Three massive events collide in Siem Reap, Cambodia from 3 – 10 December this year, and if you’re good at planning, you can definitely partake in them all. The Angkor Photo Festival, the Kindness Festival and the Angkor Marathon are all taking place in Siem Reap in early December. For regular and new Siem Reap visitors alike, this is a fantastic time to get even closer to the magic of this up-and-coming little town.
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.
The Angkor Photo Festival
When is it? December 3 – 10, 2016
The 12th Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops will be held this year from 3rd – 10th December 2016 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The longest-running photography event in Southeast Asia, the annual Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops is a free international platform and educational resource for established and emerging photographers. The week-long event features exhibitions, outdoor projections, professional workshops, and outreach activities.
The Kindness Festival
When is it? December 4 – 9, 2016
A Hawaii-based festival maker, photographer and ‘Burner’ who has made millions for charity in partnership with Getty Photo is now bringing a slice of that magic to Siem Reap!
The first Kindness Festival Cambodia embodies a mission to create an environment where empowered learning, youth activations, wellness practices, spiritual transformation, and immersion into kindness and compassion are accessible to all. Attendees will engage in varied rituals, potentially lost music exchanges with elders and youth, lectures, dance, meditation, art, wellness treatments, communal celebrations, Cambodian ceremonies, films, visits to sacred sites and inspiring talks from spiritual and community leaders, and other special events too.
The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
When is it? December 4, 2016
The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is one of the world’s most popular half marathons. Held in December every year, this year the Angkor Marathon falls on Sunday 4 December. The marathon offers 5 categories for runners of all abilities, ranging from 21 km in distance down to a 3 km open family run. Funds raised by the event go to supporting landmine survivors in Cambodia.
Are You Lucky Enough to Also Be In Siem Reap This November?Â
Then you definitely need to check out Water Festival (Bon Om Touk). Celebrations take place to mark the Bon Om Touk in towns and villages all over Cambodia. It’s common for Cambodians to make spiritual offerings to give thanks and bring good luck, and also to prefer a special feast of celebratory festival dishes, like the famous Cambodian speciality amok, a steamed fish curry.
And there are plenty of festivities to mark the Water Festival right here in our own Siem Reap, too. The Siem Reap river will see large-scale boat races and illuminated processions on 13 and 15 November, which will undoubtedly attract large crowds and a carnival atmosphere.
Read our article about the Water Festival here.
Where to stay in Siem Reap
Need a Siem Reap hotel from which to explore the marathon and festivals? We’re close to the best cafés, coffee shops and nightlife that Siem Reap has to offer, while also being within easy reach of the famous Angkor Wat temples! Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel is waiting for you – click here to take a look at our relaxing rooms, all with free breakfast and use of our gorgeous swimming pool.
Are we missing any Siem Reap events happening in December? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add them to this post!