The apsaras, celestial dancers carved by the thousand on the walls of Angkor Wat, are one of the best-loved images of Cambodia, and an Apsara dance performance is the chance to see them come to life. Classical Khmer dance, closely associated with the royal court and recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, is performed in gold-threaded costumes with tall pointed headdresses, and every movement of the hands, feet and eyes carries a meaning, from a blooming flower to a rising sun. Performances are slow, graceful and highly formal, in contrast to the energy of Phare, the Cambodian circus, and they pair well with it as a second evening. The show in this page’s tour is paired with a buffet dinner, so you can sample a spread of Khmer dishes while the dancers perform, and the programme usually includes folk dances and a story from the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana. The dances are accompanied by a traditional pinpeat ensemble of xylophones, drums and wind instruments, and the evening is relaxed and suited to all ages.
How it works
Shows in Siem Reap are held at restaurant theatres around the town, and the usual evening starts with a buffet dinner from around 18:30 or 19:00, followed by a performance of roughly an hour. The package linked here includes the buffet and the show, with hotel pickup and drop-off as part of the tour, but confirm the exact start time, venue and pickup window when you book, since these vary by operator and season. Cancellation terms are shown when you book.
What to expect
The buffet usually offers a mix of Khmer and international dishes, such as fish amok, Khmer curries, stir-fries, rice, noodles and fruit, with vegetarian options available if you ask. The performance mixes classical Apsara dance, regional folk dances and sometimes a short fishing or harvest dance, and each piece has a short introduction. The stage is raised, and tables closer to it are better for photographs, so arrive on time to choose your seats. Some venues allow photographs without flash, but check on arrival.
Making the most of it
Book on an evening when you are not rising for a sunrise, as the show runs into the evening and you may be back at your hotel by about 21:30. The dress code is relaxed, though light layers help against the air conditioning. If you want a deeper understanding of the dance, visit the Angkor National Museum earlier in the day, and look for the carved apsaras at Angkor Wat the next morning.
Families with children often find the colourful costumes and the short, varied programme easy to enjoy. The music is as much a part of the evening as the dance, with the slow rhythm of the pinpeat ensemble setting the pace and a singer sometimes narrating the story, and it is worth listening closely even if you do not follow the words. Because performance programmes, venues and times change between operators, treat the details here as a guide and check them when you reserve.
What to expect
The experience
A buffet dinner of Khmer dishes followed by a performance of classical Apsara dance and folk dances, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Best time
Any evening of your stay; it pairs well with a rest day, as you are usually back at the hotel by about 21:30.
How long
About three hours including dinner, the show and transport.
Tips
Arrive on time to choose seats near the stage, dress lightly with a layer for the air conditioning and ask about vegetarian options.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see the dancers they have just photographed on the temple walls, and travellers who enjoy an easy cultural evening.
- Families
- The costumes, music and short, varied programme work for most ages, and dinner is included.
- Couples
- A graceful, relaxed evening with dinner and a show, without any planning.
- Pair with
- Phare, the Cambodian Circus on another evening, or a stroll through the night markets afterwards.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
What is the Apsara dance?+
Apsara dance is a form of classical Khmer dance, closely linked to the royal court and recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Dancers in gold costumes and tall headdresses use precise hand and body gestures to tell stories.
What is included in the dinner and show package?+
The package includes a buffet dinner, the dance performance and hotel pickup and drop-off. Drinks and extras are usually paid for separately, so check when you book.
How long is the Apsara show?+
The performance usually lasts about an hour, following a buffet dinner. The whole evening, including transport, takes around three hours.
Is the show suitable for children?+
Yes, the show is family-friendly and the programme is short and colourful. Children often enjoy the costumes and music.
How is it different from the Phare circus?+
The Apsara show presents classical and folk dance with a traditional orchestra, while Phare combines acrobatics, theatre and live music in a modern big-top show. Many visitors see both on different nights.
