Apsara Dance Dinner Show & Tuk-Tuk Transfer in Siem Reap

Summary

Khmer Cultural Night: Dinner, Dance & Local Tuk-Tuk Ride

You’ll get picked up by tuk-tuk right at your hotel and whisked off to an evening of Khmer food and traditional Apsara dance in Siem Reap. It’s not just dinner—it’s a real look into Cambodian culture, complete with local flavors and stories behind every performance. Perfect if you want something more than just another meal out.

What’s the experience like?

The air was thick with the scent of lemongrass as our tuk-tuk zipped through Siem Reap’s side streets. Our driver, Dara, waved at a fruit vendor balancing mangos on her cart—he seemed to know everyone. We reached the open-air venue just as the sky turned that deep blue you only get before nightfall here. Lanterns flickered along the path, and you could hear soft music drifting from inside. It felt like we’d stumbled into a hidden part of town, away from the usual tourist buzz.

Inside, the stage was set with stone carvings and pools dotted with floating lotus flowers. Our guide explained each dance before it began—turns out, the Blessing Dance isn’t just for show; it’s performed for visiting leaders and special guests. The Coconut Shells Dance had this playful energy, almost like a wedding party game. When the Apsara dancers appeared in their gold headdresses, you could see why they’re carved all over Angkor Wat. The whole performance lasted about 90 minutes, but honestly, I lost track of time watching those slow, precise hand movements.

Dinner was served between acts—a set menu that started with banana blossom chicken salad (crunchy and tangy), then a pumpkin-carrot soup that tasted homemade. Grilled chicken came next with a sauce I still can’t name, plus sweet-and-sour pork and fluffy jasmine rice. Dessert was a sticky Khmer cake wrapped in banana leaf—simple but good. By the end of the night, my shirt smelled faintly of incense from the stage. Dara was waiting outside to take us back; he handed us cold towels for the ride home, which felt like such a small but thoughtful touch after a warm evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Apsara Dance Show and Dinner

• Hotel pickup and transfer to dinner show
• Watch five traditional Apsara dance performances
• Return transfer to hotel

Top questions

Is this show suitable for kids or elderly guests?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and accessible for all ages. The venue is wheelchair accessible and there are options for infants too.

How long does the entire experience last?

Plan on about three hours total—including transfers, dinner, and the full dance program.

Can I request vegetarian food?

The standard menu is set but let us know your needs when booking—we’ll do our best to accommodate dietary requests.

Will someone explain the meaning behind each dance?

Yes! Your guide or host will introduce each performance so you’ll understand what you’re seeing on stage.

What’s included

Your evening includes roundtrip tuk-tuk transfers from your hotel in Siem Reap, a four-course Cambodian dinner (with dessert), and reserved seats for five traditional dance performances—all arranged so you can just relax and enjoy every moment.