Apsara Show Dinner and Night Market Pub street

A Night Out in Siem Reap: A Review of the Apsara Show Dinner and Night Market Tour

Getting a taste of Siem Reap’s vibrant nightlife can be a highlight of any trip, especially when it combines cultural performances, local cuisine, and lively street scenes. This tour offers just that—a 3-hour experience that pairs a traditional Apsara dance show and dinner with visits to Pub Street and the bustling night market. It’s a popular choice for first-timers eager to get a snapshot of Cambodia’s evening charms, transported comfortably between stops by tuk-tuk.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it blends authentic cultural elements—like the mesmerizing Apsara dance—with the lively, modern side of Siem Reap. It’s a neat way to get a quick overview without the hassle of navigating the city alone. However, some travelers have noted that the overall experience may feel a bit average, especially regarding the food and show quality.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a light, fun evening that introduces you to Khmer culture, offers a taste of local cuisine, and lets you soak in the energetic street atmosphere. If you’re short on time or want a straightforward introduction, it’s worth considering—but if you’re craving a more immersive or high-end experience, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Cultural immersion: Watch a traditional Apsara dance that narrates stories from Cambodia’s past.
• Convenient transport: Tuk-tuk rides between venues add to the fun and ease of the evening.
• Local nightlife: Explore the vibrant Pub Street and lively night market scene.
• Flexible booking: Available with mobile tickets and group discounts, with free cancellation.
• Reasonably priced: For around $45, you get a cultural show, dinner, and street visits, offering decent value.
• Tour guides: Knowledgeable guides like Marin make the evening flow smoothly.
• Mixed reviews: While some find it average in food and show quality, others enjoy the friendly service and lively atmosphere.
• Time-efficient: The entire experience lasts roughly 3 hours—perfect for fitting into a busy schedule.
• Authentic local ambiance: Seeing Siem Reap after dark provides a glimpse into its energetic street life.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Apsara Dance and Dinner

The evening kicks off with a traditional Apsara dance performance at a local restaurant, included in the tour package. The dance is an elegant, centuries-old art form that visually narrates stories about Cambodia’s daily life and historical events. From the intricate costumes and delicate hand movements to the graceful choreography, this segment offers a genuine glimpse into Khmer artistry.

The included buffet dinner serves a variety of local dishes, but reviews suggest it’s quite average in quality. One traveler noted, “Even the food served was average, though the price is high.” The dance performance lasts approximately two hours, providing plenty of time to sit back and absorb the cultural storytelling.

Reviewers like Marin, the guide, seem to excel in making the experience smooth—handling everything from hotel pickup to ensuring everyone is comfortable. For many, this part of the tour is the highlight, especially if they appreciate traditional arts, but some might feel the show doesn’t blow them away or that the buffet could be more appealing.

Stop 2: Siem Reap Night Market

Next, you’ll head to the night market, a bustling hub filled with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothes. It’s the main shopping destination when exploring Siem Reap after sunset and provides a good opportunity to hunt for bargains.

The lively atmosphere, with vendors calling out and locals shopping, creates an authentic street scene. The market lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to browse or pick up a few gifts. The reviews confirm that the market is packed and vibrant, perfect for those wanting to experience the local evening buzz. One reviewer called it “extremely bustling and lively,” which is exactly what makes it worth a visit, though some might find the crowd a bit overwhelming.

Stop 3: Pub Street

Finally, your tour concludes on Pub Street, the epicenter of Siem Reap’s nightlife. It’s here you’ll find bars, restaurants, live music, and a lively crowd. The tour allocates around 20 minutes here, just enough to soak in the atmosphere, snap a few photos, or grab a drink. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to continue the night independently afterward.

Reviewers mention that Pub Street offers a lively, fun environment, with some calling it “the place to go after sundown.” It’s a great way to wind down or perhaps continue your evening into the early hours.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers transportation via tuk-tuk or car, making things easy and comfortable. It includes the dinner and Apsara show, along with mineral water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, personal expenses and tips aren’t included, so it’s wise to set aside some cash if you want to buy souvenirs or feel generous with guides or waitstaff. The booking process is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Insights

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides like Marin play a crucial role in making the evening enjoyable, handling logistics smoothly. You’ll likely appreciate their local knowledge and friendly demeanor, which can turn a standard tour into a more engaging experience.

However, some travelers found the food and show to be average, with one reviewer stating, “There is nothing special except the costumes & make-up.” So, if you’re expecting a high-end dinner or a spectacular performance, this might not meet those expectations. But if you’re happy with a decent cultural performance and a chance to explore Siem Reap’s after-dark scene, it’s a solid choice.

The value proposition hinges on the convenience and variety packed into a 3-hour window. For budget-conscious travelers wanting a taste of Khmer culture, a lively street scene, and hassle-free logistics, this tour offers a good combo.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for those new to Siem Reap, looking for a short, comprehensive evening introduction. It’s also great if you want to experience a traditional dance, sample local dishes, and explore the street life without planning each step yourself.

Travelers on a tight schedule or with limited time in Siem Reap will appreciate how much is packed into three hours, and families or groups can enjoy the guided aspect that makes navigation simpler.

However, if you’re seeking a more upscale, gourmet, or exclusive experience, or if you’re particularly passionate about arts and cultural performances, you might find this tour somewhat underwhelming. Some reviews suggest that there are more memorable or higher-quality options out there.

The Sum Up

The Apsara Show Dinner and Night Market Pub Street tour offers a lighthearted, convenient way to experience some of Siem Reap’s evening highlights. It combines traditional culture with a lively street scene, all wrapped into a manageable 3-hour package.

While the food and show may not impress everyone, the tour’s real strength lies in its ease of access, friendly guides, and authentic street ambiance. It’s best suited for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want a casual yet engaging introduction to Cambodia’s nightlife.

If you’re after a fun, no-fuss evening that balances culture with street energy, this tour will suit you well. But if you’re craving a more refined or immersive cultural experience, you might want to explore additional options.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides tuk-tuk or car transportation between the attractions, ensuring a comfortable and easy experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour takes approximately 3 hours, covering dinner, the dance show, the night market, and Pub Street.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Are guides included?
Guides like Marin are part of the experience, helping with logistics and making the evening flow smoothly.

Is the food good?
Reviews indicate the buffet dinner is average, with some feeling it’s overpriced for the quality.

What should I expect at the Apsara dance?
A graceful, storytelling dance performed in traditional costumes, lasting about two hours, narrating Cambodian stories from history and daily life.

How lively is Pub Street?
Very lively and energetic, with many bars and restaurants, making it a fun spot to continue your night if desired.

Are there options for group discounts?
Yes, group discounts are offered, making it more affordable for larger parties.

What about tips and extra expenses?
Tips are not included, so it’s advisable to tip guides or staff if you’re satisfied. Personal expenses like souvenirs are also separate.

Who is this tour suited for?
Ideal for first-time visitors, budget travelers, or those wanting a quick, fun way to experience Siem Reap’s night scene responsibly and conveniently.

The combination of cultural performance, street exploration, and easy logistics makes this tour a practical choice for many visiting Siem Reap—just keep your expectations in check and enjoy the lively Cambodian nightlife.