Siem Reap Apsara Dinner Show & Buffet with Pickup

Summary

Evening Khmer Buffet & Apsara Dance at Koulen Restaurant

Spend your evening in Siem Reap tasting Khmer dishes from a generous buffet while watching an Apsara dance show up close. With hotel pickup included and local staff guiding you through flavors and traditions, you’ll find yourself swept into Cambodian culture in ways you’ll remember long after dessert.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — lemongrass, grilled meats, something sweet I couldn’t place. We’d just been dropped off at Koulen Restaurant in Siem Reap (pickup was easy, by the way), and inside it was all gold light and chatter. Our guide, Dara, waved us in with this big grin like he’d known us forever. He pointed out the buffet — rows of steaming curries, fried noodles, some things I recognized and others I didn’t. I tried a spoonful of amok and immediately wished I’d taken more.

About halfway through my second plate (don’t judge), the lights dimmed and the Apsara dancers appeared. Their hands moved so slowly it almost looked impossible — Dara whispered that every gesture means something sacred here. The music was this mix of bells and strings; honestly, I got goosebumps when the lead dancer caught my eye for half a second. There were families from Phnom Penh at the next table who clapped along softly — it felt like everyone was part of something old but still alive.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much either. At one point, Dara tried to teach us how to say “thank you” in Khmer (I think I said it wrong every time). The staff wore these beautiful silk sashes and always seemed to know when you needed more water or another helping of rice. Walking out into the warm night after dessert, I kept thinking about those slow, careful hand movements — there’s something about seeing tradition up close that sticks with you longer than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buffet Dinner with Apsara Show

• Enjoy traditional Khmer buffet
• Watch stunning Apsara performance

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Apsara dinner show?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for this experience.

Where does the buffet dinner take place in Siem Reap?

The buffet dinner is held at Koulen Restaurant.

What kind of food is served at the buffet?

The buffet includes traditional Khmer dishes as well as Western and Chinese options.

Is there an Apsara dance performance during dinner?

Yes, a live Apsara dance performance is featured during your meal.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and free for children under 1 year old.

How do I get back to my hotel after the show?

The experience includes only hotel pickup; return transfer is not provided.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup from your accommodation in Siem Reap, entry to Koulen Restaurant’s generous buffet featuring Khmer, Western, and Chinese dishes, plus a seat for the live Apsara dance show performed by local artists before heading out on your own afterwards.