Phnom Penh: October 6, 2025 – The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is proud to unveil the 2nd Edition of Octobookfest, returning this October with a remarkable new curation of over 60 titles that celebrate the spirit of Cambodia and its place within the global cultural landscape.
From October 6th to 31st, The Gallery will once again transform into a haven for book lovers, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural edition, Octobookfest 2025 showcases a literary journey across languages, borders, and generations. With titles published in Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, France, and Germany – and presented in Khmer, English, French, and Japanese – every book featured in this exhibition offers a unique lens into Cambodia’s rich culture, history, and identity. The collection also includes a thoughtful selection of children’s books, making Octobookfest a discovery for all ages.
Rare & Limited Editions: A Celebration of Memory
This year’s highlights include rare, out-of-print, and award-winning works, including
- “Dictionary of Plants Used in Cambodia”, a first edition published in 2000, now out-of-print.
- An acclaimed limited-edition collection by Arjay Steven, praised by H.M. Norodom Sihamoni and the late H.R.H. Princess Bopha Devi, offering a photographic lens into Cambodia’s cultural soul.
- “My Beloved” by renowned photographer Kim Hak—a limited print from Japan capturing 11 years of Cambodia’s emotional and scenic journey. Only 7 copies remain in Cambodia. “Unity”—a powerful visual narrative of national solidarity during the mourning of H.M. King Father Norodom Sihanouk, printed in Singapore in limited quantity.
In addition, rare works by royal biographer H.E. Ambassador Julio A. Jeldres will be exhibited, with select titles only available in Cambodia’s Royal Archive, including
- The Kings and Queens of Cambodia
- The Royal House of Cambodia
- The First Royal Apsara
- The Culinary Arts of Cambodia – Princess Cuisine Guide by H.R.H. Princess Norodom Rasmi Sobhana
Dr Beat Richner—Paediatrician—Rebel— Visionary is available for only $20, with 100% of proceeds donated to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Foundation, supporting life-saving care for children in Cambodia. Meanwhile, Regards du Cambodge will donate 100% of its proceeds to the organisation Au Moins Un Repas. Each book sold at $22 helps fund 30 meals for those in need.
Give the gift of impact while discovering powerful stories that matter. “We are honoured to gather these stories, some almost lost to time, and create a space where past and present converge through the beauty of the written word.” Charles-Henri Chevet, Area General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.
Photo by: Engly Tuy (Sakura)
