 17th October, prepare to be captivated and enlightened 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.  For booking, please go to Hotel Booking Engine