In Siem Reap, the collision of ancient kingdoms and modern culture is no longer just visual, it’s visceral, and increasingly, responsible. At the heart of this evolution stands Christian de Boer, the Dutch-born Managing Director of the stunning Jaya House River Park hotel, who has become a compelling voice in global sustainable tourism.
As an advisor to the UN and UNWTO, Christian is on a mission to rid the industry of single-use plastics, a crusade that saw him take the stage at the UN General Assembly with a bold call for a plastic-free tourism sector. But Christian’s story is not just about podiums; it’s about palms-on change. From planting more trees locally, founding the Made in Cambodia Market to co-launching the global Refill Not Landfill campaign, he has spent his career proving that luxury and responsibility are not opposing forces.
Since he has laid down roots in the Cambodia, de Boer continues to be a modern guardian of sustainable travel in his city. Forget dusty postcards. Today’s Siem Reap is a vibrant tapestry where the whispers of Angkor’s stone giants meet the roar of tuk-tuks, indie cafes, boutique galleries and fine dining. De Boer tells us more about how to make the best of your trip, and discovering that Siem Reap’s modern heartbeat is just as intoxicating as its history.
Your go-to neighbourhood ritual?
I always walk to Jaya House from home each day – I live just on the other side of the river, on a stretch where we have planted thousands of trees over the years. The yearly changes are dramatic, and the area has become one of the most beautiful parts of town – residential, culturally rich and scenically beautiful.
Favourite bars in the city?
Miss Wong Cocktail bar, by far! The owner and his staff are fantastic. It’s a very laidback place with a relaxing atmosphere and exemplary service.
Best kept secret in Siem Reap?
Ah, that’s easy! The stunning pagodas dotted around Siem Reap are tranquil havens and sanctuaries in the city. At Jaya House we are lucky to be nearby two of them. It’s so relaxing to walk into the grounds of either pagoda and take a moment of relaxation and mindfulness – always so beautiful and super quiet.
Best restaurants you always visit
That’s a tie between Jomno (modern Khmer cuisine), Cuisine Wat Damnak (Cambodian/French fusion) and Embassy (fine dining Cambodian gastronomy). All three are equally good and with distinctly different moods – and just a few minutes away from Jaya House. Tevy’s Place on Street 26. Fantastic food and a lovely atmosphere – a humble eatery that has become locally and globally famous!
How are you pushing for sustainable and regenerative travel at Jaya House River Park and beyond?
I aim to lead by example, and actually walk-the-talk. Regenerative travel ‘happens’ when a person learns, is inspired, feels good and is amazed by the experience. I visit schools around Siem Reap to give talks to local children, and I attend as many international speaking events and industry panel discussions as possible.
In 2024 I spoke on sustainable tourism at the UN General Assembly in New York, and I’m leading a panel discussion event taking place during London Climate Week this summer.
On the ground, I founded the ‘Refill Not Landfill’ initiative in 2016, eliminating single-use plastic water bottles throughout the hotel. This scheme quickly expanded across Cambodia and internationally and is now implemented in Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar and New Zealand, preventing millions of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills and waterways. Today, it remains our most recognised initiative.
We also show tangible evidence of our work to inspire and empower both locals and guests. We’ve planted thousands of trees in the last ten years, which can be seen along the river in Siem Reap – a contrast to the large chain hotels who show little evidence of their sustainable commitments coming to fruition. We also take part in Siem Reap river clean-up efforts daily.
Likewise, our proprietary Jaya Organics brand is a fully local enterprise – a bathroom and spa amenities collection of environmentally conscious bath products, carefully formulated and handmade in small batches using natural ingredients and botanicals native to the villages around Siem Reap. Guests always praise the authenticity and quality of the range.
Favourite things about Jaya House River Park?
We employ 100% local Khmer staff on a full-time, rather than seasonal, basis. We invest significantly in education, training and long-term career development for our team, ensuring they have opportunities to grow alongside the business. We believe in adapting roles around the capabilities of our staff, creating an inclusive and sustainable working environment. This is what inspires us the most, and where we see the most rewards.
Siem Reap travel has changed in recent years, and much since its fame from the Tomb Raider film. Tell us about the changes and what gives you hope?
Yes, it has certainly changed. There are two main shifts that we’ve observed. Firstly, there’s been a shift away from large format group travel – we’re seeing more solo, independent travellers, who feel more confident travelling alone due to increased connectivity, improved technology, and consumer trust from platforms such as TripAdvisor.
Secondly, we’re seeing more informed and conscious travellers – guests who want to grow culturally, be inspired and learn, and choose Jaya House as a base from which to do so. We are often chosen for its slow approach to travel, we don’t invest in marketing gimmicks, we let the experience do the talking, and guests return time and time again as they feel a lasting connection to our hotel.
Apart from the temples, what do travellers need to see, do and know in Siem Reap?
That’s simple: plan a day of ’nothing’! Take some time to contemplate, experience or simply relax and drink a coffee in the local coffee shops. Angkor Travel Photography is a fantastic company that arranges spectacular photography tours, which I highly recommend.
Favourite art spaces and artists in Siem Reap?
My favourite space is the Made in Cambodia Market – although I am biased as it’s an initiative that I started thirteen years ago! It’s an ethical, fair-trade artisan market in Siem Reap, showcasing 100% locally made, high-quality crafts. Unlike chaotic tourist bazaars, it features fixed, reasonable prices. Many stalls are run by NGOs or social enterprises that provide employment and skills training to vulnerable Cambodians. Whilst I’m not involved anymore, it’s run by a fully Khmer team with the unwavering goal to create much needed jobs in Siem Reap.
We have quite a few artists here in Siem Reap, known as the ‘Artisans D’Angkor’ – all with specific types of art that are spectacular in their own right. I’m a huge admirer of the wildlife painter Mr Channy Chhoeun and environment and city painter Ms Tamara Lunar Venn of the Tamara Venn Art Gallery. I also love visiting Theam’s Gallery, an elegant house museum displaying Khmer artists’ paintings and sculptures, with a tranquil garden and Eric Raisina Haute Texture, an amazingly talented fashion designer.
Where do you go for pure escapism?
Always China – its people and beauty simply blow me away. It’s so progressive in many ways – it’s clean, the people are polite, beautifully dressed, educated and friendly. The culture differs vastly to what I’m used to and it’s an honour to be able to explore and learn more about it.
What’s always in your carry-on?
I always try to take a classic novel when I travel. Classics have a timeless quality that makes them perfect travel companions. They help me slow down and make the trip feel more meaningful..
Favourite hotel you’ve ever stayed at (apart from your own)?
Apart from Jaya House, it would have to be Hotel de la Paix. Although no longer operating, it was a privately owned hotel that became an iconic institution in Siem Reap society.
Favourite gallery or museum in the world?
It would have to be the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. I adore this city and its culture. Every single corner of the city is packed with culture and vibrance – there are far too many museums to see in one trip!
Dream vacation, not yet fulfilled?
The rest of China, Mongolia, New Zealand and Bhutan! So much to do!
