Royal Ballet of Cambodia Apsara Dance Show

Attending the Royal Ballet of Cambodia’s Apsara Dance Show offers a captivating glimpse into Cambodia’s traditional arts, set against a stunning backdrop of the Tonle Sap River. Although we haven’t personally participated, multiple reviewers highlight this as a highlight for those wanting an authentic, elegant, and culturally enriching evening.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, the beautiful dance performances by the Royal Ballet are described as both graceful and fascinating. Secondly, the combination of a top-notch venue with river views creates a memorable ambiance. Lastly, the fusion menu blending Khmer, Modern Italian, and Australian dishes offers a delicious culinary journey. One consideration worth noting is that the show takes place only on weekends, so planning ahead is essential for anyone eager to attend.

This experience best suits travelers with an interest in Cambodian culture, those seeking a memorable dinner-and-show night out, or anyone wanting to support the Royal Cambodian Ballet’s preservation. It’s a wonderful blend of artistry, scenery, and cuisine that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from culture enthusiasts to food lovers.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Performance: Experience traditional Apsara dance by the Royal Ballet, a symbol of Cambodia’s artistic heritage.
• Stunning Riverside Setting: Dine at Riverview Restaurant with views of the Tonle Sap River, adding ambiance and visual appeal.
• Diverse Menu Options: Enjoy a mix of Khmer classics, Modern Italian, and Australian dishes, including premium options like Wagyu and seafood.
• Supporting a Noble Cause: Every ticket helps preserve Cambodia’s royal ballet tradition, led by HRH Prince Sisowath Tesso.
• Limited Weekend Availability: The show runs only on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.9/5 from 12 reviews, it’s clear this experience resonates well with guests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Venue: Riverview Restaurant on the Tonle Sap River

The Riverview Restaurant is the perfect setting for this performance. Located on the 1st floor of a riverside building at 313 Quayside, Preah Sisowath Quay, it offers not only a comfortable dining space but also some of the best views in Phnom Penh. Several reviewers emphasize the restaurant’s beautiful environment and excellent view of the river, which enhances the evening’s atmosphere.

The Performance: Apsara Dance by the Royal Ballet

The Apsara dance is a traditional Khmer art form known for its intricate movements, elegant costumes, and storytelling through dance. Reviewers describe the dancers’ movements as fascinating and like nothing they’d ever seen before. The Royal Ballet, led by HRH Prince Sisowath Tesso, performs with a level of professionalism that impresses both casual viewers and dance aficionados.

Guests can expect a 2.5-hour show full of beautifully choreographed sequences, graceful hand gestures, and a glimpse into Cambodia’s cultural symbolism. It’s common for visitors to highlight the beauty of the costumes and the precision of the dancers’ movements as some of the key highlights.

The Cuisine: A Fusion of Flavors

Dining options here are diverse, catering to various tastes and preferences. The menu includes affordable comfort foods like beef lok lak and Khmer desserts, which are hearty and familiar. For those wanting a more refined experience, premium dishes such as Wagyu beef, seafood, pasta, and even kangaroo are available, cooked to order with care.

Guests often mention that the food quality is excellent, with some reviewers noting they enjoyed delicious tapas-style dishes alongside a selection of wines. The restaurant’s la carte and cocktail menus are available for dine-in, making it easy to pair your meal with a glass of wine, especially while enjoying the performance.

More Great Tours Nearby

Supporting the Royal Cambodian Ballet

An important aspect of this experience is that all ticket sales go directly to the Royal Cambodian Ballet. This means your evening not only offers entertainment but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Led by HRH Prince Sisowath Tesso, the ballet is a heartfelt project aimed at keeping this traditional art form alive for future generations.

Practical Details

• The tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes a wide range of visitors.
• It takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM.
• The meeting point is on the 1st floor of the Riverview Restaurant, with precise coordinates provided.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for planning.
• The total duration is 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable evening activity.

Authenticity and Reviewer Insights

Visitors consistently praise the beauty and authenticity of the dance, with one traveler from Ireland describing the movement as “fascinating”. Another from Singapore mentioned it was “an excellent cultural experience”, noting the nice view and beautiful restaurant.

Many reviewers appreciated the excellent quality of the performance and the atmosphere created by the riverside setting. Several pointed out that the cost of the ticket is justified by the quality of the show, the delicious food, and the support of a noble cause.

One guest from Canada called the venue “beautiful”, emphasizing that the combined experience was a “must-do” for anyone visiting Phnom Penh with an interest in arts and culture.

Why This Experience Is Worth Considering

For travelers seeking a deep dive into Cambodia’s cultural traditions, this show offers an intimate and respectful presentation of the Apsara dance, which is a significant part of Khmer identity. The riverfront setting elevates the evening, providing a serene backdrop to the performance and excellent opportunities for photos.

Food-wise, the diverse menu is a bonus, especially if you enjoy trying different cuisines or want a memorable dining experience to accompany the show. The fact that your ticket supports the Royal Cambodian Ballet adds a meaningful dimension—you’re helping keep a centuries-old tradition alive.

It’s suited for culture seekers, couples, or groups of friends looking for an elegant night out. Due to the show’s limited schedule (weekends only), planning ahead is recommended to secure your spot.

In Summary: Who Will Love This?

If you’re interested in authentic Cambodian culture, appreciate beautiful dance performances, or enjoy dining with a view, this experience ticks many boxes. It’s particularly valuable for those who want to support local arts while enjoying a classy night out. The high ratings and positive reviews reflect its quality, making it a safe choice for travelers wanting something memorable.

That said, those looking for a more interactive or daytime activity might find this experience a bit limited in scope; it’s a seated, evening performance with a set schedule. If you’re flexible and eager for an upscale cultural experience, this will likely be a highlight of your Phnom Penh trip.

FAQs

• What is the duration of the show? The show lasts approximately 2.5 hours, from 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM.
• When does the show take place? It runs on Saturday and Sunday evenings only.
• Where is the meeting point? At the 1st floor of the Riverview Restaurant, 313 Quayside, Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.
• Is the event wheelchair accessible? Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.
• Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Is there a dress code? While not explicitly stated, smart casual attire is recommended for an evening at a fine restaurant and cultural performance.
• Can I choose my meal? Yes, the menu offers both affordable Khmer dishes and premium options, allowing for a range of preferences.
• Does my ticket support the Royal Cambodian Ballet? Absolutely. All ticket sales go directly to this noble cause.
• Is there an option to reserve and pay later? Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving flexibility for last-minute plans.
• What language is the performance in? While not specified, performances are typically silent in dance or may include traditional storytelling, with the focus on movement and costumes.

To sum it up, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia Apsara Dance Show offers an elegant blend of art, cuisine, and scenery. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to indulge in Cambodia’s cultural treasures while enjoying a memorable evening by the river. Whether you’re a dance enthusiast, a gourmand, or a supporter of local arts, this experience promises a genuine taste of Cambodia’s heritage in an ambiance that’s both beautiful and meaningful.

You can check availability for your dates here: