Raffles Cambodia Marks the Holiday Season with Elegance and Warmth  Christmas and New Year festivities come to life in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Raffles in Cambodia will celebrate the holidays with a host of extraordinary dining experiences and memorable festivities at its two historic hotels that blend Raffles’ signature elegance with the warmth and timeless traditions of the season.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh will each present a distinctive calendar of events, inviting guests and the local community to mark Christmas and ring in the New Year with style and sophistication.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor kicked off the season with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 28. Guests and the local community gathered in the hotel’s gardens for an evening filled with live performances, traditional carols and the special moment when the grand Christmas tree came alive with thousands of twinkling lights.

The luxury hotel, now in its 93rd year, transforms into a spellbinding fairytale inspired by Hansel and Gretel this holiday season. Glittering lights, evergreen wreaths and whimsical decorations evoke the enchantment of a gingerbread forest, turning every corridor and courtyard into a living storybook where elegance meets holiday wonder. At the heart of the lobby stands a life-size gingerbread house, welcoming guests into a world brimming with seasonal spirit.

Throughout December, numerous special festive experiences are on offer. Young guests can join the hotel’s pastry chefs on Dec. 13 for a fun-filled gingerbread-making class, crafting and decorating their own edible creations. On Dec. 18, the hotel will host an event to celebrate a new art collection on display featuring works inspired by Khmer royalty and the hotel’s iconic Royal Doorman. The evening includes an exclusive gin tasting, artist meet-and-greet and wine-and-canapé reception.

The grand lobby will resonate with the voices of the Children’s Choir of Siem Reap on Dec. 21, while a festive afternoon tea—reimagined with seasonal flavours and holiday sweets—is served daily amid the shimmering décor. For those seeking rejuvanation, the Raffles Spa offers a restorative Holiday Ritual throughout the month, including a luxurious body polish followed by a Traditional Swedish Massage.

The hotel has also announced several extraordinary dining experiences. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Executive Sous Chef Dorn Doeurt will present a refined seven-course tasting menu at 1932, weaving Cambodia’s rich heritage into innovative dishes made with the finest local ingredients. Café d’Angkor offers a special four-course festive menu of international seasonal specialities, while an extravagant Christmas Day brunch is highlighted by roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, live jazz and optional free-flow wine, cocktails and Champagne.

The season builds to a crescendo on New Year’s Eve with Siem Reap’s most spectacular poolside soirée, featuring exquisite cuisine, mesmerising performances by Phare Circus and a breathtaking fireworks display welcoming 2026.

Throughout the festive season, the iconic Elephant Bar will pour traditional Glühwein and handcrafted holiday cocktails made with rare spirits and seasonal artistry.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s “Christmas Escape Package” includes a stay in newly renovated luxurious accommodation, daily Champagne breakfast for two, and access to the exclusive Raffles Resort Programme.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

The legendary Raffles Hotel Le Royal, now in its 96th year, opens its doors to a season of memorable celebrations that blend signature elegance with the genuine warmth of togetherness. From heartwarming family moments to refined gastronomic journeys and dazzling New Year festivities, every experience is crafted to create lasting memories.

The festive calendar begins with fun-filled hands-on workshops at Le Phnom 1929. On Dec. 7, guests craft personalised Christmas cards, gift labels and tree decorations. A Decorate Your Home Floral Series on Dec. 7 teaches professional techniques for stunning holiday arrangements to take home, while little ones (and the young at heart) decorate gingerbread men with the pastry team on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. On Dec. 21, the Writers Bar hosts a refined Festive Afternoon Tea accompanied by live Christmas carols.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal will host several exclusive dining experiences this festive season. Throughout December (except Dec. 25), a sophisticated three-course festive set lunch showcases seasonal ingredients and brasserie classics at Le Phnom 1929. Christmas Eve brings a lavish buffet with free-flow drinks at Le Phnom 1929 alongside an intimate five-course dinner at Restaurant Le Royal.

