CIR Lifestyle
Lotus Silk Farm is using its Lotus Festival 2026 to showcase how Cambodian craftsmanship can support rural employment, attract luxury partners and help Siem Reap broaden its tourism offer beyond Angkor.
Running through November 25, the festival brings together more than 200 artisans and offers free performances, workshops and demonstrations each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The farm is located about 15 minutes from Angkor.
The programme brings Cambodian artisans from Artisans d’Angkor Living Arts together with French craftspeople from Studio Stocker. The studio is presenting eggshell and beetle-wing inlay to the Cambodian public for the first time, according to the organisers.
Lotus Silk Farm uses the lotus flower to make fibre, textiles, paper and other products. The farm says it works with the plant from flower and stem through to seed and fragrance. It has received a UNESCO Award of Excellence and says it has a partnership with luxury group LVMH.
Awen Delaval, founder and CEO of Lotus Silk Farm: “Cambodian craftsmanship can create meaningful work in rural communities while giving visitors a deeper reason to explore Siem Reap beyond Angkor. Through the Lotus Festival, we want people to meet the artisans, see the skill behind each product and understand how this heritage can connect with international partners and new tourism experiences.”
Craft production creates a tourism draw
The festival is designed to bring visitors closer to the craft process and connect traditional skills with a tourism experience. Daytime activities include workshops, Khmer music, Apsara dance, monk blessings, children’s activities and tasting stalls, with free entry.
The event also highlights how artisan businesses can create work outside major urban centres while giving visitors additional reasons to spend time in Siem Reap. The province is best known internationally for Angkor, but cultural events and craft experiences can help broaden its tourism offer.
Lotus Silk Farm is positioning the festival as an opportunity for visitors, families and Francophone delegations attending the summit to experience Cambodian craftsmanship alongside the region’s established heritage attractions.
Paid evening programme adds to the offer
Each evening, visitors can book the “Sunset Monk” programme, which runs from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It includes a guided farm tour, a boat ride on the lotus lake at sunset, a blessing by monks and two workshops on lotus spinning and paper-making.
The evening concludes with a vegetarian dinner, lotus desserts, Khmer music and an Apsara dance performance. The festival rate is $75 per adult and $45 per child, with places limited to 30 people per night. Reservations are required, and private bookings are available for delegations on request.
Lotus Festival 2026 runs until November 25 at Lotus Silk Farm in Siem Reap. Daytime entry is free. See the Lotus Festival 2026 programme or book a Sunset Monk evening.
