Apsara Dance Show with Dinner Siem Reap

The Apsara dance tradition

In Khmer belief, Apsaras are celestial maidens who dance for the gods, and their figures are carved by the hundreds on the walls of Angkor Wat and the Bayon. The classical dance that bears their name grew out of the royal court, where dancers trained from childhood to master its curved fingers, arched backs and slow, floating steps. Cambodia's royal ballet is recognised by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The art came close to disappearing in the 1970s, when most dancers and teachers were lost, and it was rebuilt afterwards by the few masters who survived. Watching an Apsara dance show in Siem Reap is therefore more than entertainment: it is a living link between the stone carvings you see at the temples and the culture that created them.

What you see on stage

The performance blends classical pieces with folk dances. In the classical dances, each gesture of the hands has a meaning, from a flower bud opening to fruit falling from a branch, and stories are told without words through these movements and the music of a traditional ensemble. Costumes are sewn with gold thread and topped with tall, pointed crowns, and dancers are often stitched into them before the show.

The folk dances are more energetic and show scenes from rural life, harvests and courtship, with colourful costumes and lively rhythms. Together they give a rounded picture of Cambodian performing arts in a single evening. Photography without flash is usually welcome, so bring a camera; the stage lighting makes the costumes shine and the hand gestures easy to follow from your seat.

Dinner of Khmer dishes

Your ticket includes a set menu or buffet dinner served before and during the show. Look out for fish amok, the national dish of Cambodia, a fragrant fish curry with coconut milk and kroeung spice paste, steamed in banana leaf until it sets like a soft custard. Khmer barbecue, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, steamed rice and tropical fruit usually complete the spread, together with international dishes for less adventurous eaters.

The dinner is a gentle introduction to Cambodian cooking, which is milder than Thai food and relies on fresh herbs, lemongrass, galangal and lime. Drinks are not included and can be bought at the venue, so bring some cash or a card. Arriving with the pickup lets you settle in and choose your dishes calmly before the dancers take the stage.

Practical visit and evenings in Siem Reap

With the default option we collect you from your hotel in Siem Reap by car, minivan or tuk-tuk, depending on the size of your group, and drive you back after the show, so you do not need to know how to get to the venue. If you prefer to make your own way, the version without transfers meets you directly at the venue in central Siem Reap, and we send you the exact location after booking.

The show starts at 18:30 and lasts about two hours, which leaves time afterwards to stroll around the Old Market area and the riverside night markets. Smart casual clothing is fine, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. It is a relaxed, family-friendly evening that fits perfectly after a temple day.