CULTURAL INSIGHTS
APSARA DANCE:
The Royal Ballet of Cambodia
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Apsara refers to the celestial nymphs of clouds and water who dance to celebrate prosperity and harmony in the world. The dancers channel this divine elegance through slow, delicate and controlled hand movements and body harmony that communicate meaning through gesture rather than speech. For instance, a hand position arched backward to nearly a right
This Ancient Khmers’ embodiment of elegance draws its roots from Hindu mythology. The Apsaras are celestial nymphs who infuse fertility into nature spreading love and happiness. This dance was practiced in the royal courts of the Khmer kings. Pushed to extinction under the Khmer Rouge regime, it was revived in the 20th
Apsaras act as intermediaries between humans and deities, a heartfelt tribute to the gods, ancestors, and Khmer heritage. The performance comprises beautiful female dancers, adorned in expertly designed costumes, depicting the mythological figures in the sculptures of the ancient Khmer temples of Angkor Wat. Costumes include ornate silk dresses, gold crowns resembling the towers of the Angkor Wat, and other ceremonial jewellery. The minute details carried within the costume add to the storytelling and help define the dancer’s status, character, and interaction with the divine representation of Apsara Dance.
Watching the Apsara Dance is essential for understanding Cambodian culture, it brings the ancient carvings of the Angkor Wat to life. It acts as a performative representation of the spiritual connection to Hindu and Buddhist legends through intricate hand gestures, and individually detail-
century particularly due to Princess Bopha Devi. In 2003, UNESCO inscribed it as an intangible cultural heritage. Previously limited to royalty and divination, it is now omnipresent in Khmer identity through Cambodian festivals and cultural events.
angle represents the blossoming of a flower or the gentle unfurling of a leaf, symbolizing the unfolding of life itself. Apsara dance uses over 1,500 intricate hand gestures called mudras to narrate stories, express emotions, and evoke spiritual themes.
curated traditional costumes. A symbol of Cambodia’s identity, trauma and the resurrection after the Khmer Rouge regime, it is a must-visit to experience the resilience and transformation of Cambodian culture.
Performances
Koulen II Restaurant
A long-standing dinner performance venue offering a classic Cambodian cultural experience. The show features traditional dances such as the Apsara dance, Sovann Machha dance, Tep Monorom dance, and more. A buffet dinner, included in the ticket price, opens about an hour before the performance, allowing guests to enjoy a wide variety of dishes. Beverages are available at an additional cost.
Tel: +855 92 630 090
Sivatha Street, Opposite Lucky Mall,
Near National Road Number 6.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Range: Starting from $34
This oldest Theatre revives Khmer Traditional Dances every evening. Dancers, singers and musicians perform 3 classical and 2 village dances to the music of the traditional orchestra. The performance lasts from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The performance is preceded by dinner served at 7:30 pm.
Tel: +855 (0)99 577 077
Wat Bo Road,
Street 26, Opposite Angkor Village Hotel
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
The Apsara Terrace is a must-do experience in Cambodia. A magical performance of Cambodian dance and Khmer martial art, accompanied with a pan-Asian BBQ. Every Saturday, a dinner-show is organised to entice your taste buds while you’re entertained by gracious elegance.
Tel: (855) 63 963 888
1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle
Khum Svay Dangkum
17252 Siem Reap
Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor
The Apsara Show is one of the highlights of the hotel. A mesmerizing traditional dance performance, every evening at their Royal court usually from April to October. Experience the rich cultural heritage with the best of Khmer and international cuisine.
Tel: (+855) 63 964 600
Fax: (+855) 63 964 610
Email: H3123@Sofitel.com
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum 171202 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Range: US $35-40
An enchanting evening of culture and cuisine offered at the hotel’s Buffet Dinner Show. The iconic Apsara dance is performed live, just steps from your table.
Tel: +855 (0) 81 967 666
Mail: reservations@somadeviangkor.com
Sivatha Road,
Siem Reap, Cambodia
To preserve the great cultural heritage, the restaurant presents nightly Khmer dancing including the infamous Apsara dance, and other traditional performances - Tep Monorom Dance, Coconut Dance, Mekhala Dance, Fishermen’s Dance. The dinner is served from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Performances start from 7:30 pm daily.
Tel: +855 12 966 988 | 015 929 999
Fax: +855 63 966 988
Email: info@amazon-angkor.com
Krous Village, Svay Dangkum, Angkor Wat,
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
A special theatre experience comprising of Khmer Cultural shows are sure to make your evenings delighted by taste and elegance. Everyday at 7:30 pm, the performance exhibits chronicles of the rich history of the Khmer Kingdom as well as the Dark Ages of Cambodia. Visitors will have an immersive experience of the history while enjoying the exquisit dinner.
Tel: (+855) 63 964 600
Fax: (+855) 63 964 610
Email: H3123@Sofitel.com
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum 171202 Siem Reap, Cambodia