Apsara Dance Performance Including Buffet Dinner and Hotel Pickup

Traveling through Siem Reap offers countless opportunities to explore Cambodia’s vibrant culture, and one popular option is the Apsara dance performance with dinner. For about $32, this experience promises a blend of traditional dance, local cuisine, and convenient transport—perfect for those looking to enjoy an evening immersed in Cambodian traditions. While some reviews highlight the value and authentic feel of the show, others point out areas for improvement, making it a tour worth considering with your eyes open.

What we find particularly appealing about this experience is the inclusive hotel pickup by tuk-tuk, which takes the hassle out of arranging transportation, especially after a day of sightseeing. The diversity of Khmer dishes served buffet-style is also a big plus, offering a taste of local flavors in a casual setting. On the flip side, the size of the venue and the varied quality of the food can be a concern depending on your expectations. Designed mainly for travelers seeking an authentic cultural show combined with great convenience, this tour suits those who want a straightforward, budget-friendly introduction to Cambodia’s dance and culinary scene.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and drop-off make this an easy, stress-free option.
• The 90-minute show offers a good overview of Khmer dance styles, including classical and folk performances.
• The buffet dinner provides a variety of traditional Khmer dishes, including Amok and Khmer BBQ.
• Authentic culture in a large, lively venue—though it can be crowded and noisy.
• The experience is best suited for those wanting value and a relaxed, casual cultural night out.
• Reviews highlight contrasting experiences: some praise the show and food, others point out dissatisfaction with food quality or venue size.

The Experience Breakdown

Hotel Pickup and Transport

One of the standout features of this tour is the hotel pickup by tuk-tuk, usually scheduled around 6 pm. This small detail makes a big difference—no need to negotiate tuk-tuks or taxis after a long day of sightseeing. The pickups are noted to be punctual and smooth in most reviews, which helps set the tone for a stress-free night. The tuk-tuk ride to Amazon Angkor Restaurant is a simple, fun way to start the evening, giving you a glimpse of Siem Reap streets lit up at night.

Arriving at Amazon Angkor Restaurant

The venue itself is a large hall capable of accommodating hundreds, which ensures plenty of space but also introduces some drawbacks. Reviewers mention it being super loud and crowded, which might make it tricky to catch all the dance descriptions or enjoy the ambiance fully. One reviewer noted that because of the size, it was hard to hear the explanations over the chatter and noise. If you prefer intimate, acoustically-friendly performances, this might not be your ideal setting. However, most attendees seem to appreciate the lively atmosphere, as it captures the energy of Cambodian festivities.

The Khmer Buffet Dinner

The buffet is described as generous in variety, with options ranging from Amok (a classic coconut curry) to Khmer BBQ. Multiple reviewers found the food to be more than enough and replenished quickly, perfect for fussy eaters or vegetarians alike. For example, a vegetarian reviewer appreciated the good selection of vegetables, and many enjoyed the inclusion of local dishes in the buffet. However, some guests felt that the quality of the food was average or below expectations, with a few mentioning inedible items or dishes that didn’t quite hit the mark. This points to the buffet being more about quantity and variety than fine dining.

The Dance Show

The core of the experience is the Apsara dance performance, which includes classical Khmer dances and folk styles. The show lasts about 90 minutes, with some reviews describing the dancing as excellent. As one guest put it, “the dancing was excellent,” giving a nod to the performers’ skill and the cultural authenticity. Despite that, a few reviewers found the show not particularly captivating or too brief, with only 4 songs/dances performed.

The performances are intended to provide a glimpse into Cambodia’s religious and cultural heritage, but the large venue and loud environment often meant that descriptions of the dances were hard to follow. One reviewer mentioned that it was easy to get distracted, and another said they couldn’t hear the explanations clearly. Still, many found the show mesmerizing and enjoyed the visual spectacle.

Overall Atmosphere

The experience is lively and geared toward a broad audience. The venue’s size contributes to a busy, bustling environment, which some travelers love for its energetic vibe but others found overwhelming or too noisy. If you’re seeking a quiet, intimate cultural experience, you might feel lost in the crowd. However, if you’re comfortable with larger venues and appreciate the lively atmosphere, this setting will suit you well.

Price and Value

At $32, this tour offers good value for money, especially considering the inclusive pickup and buffet dinner. For travelers who want a cost-effective way to enjoy Cambodian culture, it’s a solid option. The buffet alone would typically cost more in a local restaurant, and the show provides a quick, colorful overview of Khmer dance. Some reviews suggest that the show and food are good enough for the price, though opinions vary on the quality of the cuisine.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers seeking a hassle-free, immersive cultural evening without breaking the bank. It’s ideal if you enjoy large, energetic venues and are happy with a more casual, lively atmosphere. Those with dietary restrictions might want to inquire about vegetarian options beforehand, as some reviews appreciated the vegetarian-friendly choices. If you’re looking for a more intimate or refined performance, you might find this tour a bit too bustling.

The Sum Up

The Apsara dance performance with buffet dinner and hotel pickup in Siem Reap offers a lively, accessible way to dive into Cambodia’s classical arts and cuisine. The convenience of being picked up by tuk-tuk and the generous buffet of traditional Khmer dishes make it an attractive option for many travelers. You’ll enjoy a visually stunning dance show, even if the venue’s size and noise level can sometimes detract from the experience.

While the food receives mixed reviews—some praising the variety, others less impressed—the overall value remains solid for budget-conscious visitors. The performance provides a quick, colorful window into Cambodia’s cultural heritage, and the lively atmosphere ensures a memorable night out.

This tour is perfect for those looking for an affordable, straightforward cultural experience that combines entertainment and local flavors, with the comforts of hotel pickup and drop-off included. If you’re not expecting a polished, intimate show and are open to a lively, bustling environment, this tour will likely meet your expectations—and maybe even surprise you.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip tuk-tuk transport from your hotel, making it very convenient, especially after a busy day.

What time does the tour start?
The pickup is scheduled for 6 pm, so expect to be ready for collection around that time.

How long is the performance?
The dance show lasts approximately 90 minutes, providing a good overview of Khmer classical and folk dance styles.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the tour price. You’ll need to purchase beverages separately if you wish.

Can I participate if I am vegetarian?
Yes, most reviewers noted that vegetarian options are available, and they appreciated the selection of vegetables in the buffet.

Is there a dress code?
The tour doesn’t specify a strict dress code, but smart casual attire is recommended, especially for dining.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Same-day cancellations are not refundable.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers with children found it appropriate, though the large venue and noise level might be overwhelming for very young kids.

Does the show include explanations of the dances?
Descriptions are given over an intercom, but reviews indicate that in a large, noisy hall, it can be difficult to hear or follow along.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, accessible way to enjoy Cambodian dance and cuisine, with the convenience of hotel pickup. It’s a solid choice for those wanting to experience local culture without fuss, as long as you’re comfortable in a bustling environment.