Welcome to May’s edition of our monthly events roundup. Each month, we feature the latest and best Siem Reap events in our magazine. So check back regularly or follow our Facebook page to get the latest updates about upcoming events in town!
Phare Circus has announced the month’s show schedule. Book now for the Cambodian circus’s dynamic and high-octane performances in ‘Khmer Metal’ or ‘Eclipse’, a story of rejection and revenge, all delivered with their customary show-stopping exuberance.
Made in Cambodia Market invites you to enjoy free, regular live shows at the performance space amid the colorful craft stalls. The events this month include traditional dance displays on Saturday evenings and live music on Friday evenings. Check the schedule here and drop by!
On May 10 and May 24, artists from Phare, the Cambodian Circus will perform at the Made In Cambodia Market. If you haven’t seen the shows yet, or if you’re a fan, make sure you’re in the neighborhood at 4:30 pm on these days. On May 26th at 5 pm, you’re invited to watch the Bokator performance by The Green Gecko Project team.
Early Bird discounts are on offer for registrations made this month for the 23rd Annual Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 2nd December. Thousands of marathon enthusiasts from around the world will converge on Siem Reap for this event, with the route winding through the beautiful jungles and temple ruins of Angkor. To run and raise vital funds for Angkor Hospital for Children, take advantage of 20% discount on registration fees here, until June 1.
Public Holidays
May 1 – International Labour Day: A day to celebrate the economic and social achievements made by the workforce.
May 3 – Royal Ploughing Ceremony: An ancient royal rite held in many Asian countries, the date marks the traditional beginning of the rice planting and growing season.
May 13-15 – King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday: HM King Norodom Sihamoni was born on May 14, 1953. Cambodians celebrate this two-day public holiday to honour their leader, who has became monarch in October 2004.
May 20 – National Day of Remembrance: This newly-instated public holiday is to “respect and pray for the victims who passed away from Democratic Kampuchea regime”, according to the recently signed sub-decree.
Social Calendar
May 1: Traditional Herbal Workshop
Explore the medicinal and spiritual benefits of a variety of herbs in this workshop lasting 90 minutes. Make your own herb ball, wrapped in cotton, to use during massage. Learn more about the effects of the herbs’ aromas and their uses in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Where: Blue Indigo Yoga Retreat, Psa Gney, Siem Reap
When: May 1, 10.00 – 11.30am
Cost: $25
More info: Facebook Event
May 4: Pub Quiz for ABCs & Rice at Rosy Guesthouse
Be in with a chance to win some great prizes at this fun pub quiz, hosted by Matt and Ada. Join the quiz, enter the raffle and enjoy the consolation prize if you lose! Entry fees, raffle proceeds and any donations on the night go to ABCs & Rice, which offers free education, nutrition and health care to vulnerable children in Siem Reap.
Where: Rosy Guest house, East River Road, Siem Reap
When: May 4, 8pm
Cost: $1 entry
More info: Facebook Event
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
Join the team at The Republic for the best Cinco de Mayo party in town! Enjoy special one-night-only Latin cuisine, 50c beer and a great mix of sounds from Colombia to Central America, Mexico, Vegas & Miami! Arriba!
Where: The Republic, Sala Kamreuk Road , Siem Reap
When: May 5, 5-11pm
Cost: as per consumption
More info: Facebook Event
May 6: Grasshopper Community Bike Ride
This community bike ride for all takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Ride together at a steady pace, covering an estimated 30-40km.
Where: Meeting point is at Grasshopper Adventure Shop, Street 26
When: May 6, 7.30am – 11am
Cost: Free to ride. Bike hire is £5, booking your bike is essential. No Temple Pass required.
More info: Facebook
May 11-13: I Am What I Am – Cambodia Pride
May sees Siem Reap celebrating Cambodia Pride Week – I Am What I Am, with several events lined up from May 11-13 (and from 16 – 21 in Phnom Penh). Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming article or check the I Am What I Am Facebook page for the latest updates.
Where: All over Siem Reap
When: May 11 – 13
More info: Coming soon!
May 12: Exclusive Six Course Wine Dinner with Chef Jean-Yves Guého.
Indulge in a luxurious and splendid wine dinner prepared by Jean-Yves Guého, Michelin Star Chef from France. Guého crafted an authentic French Cuisine menu with wine pairing.
Do not miss this exclusive dinner in The Sanctuary, at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, our wine room, and purchase his recipe book personalized for you!
Where: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
When: May 12, 7pm
Cost: $100 nett per person
More info: Facebook Event
May 13: Community Eco Fair
Get your green on at Siem Reap’s monthly Community Eco Fair – brought to you by Rehash Trash & Plastic Free Cambodia. Join the eco-lifestyle movement and learn about the amazing environmental & socially-responsible work going on around town and beyond. Get creative with fun recycling workshops & craft demos, shop for ethical, fair-trade crafts and healthy, organic produce, relax in a family-friendly garden, with face-painting for the kids, and recycle your unwanted materials.
Where: The Republic
When: May 13, 12pm – 6pm
More info: Facebook Event
May 13: BBQ fundraiser for APTBY
Join Rambutan Resort for a delicious all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch, to help raise funds for A Place To be Yourself, as part of the Cambodian Pride Week in Siem Reap.
Where: Rambutan Resort
When: May 13, 1pm – 3pm
Cost: $18 nett per person (A special rate of $10 nett per person applies for Cambodians.)
