Apsara Dance Performance Including Buffet Dinner and Hotel Pickup

Experience the Beauty of Cambodian Culture with an Apsara Dance and Buffet Dinner in Siem Reap

If you’re heading to Siem Reap and want a relaxed evening that combines local cuisine with traditional artistry, the Apsara dance performance with buffet dinner might be just what you’re looking for. Priced at around $32 and lasting roughly 90 minutes, this experience offers the chance to enjoy Cambodian hospitality and culture in one setting. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk, making it an easy and comfortable outing after a day of temple hopping.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the authentic atmosphere created by the traditional dance and Khmer dishes. The Apsara dance, a classical Cambodian performance, offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s cultural roots, and the buffet provides an ample selection of local Khmer foods. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup by tuk-tuk means you can unwind without worrying about transportation logistics.

One thing to consider is the size of the venue—it’s quite large, which can sometimes make the environment feel a little impersonal or noisy, especially during the dance performance. Also, some reviews mention that the food quality varies, with a few guests feeling the buffet was only average. This tour best suits travelers eager for a cultural show combined with a casual dinner who don’t mind a lively, sometimes bustling setting.

This experience is a good pick for those wanting a cost-effective cultural evening that offers a taste of Cambodia’s traditions along with a buffet spread. It works well for first-time visitors or anyone curious to see a different side of Siem Reap’s lively nightlife.

Key Points

• Authentic Khmer culture shines through the traditional Apsara dance and Khmer cuisine.
• Convenient hotel pickup by tuk-tuk simplifies your evening outing.
• Variety of Khmer dishes at the buffet offers good value, though some reviews mention inconsistent food quality.
• Large venue can translate into a noisy environment, making it harder to fully immerse in the performance.
• Price point around $32 makes it an accessible cultural experience for most travelers.
• Mixed reviews highlight that while the show is mesmerizing, the food might not always meet expectations.

Location, Duration, and Pricing

This tour takes place in Siem Reap, with the central highlight being a 90-minute performance of Cambodia’s famous Apsara dance at Amazon Angkor Restaurant, just a short tuk-tuk ride from your hotel. The cost, set at $32 per person, covers round-trip transportation, a buffet dinner, and the admission to the dance show. For many, this fee presents a straightforward way to enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment without breaking the bank.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes the hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk, which we find especially valuable in Siem Reap’s bustling streets. The buffet dinner features traditional Khmer dishes like Amok curry and Khmer BBQ, giving you a taste of local flavors. However, drinks are not included, so if you want local beer or soft drinks, you’ll need to purchase those separately. Also, some reviews note that food quality and variety can vary, so manage expectations if you’re a food connoisseur.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a 6 pm pickup from your hotel, a time that works well if you’re coming from a day exploring temples or markets. The tuk-tuk ride to Amazon Angkor Restaurant is quick and provides a chance to see a bit of evening life in Siem Reap.

Once there, you’ll be seated to enjoy a buffet dinner. The restaurant is large, designed to accommodate many guests, which can make the space feel somewhat impersonal. The buffet typically offers Cambodian classics, perfect for those wanting to sample local dishes like Amok or Khmer grilled meats. However, some reviews mention that the food may not be outstanding, often described as average or below expectations.

As the dancing begins, you’ll be seated in a sizeable hall. The Apsara dance, with its elegant hand movements and traditional costumes, aims to evoke Cambodia’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The show consists of several dances, including classical and folk styles, providing a good overview of the country’s performing arts. The performance is generally well-received, with many noting the dancing as excellent and beautiful, though some guests mention that the large venue and background noise can make it hard to catch all the details or descriptions.

After the show, the tuk-tuk takes you back to your hotel, ideally around 7:30 pm, wrapping up your cultural evening.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating of 3.5/5 stems from a mix of glowing praise and some disappointment. Many reviewers appreciated the punctual pickup service, the friendly staff, and the mesmerizing dance performance. For instance, one guest exclaimed, “Worth every penny!” praising the fabulous food and great show. Others, however, voiced concerns about overcharging—some felt they paid more than the local market prices for the tickets—and the size of the venue, which could impact the ambiance.

The food gets mixed reviews. Some found it more than enough for a buffet, with a good vegetarian selection, as one guest pointed out, “Food was great. I am vegetarian and they had a good selection of vegetables.” Conversely, others found the buffet to be below average and the environment too noisy to enjoy the dance descriptions. A few guests felt the experience was a waste of money, mainly due to poor food quality and crowded, loud spaces.

Transportation and Timing

The tuk-tuk transport is generally praised for being punctual and friendly. The timing of the tour allows for a relaxed evening after a day of temple visits, making it a convenient option. The pickup at 6 pm is designed to get you settled early enough to enjoy the dinner and the show without rushing. However, some reviews mention being picked up too early or feeling rushed, so if you prefer a more leisurely start, it might be worth confirming your pickup time.

Who will enjoy this tour?

This experience is best suited for travellers seeking an affordable, cultural evening that combines performance and food. If you’re interested in traditional Cambodian arts, you’ll appreciate the Apsara dance’s artistry. It’s also a great choice for those who want the convenience of hotel pickup and don’t mind a lively, often crowded setting. However, if you prioritize gourmet food or a quiet atmosphere, you might find some of the reviews echo your concerns.

Final Thoughts

The Apsara Dance Performance with Buffet Dinner in Siem Reap offers a well-rounded glimpse into Cambodian culture in a friendly, accessible setting. Its biggest strengths are the traditional dance—which can be quite beautiful and mesmerizing—and the convenience of hotel pickup that makes for a stress-free evening. The buffet provides enough variety to satisfy most, especially if you enjoy local flavors, though a few guests note that its quality can be inconsistent.

This tour is a solid value for those eager to see a cultural show without spending a fortune. It’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors wanting an easy, entertaining night out. If you’re a culture lover seeking an authentic performance with the added bonus of Cambodian cuisine, this is a decent choice. Just keep in mind, it’s not a fine dining experience, and the large venue can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.

In short, if you’re after authentic Cambodian entertainment in a lively atmosphere, with friendly staff and a bit of local flavor, this tour hits the mark. But if you’re a foodie or prefer a more intimate setting, you might want to explore other options or arrive at the venue early to find a quieter spot.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip tuk-tuk transfer from your hotel, making it very convenient for travelers staying centrally in Siem Reap.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 6 pm, giving you a relaxed evening after daytime temple visits. Make sure to confirm your pickup time with the provider.

Is the buffet dinner included?
Yes, your ticket covers a buffet of Khmer dishes along with the dance performance. Drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.

How long is the performance?
The Apsara dance show lasts approximately 90 minutes, featuring a variety of traditional Khmer dances.

Can vegetarians enjoy the buffet?
Most reviewers say yes. There is a good vegetarian selection, and some guests appreciated the variety of vegetables available.

What are the main drawbacks?
Some guests mention that the venue is large and noisy, which can make it difficult to hear dance descriptions or fully engage in the performance. The food quality can also vary, with some considering it only average.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the family-friendly nature of the performance and the casual buffet suggest it could be suitable for children, especially those interested in dance or local culture. Always check with the provider if you have specific age considerations.

In closing, this tour offers a taste of Cambodia’s cultural grandeur with the added comfort of hotel pickup. It’s an experience that balances entertainment, tradition, and convenience, making it a good pick for travelers wanting an engaging evening without too much fuss.