Where To Watch Traditional Dance Shows In Cambodia

Cambodia has a rich artistic heritage that stretches back thousands of years to the pre-Angkor era. While much of it came close to being wiped out during the Khmer Rouge reign from 1975 to 1979, huge efforts have been spent during the last few decades to rekindle the scene. The result is plenty of places for visitors to enjoy performances and shows, especially in the popular hubs of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

The most popular form of classical Cambodian dance is apsara, which dates back to the 7th Century.

A walk around the majority of the temples will show apsara dancers carved into the walls and bas reliefs, with their dance forming an essential part of Khmer culture.

Believed to be beautiful female creatures that came from heaven to entertain kings and gods with their dance, the dance is slow, hypnotic, and gentle. Each of the careful hand gestures and foot movements holds its own meaning, with the elaborate costumes mirroring the majestic moves.

1. Angkor Village Resort Apsara Theatre

Spa, Theater

This spacious venue draws in the crowds each evening with its popular apsara performances and dinner. If it’s intimacy that you’re after, then Angkor Village Resort’s Apsara Theatre isn’t the place, however, the dances and costumes are spectacular, and the venue—a Khmer-style wooden building complete with traditional decor—is the perfect setting for the shows, which runs from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

2. Cambodian Living Arts

Museum

As the main organization tasked with bringing traditional arts back to life and steering it in a new, modern direction, Cambodian Living Arts trains musicians, dancers, singers, and other performers, providing them with the props to make a living from their art. One arm of their efforts are the daily shows at the capital’s National Museum, which runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Traditional Dance Show takes audiences on a journey from Angkor’s palaces to the villages of today through song, music, and theatre.

3. Sovanna Phum Arts Association

Theater

Also working to keep the arts alive in the capital, Sovanna Phum Arts Association employs more than 120 artists, and puts on a range of shows every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. These include shadow puppet theatre, classical Apsara dancing, folklore, mask dances, and traditional music. Visitors can also try their hand at dance, drums, or circus skills at a private workshop.

4. Raffles Angkor

For a truly majestic show, Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor puts on some stunning performances in its tranquil tropical gardens. Combining traditional Cambodian dance and Khmer martial art, the sumptuous setting is the perfect place to be introduced to the ancient art forms. A barbecue of pan-Asian cuisine is also served. Between April and September, the show runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 p.m. Between October and March, shows are daily.

Address and Phone Number:

1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Siem Reap, +855 (0)63 963 888

Apsara dancers wear intricate costumes | © Uthai Joomthong/ Shutterstock | © Uthai Joomthong / Shutterstock

5. The Fou-Nan

Spa

For a more intimate offering, The Fou-Nan is a top choice. Doubling up as a restaurant and bar, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it hosts dinner with an apsara show. Guests are welcomed to the stunning property by dancers in traditional costume. Dinner is served in the form of a banquet made from Royal Khmer Cuisine and is followed by a hypnotic performance of traditional Cambodian dance.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.