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Art & Culture Blog Siem Reap  - December 2, 2016

Your Guide to Siem Reap: December 2016

There’s plenty happening in Siem Reap in the run-up to Christmas and New Year! Here’s just a small selection of the events taking place in our charming little town. Keep an eye on our social media channels for the latest announcements – plus, don’t miss our special post on these must-see events at the start of December.

Planning to stay with us at Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel? The secret when booking is to book direct! Book your stay at Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel direct on our website and enjoy:

  • The best deals on tours and transport
  • Savings on extra services
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We look forward to seeing you soon! Or kun cheran.

Your Guide to Siem Reap in December 2016 - photo by Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel

Thursday 01 December

Out of the Darkness at Constable Gallery at Large
The contemporary Constable Gallery at Large sits in Kandal Village, one of our favourite areas of all Siem Reap. This exhibition, running until 14 February 2017, features the work of five Cambodian artists, including four from the Romcheik 5 gallery in Battambang.
6pm; www.bit.ly/constableoutofdarkness

Friday 02 December

Shelter at The Aviary
The Aviary Hotel hosts Battambang artist Channy Chhoeun’s first solo exhibition, Shelter, showcasing bright watercolour, oil and acrylic work depicting birds that are in trouble due to environmental changes.
7pm; www.bit.ly/aviaryshelter

Saturday 03 December

Angkor Photo Festival Launch Party at the Festival Zone, Amansara Resort
The 12th Angkor Photo Festival will be launched in style with this kick-off party with live music by Amok Soul Project, film screenings, and the first look at the work of 22 photographers being showcased at this year’s festival.
5.30pm; www.angkor-photo.com

Sunday 04 December

Angkor Marathon
The 21st Angkor Wat International Half Marathon 2016 charity race supports Cambodian landmine survivors, and the five categories range from a challenging 21km down to a three-kilometre open family run. If you’re not taking part, you can still head along to spectate – we recommend getting a spot.
6am; www.angkormarathon.org

Post-Marathon Candlelight Recovery Yoga at Baby Elephant
Whether you’ve run the race or you’re simply feeling exhausted by all that strenuous spectator action, join us at Baby Elephant for a relaxing candlelight yoga session with our fabulous yogi Melissa. This recovery class will help ease those aching joints and loosen you up to enjoy the rest of your time in Siem Reap – then join us for a calming cup of herbal tea, and perhaps some time poolside.
5.30pm

Move With Kindness at Kindness Festival Cambodia
This opening day of the first ever edition of the Kindness Festival Cambodia will see a collection of workshops focussed on the positive influence of hip-hop culture. Expect to learn about social dance, breakdance, yoga stretches and more – all before ending the evening with the Open Cypher Jam Move with Kindness Dance Party from 8pm, where you can catch Baby Elephant’s very own Adam DJ’ing!
12pm; www.kindnessfestival.org

Tuesday 06 – Thursday 08 December

Navutu Wellness Zone at Kindness Festival Cambodia
On the festival’s third, fourth and fifth days, Siem Reap’s Navutu Dreams resort will be running the Navutu Wellness Zone, where you can indulge in free massages, neuromuscular therapy and reiki. Plus, at 4pm on Wednesday over on the main stage, don’t miss Baby Elephant’s Ilana talking about our approach to ethical employment and hospitality!
2pm; www.kindnessfestival.org

Tuesday 06 December

World Press Photo Discussion Session at The Brothers
As part of the Angkor Photo Festival, the winning images from the annual World Press Photo contest are coming to Siem Reap for an exhibition that runs from 03 December to 16 January at the Festival Zone by Amansara Resort. The competition recognises the most outstanding images from the year’s photojournalism, and in 2016 attracted 82,951 photo entries taken in 128 countries. This one-off afternoon discussion, between World Photography Organisation CEO Scott Gray and World Press Photo’s Laurens Korteweg, looks at the role of awards like these in a photographer’s career.
2pm; www.angkor-photo.com

Sunday 18 December

Christmas Market and Fair at Le Bel Air
Some of Siem Reap’s best artisanal producers and creatives will be showing their wares at this festive market hosted by Belgian restaurant Le Bel Air. It’s the perfect chance to pick up unique Christmas gifts for loved ones, and Le Bel Air will have its impressive range of Belgian beers available, as well as snacks.
10am-4pm; www.bit.ly/belairchristmasmarket16

Siem Reap Food Co-Op Christmas Party
A BBQ, picnic areas, festive atmosphere and Christmas presents to raise funds for Volunteer Building Cambodia’s Community Centre. Wooden Christmas trees for sale, prizes galore and so much more!
Xpm; www.facebook.com/siemreapfoodcoop

Christmas Day (Sunday 25 December)

A Cambodian Christmas Party at Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia - photo by Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel

A Cambodian Christmas Party at Baby Elephant
Celebrate Christmas Day in style with us at Baby Elephant, as we put on a special Christmas BBQ – with a delightful selection of carnivore- and vegan-friendly dishes, freeflow Angkor draft beer and sangria from 5-8pm, and two-for-one cocktails all night. Baby Elephant’s very own DJ Adam Scott will be spinning tunes, our pool will be as inviting as ever, and the night continues with an after-party at the ultra-Cambodian Le Tiem Sra bar just at the end of our lovely lane.
5pm; www.bit.ly/babyelephantcambodianchristmas

What are you up to in Siem Reap this December? Let us know in the comments!