Christmas Day unfolds with a grand lobby brunch of fresh seafood, live carvery, artisanal cheeses, hand-crafted desserts and the voices of a children’s choir, followed by an opulent dinner buffet of oysters, premium seafood, roasted lamb, foie gras and decadent sweets.

New Year’s Eve offers a range of celebrations: a gastronomic five-course dinner at Restaurant Le Royal, a lavish buffet at Le Phnom 1929 with premium roasts and live entertainment, and an exciting Countdown Party at Empress Room featuring a live DJ, signature cocktails, free-flow Champagne and gourmet bites beneath the stars.

The luxury hotel’s “Magical Festive Escape” stay package, valid through Jan. 31, 2026, includes daily Champagne breakfast, a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment for two, daily afternoon tea, a room category upgrade (subject to availability) and early check-in/late check-out until 4 p.m. (subject to availability).

Throughout the holidays, The Raffles Spa offers a 90-minute Le Royal Signature Khmer Massage with a complimentary Festive Negroni at Elephant Bar—and a second treatment brings 30% off, along with another cocktail.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal looks forward to welcoming guests to a season of cherished traditions, refined indulgence and joyful memories in the heart of Phnom Penh.

For more information on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/. For Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor to Host Exclusive ‘World of Sake’ Dining Experience Guest Chef Michael Pataran will help craft a 5-course sake-pairing dinner on Aug. 22

SIEM REAP, Cambodia – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic heritage hotel in Cambodia, will host an exclusive five-course, sake-pairing dinner later this month at its acclaimed Khmer fine dining restaurant 1932.

The special “four-hands” dinner, served on Aug. 22, will feature distinctive culinary creations prepared by Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s Executive Sous Chef Dorn Doeurt and guest Chef Michael Pataran. The “Discover the World of Sake” dining experience will be priced at $70++ per person. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Chef Michael has served as Executive Chef at a number of 5-star hotels and resorts around the world. His unique culinary vision is celebrated for combining contemporary ingredients with traditional Japanese, Chinese and Thai elements. He is also a certified Sake Master.

Some highlights from the “World of Sake” dining experience at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor include a Seafood “Maki” Mosaic featuring local bonito tuna, Nordic salmon, octopus and tiger prawn ballotine in sweet cabbage; along with Kampot pepper- and peanut-crusted Wagyu beef with sautéed chanterelles mushrooms and fondant potato with wild cardamom; and much more.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s acclaimed fine dining restaurant 1932

Earlier this year, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s fine dining restaurant 1932 introduced a series of exclusive multi-course Khmer tasting menus—the first of their kind—offering diners a tantalising introduction to the distinctive flavours of Cambodian cuisine.

The hotel has also unveiled a new ‘Curated Journeys’ menu offering singular excursions including a ‘Bespoke Temple Dinner’ served by candlelight at the temple complex of Angkor; a ‘Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa’ tour, where the ancient world meets the here-and-now; and ‘Meet the Elephants of Angkor’, a memorable visit to an elephant sanctuary where guests can get up close with gentle giants; among others.

The 92-year-old luxury hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Siem Reap was named one of the world’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ by Travel + Leisure in April for a third-straight year. It originally opened as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers exploring the kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For more information on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, or to make a booking, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Executive Sous Chef Dorn Doeurt

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Launches Multi-Course Khmer Tasting Menus at 1932

SIEM REAP, Cambodia — Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has unveiled a series of exclusive multi-course Khmer tasting menus—the first of their kind—offering diners at 1932 restaurant a tantalizing introduction to the distinctive flavors of Cambodian cuisine.

The tasting menus are the creation of Executive Sous Chef Dorn Doeurt, affectionately known as Chef DD, a veteran Khmer culinary expert. The Siem Reap native is well-versed in the intricacies of the national cuisine, including both authentic Royal Khmer cuisine and modern Khmer gastronomy.