More info: Facebook Event
May 19: Pirats book e-launch
Fans of Apopo’s HeroRATS will love this new Pirats story book. Profits go direct to the Hero Rats, whose inspiring work includes recognising Tuberculosis outbreaks, to land mine detection, including here in Cambodia.
Join the author’s Facebook event for the e-launch, and attendees will receive a sample chapters of the new book telling the tale of adventurous Rip the rat, as well as a free link to “Ship Rats”, the first in Rhian Waller’s rat-themed trilogy. The book itself will be available on Amazon following its online launch.
Where: Online
When: May 19, 8pm
Cost: free to attend
More info: Facebook Event
May 20: Discovery Brunch – New menu at Bayon Pastry School
Bayon pastry school is diversifying and invites you to discover its new savoury menu. The Bayon students will use their best recipes to tempt lunch time customers with delicious quiches, cakes, paninis, tartines and cold soups. By testing the students’ savoury menu, you support underprivileged young women to come out of poverty.
Where: Bayon Pastry School Coffee Shop, Taphul Village, Siem Reap
When: May 20, 10am – 2pm
Cost: as per new menu
More info: Facebook
May 29: Taste Art and Cocktails feat. Jack de Marseille
Party people pay attention, this is a night not to be missed! Legendary French DJ Jack de Marseille will be playing in Siem Reap on Tuesday 29th May. Why not make a night out of it and join our very first group Taste Tour. Visit some of Siem Reap’s most exciting galleries and bars with drinks and dinner included along the way, make some new friends and end the night dancing to arguably the most famous DJ to have ever played in temple town.
Where: Theam’s House, One Eleven Gallery, Miss Wong, and The Village Cafe.
When: May 29, 5:30pm-late
Cost: $47 per person
More info: Facebook
May 30: Open Air Cinema *Diamond Island*
Come watch a poignant movie directed by Davy Chou that follows an adolescent leaving rural Cambodia to become a construction worker and reuniting with his missing older brother. By attending this event, you support a great cause and help underprivileged young women to come out of poverty. To register, send a private message to Bayon Pastry School’s Facebook page and specify which option you’d like ($8 or $5).
- $8 donation will give you access to: 1 seat to watch the movie, 1 original fish Amok, 1 soft drink and 1 piece of pumpkin custard (a Khmer dessert dish consisting of a coconut custard steam-baked in a pumpkin).
- $5 donation will give you access to: 1 seat to watch the movie, 1 soft drink and 1 piece of pumpkin custard.
Where: Bayon Pastry School Coffee Shop, Taphul Village, Siem Reap
When: May 30, 7.30-10.30pm
Cost: choose between the $5 or $8 options above
More info: Facebook
Weekly Events in May
There’s always something going on in town. Get the scoop on Siem Reap’s regular weekly events below:
Every Monday: Cultural Dinner & Performance at Park Hyatt
What’s the deal? Enjoy an enchanted evening at the beautiful courtyard with performances from the elegant Apsara dancers (every Monday and Friday), and Bokator, Cambodian martial arts (every Wednesday and Sunday). Executive Chef Pisith has created a set menu based on traditional Khmer recipes.
Set menus from $28++ per person, A la carte also available.
Where: Park Hyatt’s Courtyard
When: Mondays 7pm – 8pm (also available on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays)
More info: For reservations, please call +855 632 1234 or [email protected]
Every Tuesday: Happy Hour at The Aviary Hotel
What’s the deal? Get your drinks at half price during happy hour at The Glide Bar. This is your chance to try the Jungle Bird and the Canary 75, the hotel’s signature cocktails.
Where: The Aviary Hotel Siem Reap, #09 Tep Vong Street
When: Tuesdays 5pm – 6pm (also available on all other days)
More info: Facebook
Every Wednesday: All night happy hour at Picasso Bar
What’s the deal? Buy one get one free on all Cocktails and freshly made Sangria – all evening!
Where: Picasso Bar, Alley West
When: Wednesdays
More info: Facebook
Every Thursday: …?
Organizing a weekly event on Thursdays? Let us know and this spot is yours! 😉
Every Friday: Wine, Tapas & Live Music at Sofitel Fridays
What’s the deal? Sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail whilst enjoying live-acoustic guitar music.
Where: Explorer’s Tales Bar, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
When: Fridays 6pm – 9pm
More info: Facebook
Every Saturday: PARTY ALL NIGHT on Courtyard Marriott’s Upperdeck
What’s the deal? Admire an amazing sunset, enjoy breathtaking views, taste wines and cocktails every Saturdays at the newest rooftop bar in Siem Reap, Upperdeck!
Where: Courtyard Marriott
When: Saturdays, 8pm – 1am
More info: Facebook
Every Sunday: Miami Pool Sessions at Lub d Hostel
What’s the deal? Chill out and cool down by the pool at Miami Pool Sessions! Enjoy half price cocktails ALL DAY at The Little Red Fox Bar & Cafe at Lub d plus free access to the pool and poolside games, while relaxing to tropical house, disco and hip hop tunes!
Where: Lub d Hostel
When: Sundays, 2pm – 8pm
More info: Facebook
Daily Events in May
During May and June Sojourn Boutique Villas is exclusively hosting wellness specialist Joao Patrocinio. Specialising in Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, Traditional Thai Massage and Reflexology Foot Massage, Joao brings a host of skills and knowledge, that he acquired from The Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School in Bangkok and the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Institute from India. Sojourn is offering full use of their pool when you book any treatment with Joao. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Organizing an Event in Siem Reap?
Feel free to let us know, so that we can consider including it in this or the upcoming article for June 2018. Get in touch through the contact form or send us a PM on our Facebook page.
