Check out Cambodia’s most spectacular Christmas trees this festive season
Our Guide to Cambodia's Finest Christmas Trees
Whilst Cambodia is predominately a Buddhist nation, the local people do embrace the celebrations of the traditional western festive season. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap you will find many venues, streets and parks adorned with festive decorations and lights, all of which attract crowds of locals with children wearing mini Santa suits eager to get a family picture taken. Shopping malls and office atriums become features of a winter wonderland, a stark contrast to the tropical climate!
Most businesses and especially hotels line their halls with festive decorations but none quite as impressive or remarkable as the Christmas trees at Jaya House River Park, Raffles Grand D’Angkor Siem Reap, and Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh. Jaya House is renowned for artistic and poignant Christmas trees and this year they have certainly not disappointed. This year the Jaya House River Park Christmas tree has been inspired by the recent events and struggles of Siem Reap and the world – a tree that inspires hope and recovery, and truly an ethereal piece of art dedicated to the tenacity, patience and resilience of the human spirit.
The piece comprises 24,000 tiny matt-black stones with one ruby red stone, individually hand-painted and carefully hung in formation using recycled fishing net wire. The tree surrounds the living cannonball tree which is a feature of the main dining area of this striking hotel. The stepped structure draws upwards through a double-height skylight to symbolize the dissipating darkness of unprecedented times. A closer look at the piece and you will notice amongst the twenty-four thousand stones hangs one glimmering single ruby red stone, representing the shining light and beating heart of a universal community united on a path and road to recovery. Taking a massive three months with three staff working full time to complete, this is a Christmas tree of peace, hope and remembrance and one that signifies a deeper meaning.
Raffles Grand D’Angkor and Raffles Le Royal are also well known for their opulent and traditional style Christmas trees. What makes them unique is the fact that they are imported from The Netherlands, travelling halfway across the globe to be decorated with stunning festive trinkets. Raffles have a calendar of festive events and in Siem Reap it all kicks off on the 24th November with lighting of the Christmas Tree, an event with mulled wine, festive high tea, gingerbread making class and Christmas carols.
In Phnom Penh the tree lighting event will take place on 1st December. Throughout December both properties will hold special events including outdoor screenings of Christmas movies at Raffles Le Royal on the 17th & 18th December. If you are looking for the ultimate traditional Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch you cannot miss either Raffles D’Angkor or Raffles Le Royal – both have famous champagne fueled dinners and brunches with all the Christmas trimmings.