“I’ve designed these menus as the perfect introduction to Khmer cuisine, spotlighting premium fresh local produce. We source local meat and fish, spices, chocolate and other ingredients to create distinctive dishes that even the most discerning foodies will agree make them a new ‘must-experience’ on the culinary map of Southeast Asia,” Chef DD says.

Amok Tre Prel from the new “1990s” tasting menu

The tasting menus are categorized by decades/periods, including the 1930s (“The Reign of King Sisowath Norodom” priced at $80++), 1950s (“The Grand Renaissance” priced at $50++), 1960s (“The Golden Age” priced at $60++) and 1990s (“The Raffles Grand Legacy” priced at $120++). All are offered with an optional wine pairing and dishes can also be ordered à la carte.

Pleah Salmon from the new “1990s” tasting menu

Highlights from the signature “Raffles Grand Legacy” multi-course tasting menu include Phlea Salmon with lemongrass, coriander and spicy lime sorbet; Duck Consommé with straw mushrooms, eggplant and morning glory; 1932 Fish Amok, a restaurant signature, with Kroeung curry paste, coconut milk and black sticky rice; “Char Kdao” Angus Tenderloin with hot basil, green beans and sweet potato; Cambodian Cheese, including Tomme of Bokor, brie and Kampot camembert; Colonel, featuring a lime sorbet with Elephant Bar gin; and Chocolate and Ginger Truffles with passionfruit, coconut and palm sugar caramel.

“The extraordinary new tasting menus at Raffles’ 1932 celebrate the vibrant flavors and cultural heritage of Cambodian cuisine and provide it with a global stage, where it will surely attract many new fans,” said Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by the industry-leading Travel + Leisuremagazine in April. The historic hotel was also honored as one of Cambodia’s finest—with special recognition for its swimming pool and spa—in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.

The 91-year-old luxury hotel is on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia and is considered a national treasure. Originally opened in 1932, the hotel was built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For more information on dining at Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please call +855 63 963 888 or email dining.grandhotel@raffles.com.

Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Host Exclusive International Champagne Sabrage Ritual

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The worldwide organization dedicated to the noble art of Champagne sabrage will host two exclusive events in Cambodia next month with 5-star Raffles hotels, including at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and, for the first time ever, at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.

Confrérie du Sabre d’Or is internationally renowned among Champagne aficionados for the ritual, which involves severing the top of the bottle with a sword. Champagne sabrage dates to the era of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who is said to have cherished a drink of Champagne from bottles newly opened with a military saber after every winning battle.

Raffles is the only establishment in Cambodia where one can experience the official ceremony and has scheduled two exclusive events in March.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s Restaurant Le Royal on Friday, March 17 will serve a special four-course French menu with Champagne pairing priced at $145++ per person. Each guest is invited to saber a bottle of Champagne and officially join the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or. This will mark the second time the ceremony has been held at the hotel; the first occurred in 2019.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor on Sunday, March 19 will host the ceremony for the first time ever, with a luxurious brunch at Café d’Angkor including live music. The event is priced from $55++ per person or $95++ with free flow Champagne.

Established more than 200 years ago by stylish young French military officers, the traditional sabrage ceremony will be conducted by the Grand Master of La Confrérie du Sabre d’Or in the historic Raffles properties.

The master holds a bottle of Champagne by the heel, then slides his or her sword up and down the neck of the bottle to warm it. Then, in a single smooth movement, the master accelerates his or her arm forward, sliding the saber firmly along the neck of the bottle and—hopefully—decapitating the ring, or top neck of the bottle, and sending a gush of Champagne all over the floor and sometimes fellow guests.

For more information on this special event at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please call +855 23 981 888 or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com. For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please call +855 63 963 888 or emaildining.grandhotel@raffles.com. Or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/ or www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

ABOUT RAFFLES   

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Reopens to the World
The iconic hotel has returned with its refreshed new look, offering guests a compelling mix of culture, heritage and charming hospitality.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, one of the most iconic heritage properties in Southeast Asia, reopens its doors to guests on 1st June 2022 for the first time in almost three years.

