Apsara Theatre Show — Angkor Village Siem Reap
Apsara Theatre Show — Angkor Village Siem Reap
The Apsara Theatre at Angkor Village Hotel is one of the most respected classical dance venues in Siem Reap — a proper sit-down performance in a dedicated theatre space, not a hotel lobby sideshow. Since 1997, Siem Reap’s oldest theatre has contributed to the revival of Khmer traditional dances, with a troupe of 30 artists performing renditions of the ancient Reamker legends and folk dances from rural Cambodia, accompanied by a live traditional orchestra.
The evening begins at 7:30pm with dinner — choose from classic Khmer dishes, Cambodian tapas, or a vegetarian menu. The performance runs from 8:30 to 9:30pm and typically includes three classical pieces and two village dances. The pace is measured and ceremonial: this is Cambodian court dance as it was performed for royalty, not entertainment staged for a tour group.
Apsara dance is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage form that nearly disappeared during the Khmer Rouge period. The revival has taken decades of patient reconstruction from surviving masters. Watching it here — in a setting that takes the form seriously — is a very different experience from the brief dance interludes you’ll find at larger tourist restaurants.
The theatre is located on Wat Bo Road, Street 26, a short tuk-tuk ride from Pub Street. Dinner shows run every evening. Tickets start from $34 with dinner included; show-only tickets are also available.
Arrive by 7:30pm if you’re dining. Dress is smart-casual — this is a proper theatre. Book directly through the Apsara Theatre website or contact them at +855 (0)99 577 077.
