Apsara Dance Performance Including Buffet Dinner and Hotel Pickup

Discovering the Apsara Dance Performance with Buffet Dinner and Hotel Pickup

If you’re jetting off to Siem Reap and aiming to enjoy Cambodia’s cultural soul, this Apsara dance show with dinner offers a convenient and reasonably priced way to do so. We found it to be an engaging introduction to traditional Khmer arts, paired with a hearty buffet and seamless transportation. It’s a perfect evening activity for those who want a blend of entertainment, authentic cuisine, and easy logistics.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the hotel pickup by tuk-tuk makes travel hassle-free, especially after a busy day of sightseeing. Second, the diverse buffet of Cambodian dishes allows you to sample local flavors from Amok to Khmer BBQ. Third, the classic Khmer dance performance is an authentic showcase of Cambodia’s artistic heritage. The only slight downside? The show might be somewhat crowded and loud, making it harder to catch every detail unless you’re seated close enough—something you might want to consider if you’re a dance enthusiast.

This tour suits travelers seeking an accessible, affordable night out that combines cultural performances with tasty regional food. If you’re interested in Cambodian traditions, enjoy lively shows, or simply want a relaxed evening with hotel pickup included, this experience is a strong choice.

Good To Know

• Affordable Cultural Night: At $29, it offers good value with dinner, show, and transportation included.
• Convenient Pickup: Round-trip tuk-tuk transport from Siem Reap hotels simplifies logistics.
• Authentic Cuisine: A buffet featuring Khmer favorites like Amok and Khmer BBQ provides a taste of local flavors.
• Vibrant Performances: The Apsara dance show features traditional Khmer dances, offering insights into Cambodia’s cultural arts.
• Mixed Reviews on Food & Seating: Some find the buffet average, and seating can be far from the stage, impacting the experience.
• Timing and Availability: The show starts at 6 pm and runs for roughly 90 minutes; note that it’s unavailable during Cambodian New Year.

The Experience: A Detailed Breakdown

Ease of Booking and Price

For just $29 per person, this tour offers a straightforward package that includes dinner, show admission, and hotel pickup via tuk-tuk. It’s a budget-friendly option, especially considering the convenience of transportation and the cultural content packed into 90 minutes. Several reviewers highlighted the true value for money, with one even mentioning how they felt it was “worth every penny” despite some criticisms.

Hotel Pickup and Transportation

The experience kicks off with hotel pickup at 6 pm, which is punctual and smooth, according to reviews. The tuk-tuk ride itself adds a casual, local touch and allows you to relax on the way to Amazon Angkor Restaurant. This transport is especially handy since it eliminates the need to find your own way to the venue, which can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with Siem Reap.

The Venue and Seating

The dinner and show take place at Amazon Angkor Restaurant, a sizeable venue that can seat many guests. Some reviewers noted that the space is large and loud, which might make it difficult to hear or follow the dance explanations if you’re seated far from the stage. A reviewer mentioned, “we were given a seat far from the show,” which impacted the ability to fully appreciate each dance.

Dinner Buffet: Khmer Flavors on a Plate

The buffet offers a variety of Cambodian dishes, including the popular Amok curry and Khmer BBQ. Some guests found the food to be “great” or “more than enough,” with vegetarian options appreciated by one reviewer. However, others felt the quality was average or below, with comments like “the buffet food was below average.” The large buffet setup means food is replenished quickly, but the overall taste and presentation might not impress gourmet food lovers.

The Apsara Dance Show

The highlight of the evening is the traditional Khmer dance performance, showcasing classical and folk styles. The dancers perform in beautifully ornate costumes, recreating stories and religious themes rooted in Cambodian culture. Several reviewers praised the dancing as “excellent” and “mesmerizing,” though some found the show not as captivating as expected, citing that it was “not very captivating” or “easy to get distracted” by the environment.

One insightful review recounts that the performances included a variety of dances, offering viewers a glimpse into religious and cultural traditions. The show is lively, colorful, and provides a window into Cambodia’s artistic storytelling, even if the acoustics and seating arrangement might diminish the overall impact.

Post-Show and Return

After the show, guests are transported back to their hotels, usually without issues. The timing allows for a relaxed dinner and entertainment, making it suitable for those who want a straightforward cultural night without late hours.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early or request a seat closer to the stage if possible, as seating far from the performance may limit your experience.
• If you’re a foodie, consider arriving with expectations that the buffet is decent but not gourmet.
• The show is not available during Cambodian New Year (April 13-16), so plan accordingly.
• Drinks are not included, so bring cash if you wish to purchase beverages.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but those seeking a quieter, more intimate performance might prefer other options.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for easy, affordable access to Cambodian culture without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing evening with a taste of traditional dance and local cuisine. Families, first-timers, or those on a tight schedule will appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and a fixed schedule.

However, if you’re a dance enthusiast or food connoisseur seeking a highly refined experience, you might find the buffet and venue somewhat lacking. Still, for many, the lively atmosphere and cultural authenticity compensate for the small imperfections.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip tuk-tuk transport from your Siem Reap hotel is included, making it hassle-free to join the experience.

What time does the tour start?
The pickup begins at 6 pm, and the show lasts around 90 minutes. It’s a good evening activity after daytime explorations.

Are drinks included with the dinner?
No, drinks are not included in the buffet, so you should bring cash if you want to purchase beverages during the event.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility if your plans change.

Is the buffet dinner suitable for vegetarians?
Based on reviews, there are vegetarian options available, and one guest appreciated the good vegetable selection for vegetarians.

Is the show suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the performance’s family-friendly nature makes it suitable for most age groups, especially if they enjoy dance and colorful costumes.

What if I don’t speak Khmer?
The dance performance is visual and traditional, so language isn’t a barrier. However, some explanations might be delivered via intercom, which can be loud or hard to hear.

Is this experience available on specific dates?
Yes, it’s unavailable during Cambodian New Year (April 13-16), so plan accordingly.

How long does the whole experience take?
From hotel pickup to return, expect roughly 2 hours, including transportation, dinner, and the show.

Final Thoughts

The Apsara dance performance with buffet dinner and hotel pickup offers a well-rounded cultural evening at a friendly price. Its biggest strengths lie in the ease of access, genuine cultural showcase, and the opportunity to enjoy Khmer cuisine in a lively setting. While the buffet might not satisfy gourmet expectations and seating can sometimes be far from the stage, the overall experience delivers a vibrant taste of Cambodia’s artistic spirit.

This tour suits travelers who want a simple, enjoyable night out that combines tradition, good value, and convenience. It’s especially suitable for those new to Cambodian culture, families, or anyone looking to tick off an authentic activity without fuss.

If you’re after a straightforward, lively, and reasonably priced cultural experience that can be conveniently arranged from your hotel, this tour might just be the perfect choice to spend an evening in Siem Reap.