Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra & Octobookfest 2025: A literary and cultural odyssey in the capital
- Editorial team
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
In the hushed, elegant atmosphere of the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, the second Octobookfest, organised from 4 to 31 October, brings together a cosmopolitan community of bibliophiles, writers, chefs, artists and citizens from all walks of life in an unprecedented celebration of books and living culture.
A variety of cultures and memories
Octobookfest has established itself as the must-attend event for lovers of the written word and traditions of memory in Cambodia, highlighting over sixty carefully selected works. The range of titles, published in Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, France and Germany, was available in Khmer, English, French and Japanese. This diversity enabled all visitors to glimpse the richness of Cambodian culture from new angles, while incorporating more international perspectives.
Among the major items on display were rare first editions and works that are now impossible to find, such as the Dictionary of Plants Used in Cambodia (2000), and limited-edition photographic works by Arjay Steven and Kim Hak, celebrated for their poetic and humanistic view of the kingdom. The visual retrospective ‘Unity’, printed in Singapore, offered a poignant immersion in the moments of national cohesion during the mourning of King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, while titles from the pen of royal biographer Julio A. Jeldres were previously only available for consultation in Cambodia's national archives.
Meetings, book signings and multicultural sharing
Throughout the exhibition, the public had the opportunity to talk to authors and publishers who had come to present their works in person. Among them, the inspiring presence of Xavier Dupré, author of the book ‘Proverbes Khmers’, was particularly noteworthy.
Combining scientific rigour with literary sensitivity, he offers a selection of proverbs, translated, commented and contextualised, providing French-speaking readers with a valuable window onto Cambodian folk wisdom. His approach is based on a desire for intergenerational transmission and intercultural encounters, which has won over local and international audiences alike at his presentation and book-signing sessions.
The commitment of H.E. Khieu Kanharith, guardian of the national memory
Another key figure at the event was H.E. Khieu Kanharith, Cambodia's former Minister of Information, who was on hand to meet his readers and sign his latest book, ‘Survivre’. A leading politician as well as a writer, H.E. Kanharith is renowned for his long-standing commitment to preserving and disseminating Cambodia's collective memory.
The book ‘Survivre’ - an intimate yet universal account of resilience in the face of the tragedies of Cambodia's contemporary history - offered visitors the opportunity for a privileged exchange on the challenges, hopes and prospects for the country's future. True to his reputation as a warm and accessible speaker, the former minister enlivened the debates with a deeply humbling account of his personal and political journey.
Gastronomy and literature: the creativity of Cheffe Nak
Octobookfest 2025 was also distinguished by its innovative, gourmet approach to Cambodian culinary literature, embodied by the presence of Cheffe Nak. A rising star on the regional and international gastronomic scene, Cheffe Nak was there to promote her latest book, ‘Saoy’, a culinary memoir that explores contemporary creativity.
A fervent ambassador for Khmer cuisine, Cheffe Nak's publications are designed to preserve traditions while fostering the emergence of a renewed Cambodian gastronomic identity.
Her book ‘Saoy’ - a veritable sensory and literary roadmap - will appeal to the most discerning gourmets and cultural discovery enthusiasts.
A programme of solidarity and inclusion
Alongside the meetings and visits, Octobookfest 2025 will also be focusing on solidarity initiatives, with the sale of books, the profits from which will be donated to charitable causes.
Sales of ‘Regards du Cambodge’ will help fund meals for the most disadvantaged. Initiatives such as these are a reminder of the transformative power of literature and art in civic engagement and the fight against social inequality.
The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, a showcase for cultural dialogue
The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, with its strategic location and architecture combining French refinement and Khmer heritage, remains one of the pillars of Phnom Penh's cultural life.
With this event, the hotel confirms its vocation as an ambassador of luxury, sophistication and intercultural sharing in Cambodia.
‘We are honoured to bring together these stories, some of which were almost lost forever, and to create a space where the past and the present come together through the beauty of the written word’. - said Charles Henri Chevet, Regional General Manager of Sofitel Phokeethra.
Stay tuned to the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Facebook page for ‘Meet the Author’ events scheduled throughout October.
Outlook and legacy: the Odyssey continues
Octobookfest 2025, following in the footsteps of its inaugural edition, brings together the creative energies of several generations of authors, publishers and intellectuals.
More than just an exhibition, this unique event provides a lasting impetus for preserving the collective memory and promoting Cambodian literature.
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