Last year, on my trip to Siem Reap, my friend and I decided to see a traditional Apsara dance. Before this trip, I didn’t even know this dance existed. Just like most travelers, I came to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, but quickly learned of other fun things to do. The Apsara dance is one of them and we decided we would go to Apsara Theatre. If you are interested in culture, this is a great way to experience Cambodian culture.
Apsara Theatre
Opened in 1997, Apsara Theatre is Siem Reap’s oldest theatre which continues to showcase Khmer traditional dances and the preservation of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. It is built in a traditional semi-colonial style with its original wooden exterior, antique decor and marquee lights. The magic of the old theatre is there to excite guests.
front entrance has a few steps
The dinner show is held every evening at 7:30 PM, and starts with a beverage service and authentic traditional meal. The performance starts at 8:30 and lasts until 9:30 PM. Dancers, singers, and musicians will perform 3 classical and 2 village dances to the music of the traditional orchestra.
1 lotus flower given to each guest
We went to the theatre the night before to buy our tickets at the box office. I got the traditional dinner with show ticket $36 usd while my friend got the vegetarian dinner with show ticket $33 usd.
Getting There
We were staying at Cheathata CTS Hotel which was only a 15 minute/stroll from our hotel. We left our hotel really early (around 5:30 PM) as we wanted to casually look around the city before heading to our dinner show. We checked out the Siem Reap river and the shops nearby. We also went to look at the displays and the gift shop at the Hard Rock Cafe Angkor. We finally made it to Apsara Theatre just after 7 PM.
checked out Hard Rock before heading to Apsara Theatre
Our Visit
When we arrived at Apsara Theatre, the first thing I noticed was that there was a few steps to get in the theatre. Luckily, I was in my manual wheelchair as it was really easy for my friend to help me in those few steps. Once inside the lobby, everyone is instructed to take off their shoes before entering the dinner theatre area. I didn’t have to remove my shoes since they were on a foot pedal and not touching the ground. There were also a few steps to get into the dinner theatre room.
few steps to get into dinner theatre area, must remove shoes too
There is an upstairs where dinner tables and chairs are placed next to a balcony so guests can look down at the stage. There is no elevator so of course we stayed on the main floor. There is 3 long rows of really low tables with cushions on the floor as seats. Everything is beautifully decorated but I thought to myself that I could not eat while sitting on the floor.
upper balcony seating or floor seating, both I couldn’t do
There were two tables at the back for people with mobility issues. Our table was decorated similar to the ones on the floor. We each got a real pink lotus flower and a drink menu to order from. Drinks are not included in the dinner show ticket. Alcohol was expensive but soda, juice and coffee were only a few dollars each. We both just drank water and didn’t order any extra drinks.
there are two regular dinner tables at the back for those with mobility issues
My traditional dinner consisted of: pomelo and shrimp salad, sweet & sour fish, pork “Saraman” curry, lemongrass chicken soup, and a small bowl of Jasmine rice. All items were quite small but I really did enjoy getting a sample of Khmer cuisine. We were also given a program booklet detailing more information about the show and evening.
My traditional dinner consisted of: pomelo and shrimp salad, sweet & sour fish, pork “Saraman” curry, lemongrass chicken soup, and a small bowl of Jasmine rice
After dinner, we are then treated to the 5 dances, which includes: classical dances, folk dances, and the Reamker. The classical dances are a highly stylized dance form originating from the royal courts that feature elaborately costumed dancers performing slow and figurative movements.
the performance is from 8:30 to 9:30 PM
Folk dances are village dances that are rooted in Khmer rural folklore, each corresponding to a specific fable, holiday or belief. The Reamker is a Cambodian epic poem based on the Sanskrit’s Ramayana. The traditional dances derived from it date back to ancient Angkor as extravagant displays of admiration for the gods and Khmer mythology.
Interesting and elaborate costumes
The dance was pretty interesting. It was all about grace and beauty, with very detailed and precise hand movements combined with slow, smooth, flowing steps. It was not just a dance but a way to tell stories and keep ancient myths alive. The colorful and flashy costumes along with the traditional music really adds to this amazing experience.
such a great show
Halfway during the one hour performance, we were served our desserts. Everything was small portions again but it was a good selection of cut up fruit, sweets and savory items. The overall included dinner and desserts didn’t make us too full but was good enough for the price.
desserts came half way through show
Final Thoughts
My friend and I really enjoyed this 2 hour experience. We got to eat some great traditional Cambodian food and desserts and get to be cultured watching the Khmer dances. Even though there were a few steps to get inside, those who can get in with a wheelchair, there is an accessible dinner table and bathroom inside. Prices are reasonable and it is something that I recommend and would do again.
