An Eco-Friendly Riverfront Resort in Cambodia

Discover Green Luxury at Jaya House

By Anna Gilchrist | Photography courtesy of Jaya House River Park

Tucked amid the lush canopy of Siem Reap’s riverfront lies Jaya House River Park, a boutique escape redefining sustainable luxury in the tourism world. From its genesis, Jaya House was built to honor the environment and the people who bring it to life. Under the care of Christian de Boer, managing director and sustainability advocate, the property has become a global visionary in ethical tourism, ensuring luxury and local impact coexist in Cambodia.

As an advisor to the United Nations and co-founder of Refill Not Landfill, de Boer has been a longtime advocate for the elimination of single-use plastics and support of Cambodia’s local community. His leadership exemplifies the connection between eco-conscious tourism and luxury hospitality, guided by a commitment to guest experience above profit.

Architecturally, the property reflects Khmer art deco and 1960s Cambodian modernism design, a period de Boer describes as “a magical time in Cambodia, full of art, culture, and good life.” The concept comes alive through a striking interplay of contemporary flourishes, like a 375 yellow-duck sofa or the iconic white silk flower ceiling in the Skybar. Every corner comes together to celebrate Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage, prompting guests to wander the halls and discover each detail.

Beyond its design, Jaya House is truly defined by its ethos. The hotel employs an entirely Khmer team as part of its mission to empower the local workforce and ensure guests experience genuine Cambodian hospitality. Just a short tuk-tuk ride from the Angkorian temples, Jaya House coordinates authentic experiences with local guides, immersing guests in the true beauty and heritage of Cambodian culture.

Its sustainability efforts extend beyond the hotel walls to the entire Siem Reap community. Through Jaya House’s extensive tree planting initiative, the team has already planted nearly 4,500 semi-mature trees across Siem Reap, following de Boer’s philosophy, “We should all be planting trees—making it trendy, cool, and simply the right thing to do.”

Unlike most luxury hotel chains, Jaya House does not have a sales team or attend any tradeshows; instead, it thrives on word of mouth as a result of impeccable service. Jaya House ensures that guests understand the experience they provide is not a marketing hoax but a genuine effort to create the utmost experience for visitors. Guests enjoy services rarely seen at other properties: a complimentary daily spa treatment, laundry service, and gourmet breakfasts. These thoughtful inclusions reflect Jaya House’s mission to define genuine hospitality.

“Some hotels in the West might offer a free bottle of water, or with a bit of luck, you might be able to get a two-hour late checkout,” de Boer notes. “We believe those experiences should be included on a standard basis.”

Jaya House’s latest project, the Nutritional Book Drive, aims to bring further nutritional knowledge to local Khmer families, reflecting the hotel’s mission to make tourism meaningful for local communities.

As a true pioneer in sustainable hospitality, Jaya House River Park has started a movement in the luxury travel industry, urging other boutique hotels and global chains to turn words into measurable actions. Through the ever-growing plastic-free operations and environmental initiatives, Jaya House illustrates that meaningful change is attainable when rooted in intention rather than the number of sales.

“I hope that we are seen as a beacon of hope,” de Boer says. “A hotel that actively walks the talk, and makes a real difference, creating a better world through tourism.”

After six consecutive years on TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best Hotels” list, Jaya House continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and sincerity in tourism. As conscious travel evolves from a trend to a necessity, Jaya House reminds the hospitality world that true luxury lies in compassion for the environments and cultures that make each journey possible.

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Visit JayaHouseRiverParkSiemReap.com to learn more or book your stay, and follow @jayahouseriverparkhotel on Instagram for the latest news.