Where to Watch Traditional Dance Shows in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Apsara dancers form a strong part of Khmer culture
Apsara dancers form a strong part of Khmer culture | © Uthai Joomthong / Shutterstock

The Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh may not have as many spots to watch traditional Cambodian dancing at as Siem Reap, but there are still a handful of top-class options to choose from. Here’s where to watch them, and some of the troupes that are worth keeping an eye on.

Cambodian Living Arts' theatre show

Museum

Cambodian Living Arts
© Cambodian Living Arts
As the main organisation tasked with bringing traditional arts back to life and steering it in a new, modern direction, Cambodian Living Arts trains musicians, dancers, singers, and other performers, providing them with the props to make a living from their art. One arm of their efforts is the daily shows at the capital’s National Museum, which runs from 7pm to 8pm. The Traditional Dance Show takes audiences on a journey from Angkor’s palaces to the villages of today through song, music, and theatre.

Sovanna Phum Arts Association

Theater

Sovanna Phum Arts Association
© Sovanna Phum Arts Association
Sovanna Phum Arts Association worked tirelessly to keep the arts alive in the capital. It employs more than 120 artists, and puts on a range of shows every Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. These include shadow puppet theatre, classical Apsara dancing, folklore, mask dances, and traditional music. Visitors can also try their hand at dance, drums, or circus skills at a private workshop.

Sophiline Arts Ensemble

Music Venue

Sophiline Arts Ensemble
© Sophiline Arts Ensemble

Headed by renowned classical Cambodian dancer Sophiline Cheam Shaprio, this ensemble is an internationally-renowned classical dance and music company that is based at the Khmer Arts Theater in Takhmao, Kandal Province, outside of Phnom Penh. While the award-winning troupe is often overseas showcasing Cheam Shapiro’s groundbreaking choreography, they perform on hometurf several times a year – often at Chaktomuk Conference Hall – so it’s worth keeping an eye on their website and Facebook page.

Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA

Theatre

Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA
© Deric Mendes / Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA

Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA is Cambodia’s first gay dance company, re-staging Khmer classical dances with a contemporary streak. The groundbreaking troupe recently took up residency at the newly opened Java Creative Cafe’s theatre in Toul Tom Poung. They can also be seen performing at various other locations across the capital.

Chaktomuk Conference Hall

Theatre

Chaktomuk Conference Hall
© Chaktomuk Conference Hall

Designed by revered Cambodian architect and father of the New Khmer Architecture movement of the 1950s and ’60s, Van Molyvann, Chaktomuk Conference Hall stands on the capital’s riverside, overlooking the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. It hosts a string of performances throughout the year, including several dance shows so keep an eye on its Facebook page for upcoming events.

Selapak

School

Apsara dancers sport traditional Cambodian attire
© Rawpixel / Shutterstock

If you fancy learning first hand the traditional art of apsara – Cambodian ballet – or bokator, the ancient Khmer martial art – then Selapak, which translates from Khmer to the arts, is a good place to start. It runs traditional dance and martial art initiation classes, demonstrations and lessons, all led by experts in their field. Private classes can be arranged on request. Performances can also be viewed.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article