Apsara Theatre Performance include Dinner & Hotel Pickup

Experience the Magic of Cambodia’s Classical Dance in Siem Reap

If you’re visiting Siem Reap and want an evening that combines local culture, good food, and convenience, the Apsara Theatre Performance offers a solid option. For just around $24.30 per person, you get hotel pickup, a buffet dinner, and a spectacular traditional dance show lasting approximately 2 hours. The performance highlights Cambodian classical apsara dance alongside folk styles, giving you a taste of the country’s artistic heritage without the hassle of navigating the city at night.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its door-to-door tuk-tuk service, making your evening stress-free—no need to worry about parking or finding your way back after the show. The buffet, featuring a wide variety of Khmer dishes, offers a chance to sample authentic flavors, and the vibrant costumes and dances make for fantastic photo opportunities.

On the flip side, some travelers, like Guy in his review, find the venue quite touristy and the food somewhat average. Also, being in a large venue can mean less intimacy and a more commercial feel. Still, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, convenient, and entertaining way to experience Cambodia’s traditional arts, this tour hits many of those marks.

This experience suits travelers who want a blend of cultural exposure and comfort—especially if you’re pressed for time or prefer not to arrange your own transportation at night. It’s a good choice for first-time visitors eager to see a classical performance in a lively setting.

Key Points

• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, ideal for a relaxed evening.
• Cultural depth: Features a range of Cambodian dances, including the iconic apsara and folk styles.
• Meal: A buffet of Khmer dishes offers good value and authentic flavors.
• Authenticity: Costumes and performances provide vibrant insights into Cambodian traditions.
• Group size: Large venue with potentially 300-400 people, which may affect intimacy.
• Reviews: Mixed experiences—some praise the costumes and show, others criticize the food and venue.

A Closer Look at the Apsara Theatre Experience

Location and Logistics

This tour takes place at the Amazon Angkor Restaurant in Siem Reap, a popular spot for travelers seeking entertainment alongside dining. The hotel pickup is a major perk, especially after a long day of sightseeing. The transportation is via tuk-tuk or air-conditioned car, depending on your preference, ensuring a comfortable ride.

The duration is around 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that doesn’t cut into your sightseeing time. Booking in advance—usually about 51 days ahead—ensures you secure a spot, which is recommended given its popularity.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For your $24.30, you get round-trip hotel transfer, the performance ticket, drinking water or iced tea, and a buffet dinner. The buffet typically offers a variety of Khmer dishes, with some reviews noting a broad selection, possibly around 50+ items, including vegetarian options.

However, drinks other than water or tea are not included, so you’ll need to buy your own alcohol or additional beverages. Some guests mention that the drinks outside the meal—like at the outside bar—are great, but you’ll pay extra for those.

The Performance Itself

The show features traditional Cambodian dances, including the graceful apsara dance with its intricate hand movements and elegant costumes, along with folk styles. The costumes are notably colorful, and the dancers’ movements are precise, creating a visual feast.

One traveler gleefully exclaimed, “The show and costumes of the performers were absolutely beautiful,” emphasizing how captivating the visual aspect of the performance can be.

In contrast, some reviewers found the dances to be quite average, particularly in the context of a large tourist venue with hundreds of spectators. Guy felt it was a very tourist-oriented venue, which might mean less authenticity and more spectacle designed for mass appeal.

The Venue and Atmosphere

The venue is large, accommodating around 300 to 400 people, which can lead to a somewhat crowded and impersonal atmosphere. Some guests, like Guy, pointed out that the seating arrangement meant some lower-priced tickets had better views, which could be frustrating.

However, the large size also means you get to share the experience with many others, which can be lively and fun. The cost of the ticket makes it accessible, especially considering the included dinner and hotel transfers.

Food and Dining Experience

The buffet dinner offers a good opportunity to try a variety of Khmer dishes. Several reviews mention the food’s acceptable quality, with some describing it as good value for money. One traveler appreciated that the buffet had 50+ dishes, making it easy to sample many flavors in one meal.

On the downside, some reports mention mosquitoes and spiders on the napkins or in the dining area, which can detract from the dining experience. Also, drinks are at your expense, so if you want a cocktail or beer, plan to buy those separately.

Authenticity versus Entertainment

While the costumes and dance movements are carefully crafted, the size and commercial nature of the venue mean this is more of a show for travelers rather than an intimate cultural experience. That said, for many visitors, the visual spectacle and vibrant costumes make this a memorable part of their trip.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a cost-effective, hassle-free way to enjoy Khmer dance and cuisine in Siem Reap, this experience offers good value. The hotel pickup makes it especially appealing for those who want to avoid evening navigation or prefer a group setting.

However, if you’re seeking an authentic, intimate, or more traditional performance, you might find this venue slightly touristy. The large crowd and somewhat average reviews of the dance suggest that it’s more about entertainment than deep culture.

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to see a classical dance show but without the hassle of arranging transport or multiple stops. It also appeals to those who want a relaxing, all-in-one evening experience that combines dinner and entertainment.

The Sum Up

The Apsara Theatre Performance with Dinner and Hotel Pickup in Siem Reap offers a convenient and affordable way to experience Cambodia’s traditional dance and cuisine. The large venue ensures a lively, energetic atmosphere and the buffet provides the chance to try a wide selection of Khmer dishes. The highlight for many is the costume detail and colorful performances, which make for excellent photographs.

On the downside, the large crowds and touristy vibe mean it might lack the intimacy or authenticity some travelers seek. The average dance quality and occasional issues with insects on the dining tables are worth noting, but they don’t overshadow the overall value for money, especially when considering the included transportation and entertainment.

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and visually impressive introduction to Cambodian dance and food, this tour suits those with a flexible attitude and a sense of adventure. For travelers craving a more genuine or refined cultural experience, other smaller or more traditional venues might better satisfy that desire.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip hotel transfer in Siem Reap, making your evening smooth and stress-free.

How long does the show last?
The performance runs for about 2 hours, giving you ample entertainment without it being overly long.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, the tour provides water or iced tea during dinner, but other drinks, such as alcohol, are not included and require separate purchase.

Is the venue large or intimate?
The venue is quite large, seating 300 to 400 people, which can make the experience more lively but less personal.

Can I take photos during the show?
Yes, you’re encouraged to capture the colorful costumes and dance movements, but be mindful of other guests.

What kind of food is served?
The buffet features Khmer favorites, with vegetarian options available. The dishes are generally considered acceptable but not gourmet.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say yes, as it’s an accessible, family-friendly activity, though the large crowd may be overwhelming for very young kids.

In summary, this tour offers a lively introduction to Khmer culture with the convenience of hotel pickup and a buffet dinner, perfect for travelers who value good value, visual spectacle, and a relaxed evening. While it may not satisfy those seeking a deeply authentic or intimate performance, it delivers a fun, colorful, and memorable night out in Siem Reap.