First opened in 1932 and widely celebrated as La Grande Dame de Angkor, the hotel has been welcoming discerning travellers and famous faces – from Charlie Chaplin to Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama – to the historic heart of Cambodia for almost ninety years.

The hotel underwent a delicate transformation in 2019 with rooms and suites receiving a meticulous facelift before the global pause in travel. The guestrooms feature lighter and brighter interiors as well as the addition of Segafredo coffee machines, USB charging stations and Simmons pillow-top mattresses. The French windows, which swing open to views of street scenes or the plantation-style grounds of the hotel, have been upgraded, and each room now has a writing desk and vintage rotary telephone, thanks in part to the added floor space created by removing cabinets and replacing them with built-in wardrobes. All bathrooms have also been upgraded with new Italian tiling and rain showers. The traditional ceiling fans remain, as well as the beautiful views of the Royal Gardens or the resort’s iconic swimming pool.

It is a magnificent feeling to bring this enchanting hotel back to life,” said General Manager Dennis de Groot. “The Grand Hotel is a national treasure, and its storied history is testament to Cambodia’s colourful past. It was originally built as a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat. As we prepare to celebrate the hotel’s 90th anniversary this year, we are delighted that this hotel can continue to set the standard for luxury hospitality, where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family”.

Returning guests will notice that the famous façade and entire exterior of the hotel now shines white, rather than its former cream-beige hue which was the colour of French colonial architecture across Indochina.

1932 Restaurant

Named after the year that Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor first opened, 1932 is the hotel’s latest signature restaurant, proudly inheriting the honour to serve traditional Royal Khmer cuisine for a unique dining experience.

Another fresh addition to the hotel is the Raffles Marquee, an elegant events centre situated within 15-acres of lush French gardens that plays host to everything from Khmer performances and fashion shows to wedding receptions and business conferences. This fully air-conditioned marquee offers a truly unique setting for sophisticated events in the enchanting town of Siem Reap.

Traditionalists can rest assured that the hotel’s original teak and wrought iron cage elevator remains, as does the vintage ambience of the Elephant Bar and the checker-tiled lobby, which over the decades has witnessed a guest list of royalty, film stars, writers and artists.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is situated a mere 20-minute drive to the doorway of the UNESCO Heritage temples of Angkor. To allow guests to explore more of the fascinating destination, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offers an enticing series of Raffles Curated Journeys and Resort Programs designed to infuse local experiences with worldly elegance. Guests can explore the ancient Angkor Archaeological Park on an iconic Vespa, before being one of the first travellers of the day to enter the temple. Embark on a local tuk-tuk tour for a journey through the Silk Road of Angkor, visiting the beautiful Banteay Srei Temple and Golden Silk Farm. Food aficionados can taste Siem Reap on an exclusive Culinary Hidden Gems, while shopaholics saunter Siem Reap’s Kandal Village neighbourhood with the assistance of a Raffles Butler, and culture lovers can enjoy a majestic performance of Cambodian dances in the Apsara Terrace.

Within the resort grounds, guests can take part in on-site activities including monk blessings, Angkor Sling masterclasses, botanical and culinary garden tours, and a tour with the hotel’s resident historian.

Designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard in a style that combines Khmer art and furnishings with Art Deco influences, the Grand Hotel first opened in 1932 with just 63 rooms, all with private bathrooms – a revelation in its day. The property, along with its sister heritage hotel, Le Royal, in Phnom Penh, was taken over by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International in 1997 at the invitation of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk.

The move to reopen on 1st June comes at a time when Cambodia has removed all major travel restrictions. The country was widely praised for its handling of the pandemic and its effective vaccine program.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was recognized this year by US magazine Travel + Leisure as among the top 500 hotels in the world.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and its sister Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom are part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 5,300 hotels and residences across 110 countries. For reservations or enquiries to Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, call +855 23 982 598 or email bookus.siemreap@raffles.com. Rooms at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor start at $350+++ per night.