Siem Reap: Apsara Dance Show & Khmer Dinner with Pickup

Summary

Khmer cuisine buffet & traditional Apsara dance in Siem Reap

You’ll ride through Siem Reap by tuk-tuk to a lively restaurant where Khmer flavors fill your plate and traditional Apsara dancers take the stage. With local stories woven into every gesture and easy hotel pickup included, expect an evening that lingers long after—part feast, part cultural memory.

What’s the experience like?

The tuk-tuk ride from our hotel in Siem Reap was a little bumpy but honestly, I loved it — the air felt warm and smelled faintly of lemongrass as we zipped through the streets. Our driver, Dara, grinned when I tried to say “thank you” in Khmer (I’m sure I got it wrong). We pulled up to the restaurant just as the sky was turning that deep blue before night really settles in.

Inside, the buffet tables were already busy. There was this gentle clatter of plates and a mix of voices — locals chatting softly, travelers like us trying to figure out what half the dishes were. I piled my plate with things I couldn’t pronounce (one tasted sweet and smoky at once) and sat down just as the lights dimmed for the Apsara dance performance. The dancers moved so slowly at first — their hands bending in ways I can’t even describe — and then suddenly there’d be this burst of color or a sharp drumbeat. It’s hard to explain but you sort of feel it in your chest.

Our local guide leaned over during one of the folk dances and whispered about how each gesture tells part of an old story. I didn’t catch every detail but watching them, you get this sense that it’s not just a show for tourists — people around us seemed genuinely proud. At one point, a little girl at the next table started mimicking the dancers’ hand movements; her mom laughed quietly and let her try.

I still think about that moment when all the music faded for a second and you could hear someone’s spoon clink against their bowl — just real life happening alongside something ancient. If you’re curious about Cambodian culture or just want an evening that feels different from anything else in Siem Reap, this Apsara dance show with dinner is worth it. And yeah, they’ll pick you up right from your hotel so you don’t have to worry about finding your way back after dessert.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Enjoy Apsara dance and dinner

• Attend Apsara dance show
• Enjoy buffet dinner
• Use tuk-tuk hotel transport

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Apsara dance show?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included by tuk-tuk or minivan.

What kind of food is served at the buffet dinner?

The buffet features classic Cambodian (Khmer) dishes with a variety of options.

How long does the Apsara dance performance last?

The experience lasts about 90 minutes including dinner and show.

Are drinks included with dinner?

The description does not specify drinks; check with your provider for details.

Is this suitable for children or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and family-friendly.

Where does the performance take place in Siem Reap?

The show is held at Amazon Angkor or Morokot Restaurant in Siem Reap.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

A local guide is present; language support may vary but basic English is available.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip hotel pickup by tuk-tuk or minivan, entry to an authentic Apsara dance performance at a local restaurant in Siem Reap, plus a generous buffet dinner featuring traditional Cambodian dishes before returning comfortably to your hotel afterward.