Imagine an evening where you can indulge in authentic Khmer cuisine, enjoy a mesmerizing dance performance, and relax with convenient hotel pickup—all for just $23. That’s what this Apsara dance show promises in Siem Reap. The experience lasts about two hours, making it a manageable and memorable addition to any traveler’s itinerary.

We love that this tour combines delicious local food with spectacular cultural entertainment in a setting designed for visitors. The show itself features several styles of traditional Khmer dances, including classical and folk, which give you a glimpse into Cambodia’s vibrant performing arts. Plus, the hotel tuk-tuk pickup means you don’t need to worry about transportation, adding ease to your evening.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience can get quite crowded, especially during peak times, and some might find the seating arrangements a bit challenging for clear stage views. But if you’re looking for an affordable way to experience Cambodia’s cultural heritage with minimal hassle, this tour suits travelers who enjoy lively shows, tasty food, and a comfortable, guided night out.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic cultural presentations and wants a relaxing, well-organized evening without breaking the bank, this tour is a solid choice. Families, first-time visitors, or anyone curious about Cambodia’s traditional arts will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

Affordable Cultural Experience: At $23, it offers good value for a lively dinner and dance show.
Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple.
Diverse Food Offering: The buffet includes traditional Khmer dishes catering to various tastes, including vegetarian options.
Vibrant Performances: The show features colorful, rhythmic dances that are easy to enjoy even without prior knowledge.
Crowd and Seating: Expect a communal seating arrangement that might make viewing a bit tricky during busy times.
Suitable for Families: The varied food options and engaging show make it family-friendly, especially with English explanations on the tables.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

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Location and Logistics

The tour starts with a hotel pickup in Siem Reap, a feature many travelers appreciate for its hassle-free organization. The transportation is provided via tuk-tuk or air-conditioned minivan, with many reviews praising the comfort and punctuality of the driver, Bunlent, who often arrives early and waits until the show concludes. This logistical ease means you can focus on enjoying your evening rather than stressing over directions or queues.

The Venue and Setting

The dinner takes place at Amazon Angkor Restaurant, a spacious venue designed to accommodate large groups—sometimes over 500 people, as noted in some reviews. While this can lead to a lively, energetic atmosphere, it also means that some guests might find it hard to see the stage clearly if seated at the far ends or if others are standing to capture photos. The seating arrangements are communal, which might seem less intimate but helps to keep costs down.

The Buffet Dinner

For many, the highlight of this experience is the buffet of traditional Cambodian dishes. Travelers report the food as diverse and of good quality, with many options catering to different palates, including vegetarian choices. Reviewers mention that the buffet features “massive” selections, and one reviewer even states it’s the “best buffet dinner” they’ve had in Siem Reap.

The buffet’s variety means even picky eaters or children with limited tastes can find something satisfying. The food is served by attentive staff, who keep the plates flowing. Some reviews highlight that the food is “decent” but appreciate the broad selection rather than gourmet finesse.

The Dance Show

The core of the experience is the Apsara dance performance, a colorful display of Khmer classical and folk dances. The costumes are described as beautiful and ethnic, with slow, rhythmic movements that evoke Cambodia’s cultural traditions. Viewers often mention how “spectacular” and “impressive” the dancers are—sometimes even capturing the attention of children trying to mimic hand movements afterward.

One reviewer appreciated the inclusion of English explanations, which made understanding the dances’ cultural significance easier. While some found the performance “fair” or “average”, overall, most agree it’s a worthy and enjoyable cultural showcase.

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Authenticity and Audience Experience

Many travelers praise the guides and staff for their professionalism and friendliness. They mention that the show is not overly long, making it a good balance of entertainment without fatigue. Comments like “not tiring” and “just the right length” indicate an experience designed to entertain without overdoing it.

Value for Money

At $23 per person, including dinner, show, and transportation, it’s hard to beat in terms of affordability. Several reviews highlight that the cost is excellent value, especially considering the convenience of hotel pickup and the quality of the entertainment.

However, some critics feel the price is “overpriced” compared to the low costs of food and entertainment in Cambodia. They argue that similar shows could be found at a lower rate or in smaller, more intimate settings. Still, most agree that the overall package offers good value for travelers wanting a hassle-free cultural night out.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Hotel Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup at your Siem Reap accommodation, often early enough to relax before the show starts. The transportation is either via tuk-tuk or air-conditioned minivan, depending on your group size and preferences. Many reviews mention the driver Bunlent, who consistently arrives early, making the experience stress-free.

Arrival at the Venue

Once at Amazon Angkor Restaurant, guests are welcomed into a large, lively space that can accommodate hundreds. The atmosphere is energetic, and the staff quickly directs guests to the buffet tables.

Dinner and Entertainment

The buffet features a variety of traditional Khmer dishes, many of which are praised for their decent quality and diverse options. Vegetarians are generally well-catered to, with reasonable choices.

After filling your plate, you can settle into your seat to watch the colorful dance performance. The show includes a sequence of once-typical Khmer dances, with costumes and movements designed to showcase Cambodia’s artistic heritage.

The Show

The spectacular costumes, slow rhythmic movements, and cultural storylines make for a captivating performance. The dances are often described as “beautiful”, “colorful”, and “impressive”. Some reviews mention that having English explanations on the tables enhances the understanding and appreciation of each dance’s meaning.

Return to Hotel

After the show, your driver is usually waiting to escort you back to your hotel, completing a smooth, hassle-free evening.

Authenticity and Cultural Value

While marketed as a tourist show, many reviews confirm that the performances are authentic in style, showcasing genuine Khmer dance traditions. The costumes are colorful and detailed, and the dance movements slow and rhythmic, evoking deep cultural roots.

Several reviewers enjoyed how the show provided insights into Cambodia’s ethnic attire and storytelling. Having guides or table explanations helps to deepen the experience, making it more than just eye candy.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a fun, relaxed evening that combines good food with cultural entertainment. It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone interested in experiencing Cambodia’s traditional arts without splurging on more expensive, smaller, or more exclusive shows. It also appeals to those who value comfort and convenience, thanks to hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, if you’re seeking a more intimate or exclusive cultural experience, or if you prefer a quiet, low-key dinner, you might find this setting a bit crowded or noisy.

Final Thoughts

The Apsara Dance Performance with Buffet Dinner and Hotel Pickup offers a well-rounded, enjoyable introduction to Khmer culture at a price that won’t stretch your budget. The combination of delicious local food, colorful dance performances, and convenient logistics makes it a popular choice for many travelers in Siem Reap.

It’s particularly suited to those who appreciate authentic cultural displays but prefer a relaxed, organized environment. The large venue and communal seating might not be for everyone, but for most, it’s a memorable evening that offers good value and a genuine taste of Cambodia’s artistic traditions.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, making it a very convenient option.

How long does the experience last?
The entire evening is approximately two hours, combining dinner, the dance show, and transportation.

Are vegetarian options available in the buffet?
Yes, many reviewers mention that vegetarian dishes are included and reasonably good, catering to different dietary preferences.

Is the seating arrangement comfortable?
Seating is communal, with large tables for many guests. Some reviews note that it can be challenging to see the stage clearly if seated at the far end or if others stand to take photos.

What is the quality of the dance performance?
Most say the dances are colorful, rhythmic, and impressive, showcasing traditional Khmer costumes and movements. Some find the show “spectacular” and “well worth seeing”.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the experience are not refundable.

In the end, this tour offers a taste of Cambodia’s cultural heart in a friendly, lively setting. It’s a great way to spend an engaging evening, especially if you value good food, vibrant performances, and easy logistics during your stay in Siem Reap.