Siem Reap: Apsara Dance Show with Dinner & Pickup

Summary

Discover Cambodian culture at night with dinner and live dance

You’ll ride through Siem Reap by tuk-tuk to an evening of Khmer flavors and traditional Apsara dance at Amazon Angkor Theater. Savor classic Cambodian dishes from a buffet dinner while local performers bring ancient stories to life on stage. With hotel pickup included and friendly faces all around, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after you leave Cambodia.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you’ll know when the coconut dance starts — it’s loud!” That’s what our tuk-tuk driver, Dara, said as we zipped through Siem Reap’s warm streets toward the Amazon Angkor Theater. I could smell grilled lemongrass from roadside stalls on the way. The air was sticky but somehow comforting — maybe because everyone seemed to be outside, laughing or just watching the world go by. Dara grinned in the rearview mirror and told us about his sister who once danced in a show like this, which made me pay more attention than I expected.

The theater itself is a bit of a sensory jumble: bright lights, chatter in at least three languages, and that unmistakable scent of jasmine rice from the buffet line. We piled our plates high (I probably went overboard on the fish amok) and found a spot not too far from the stage. There was this moment before the show started where everything went quiet except for the clink of spoons and someone whispering nearby — it felt like everyone was holding their breath together.

When the Apsara dancers appeared, all gold silk and slow, deliberate hand movements, I realized I’d never really watched fingers tell a story before. Our guide Li leaned over to explain that each gesture means something — rain, love, even heartbreak. Li laughed when I tried to repeat one of the Khmer words for “blessing” (I definitely butchered it). The music was hypnotic but gentle; you could almost forget you were sitting in a big theater until someone’s phone buzzed two rows back. So yeah, not every moment is perfect — but that somehow made it feel more real.

I still think about how quietly proud everyone seemed afterward — staff bowing as we left, Dara waiting outside with his tuk-tuk already pointed homeward. It wasn’t flashy or forced. Just people sharing something old and beautiful because they want you to see it too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Apsara Dance Show & Dinner

• Buffet dinner of traditional Khmer dishes
• Watch Apsara dance performance

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Apsara dance show in Siem Reap?

Yes, hotel pickup by shared tuk-tuk or minivan is included.

What kind of food is served at the buffet dinner?

The buffet features classic Khmer cuisine and fresh seasonal fruit.

How long does the Apsara dance performance last?

The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes.

Are drinks included with dinner?

Coffee and tea are included with your meal.

Is this suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

Where does the Apsara dance show take place?

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

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

This package includes entry/admission so there’s no need to buy separate tickets.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by tuk-tuk or minivan, entry to Amazon Angkor Theater (or Morokot Restaurant), a buffet dinner of traditional Cambodian dishes with fresh fruit, plus coffee or tea during your meal before heading back after the show ends.