Cambodian Art Exploration in Siem Reap: Dive into Traditional and Modern Khmer Art
3.8
5 Ratings
Siem Reap
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Cambodian art on a private tour in Siem Reap. Explore traditional and modern Khmer art forms, from lacquerware painting to Apsara dance, and discover the rich history and cultural significance behind each masterpiece.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Depending upon the tour you’ve selected, you’ll meet your guide at your Siem Reap hotel at either 9am or 2:30pm. The morning option explores
the Angkor temple complex, which can be combined with
an afternoon tour that highlights Cambodian art.

The first stop on the afternoon tour is the
Artisans d’ Angkor workshop,
where you can see the different artists at work and learn how pieces are created using traditional Cambodian methods. Watch as artisans paint on silk and carve delicate pieces of wood, as well as practice lacquerware painting, silver work, and sculpting. Many of the artists have items for purchase, but there’s no obligation or any pressure to pick up a souvenir.

The next stop is at a beautiful silk farm, where
you’ll learn the process of silk production, from cocoon unwinding to dyeing.
Learn how the silkworms feed on the mulberry trees that line the 5-acre farm, and everything from weaving to designing the patterns is completely done by hand.

The tour continues
at an art gallery to see examples of modern, Cambodian art that’s inspired by Khmer tradition. This artist is a
master at painting and lacquering, and his fine artwork is crafted from a blend of modern and traditional techniques. His atelier
is a traditional wooden house that’s set in a tranquil garden, and you’re free to wander the gallery grounds and see
pieces from his private collection.

The final art form you’ll experience on this tour is traditional Apsara dance, which is performed in a comfortable, 5-star location, and accompanied by a 4-course meal. Apsara dance dates all the way back to early Angkorian times, and dancers perform the five different dances in colorful costumes and dazzling jewelry that make for a gorgeous experience. Each of the dances have different meanings, and are performed between courses of your traditional Khmer meal that’s served in a garden pavilion.

By the end of the evening, around 8:45pm, you are driven back to your Siem Reap hotel with memories you’ll never forget.

Points of Interest

  • Siem Reap
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Private transport in an air-conditioned car
  • Khmer dinner at a 5-star venue (set menu)
What's Not Included
  • Beverages during dinner or extra side orders
  • If selecting Angkor tour option: Entrance fees to Angkor temples (Temple Pass) are not included and may be purchased at the entrance to the park for approximately USD $20.
Additional Information

Embark on a private journey from Siem Reap to delve into Cambodia’s rich art scene. Explore a spectrum of styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, that are integral to Khmer culture, like lacquerware artwork, stone sculptures, Apsara dance, and silk fabrication. The tour offers not just exposure to diverse art forms, but insights into discerning quality, offering the perfect complement to a morning spent around the Angkor temples.

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Location
Siem Reap
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.8
(5 Ratings)
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Elena
Jun 2, 2018
Amazing presentation & experience of Cambodian culture - My sister and i enjoyed this tour so much. We want to say huge thank you to our knowledgeable and friendly English Guide, Sochea Un (Pithou) and caring Socheak. We learned so much about Cambodian history in just one day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Redwinelover21
Feb 19, 2018
Good introduction to Cambodian dance and music - This show (including dinner) offers a good introduction to the Cambodian dance, music and culture. Dinner before the show is okay. They offer wine and other liquors for purchase along with the dinner. Worth going, if you have an evening to spare. The only unfortunate part I did not like is that large groups of Chinese tourists come to the show and the tour guides encourage them to get up and leave at the end during final curtain and while the artists taking their bows. It not one or two people, but four or five bus loads of people get up and run out of the theater in the name of beating the traffic. It is a shame that this kind of behavior goes on. I have never seen anything like that in my trips all over the world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen_k
Mar 16, 2018
Our guide easily adjusted the art... - <p>Our guide easily adjusted the art tour to things we had not yet seen. The Apsara dinner show was fascinating. Our guide personally got us settled at the restaurant after stopping for us at the night market for us to buy a CD of traditional music. There was a helpful program listing each type of beautiful dance we saw. Unfortunately, the food was not as good as we had in other places, therefore only 4 stars.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Radha_r
Jan 7, 2020
Cambodian Art tour with Apsara dance and dinner - The silk farm was missed as the guide informed that it is closed. I wonder he did not organise the timing properly Apsara dance was ok The dinner was good
Review provided by Viator
Mary
Apr 1, 2019
Cambodian Art tour - rude behaviors spoiled the tour - The first part of the tour to the artisians was wonderful and a great introduction to the crafts. We had sufficient time to observe the artists at work and get to know the processes behind the crafts. The shop was stocked with high quality products at reasonable prices. The dinner and Apsara show was the complete opposite! As other reviewers suggested the dinner was okay but the other guests were out of control. They were talking through the well-executed dances, they stood at their tables videoing the performance - blocking views. To make matters worse the wait staff served tables during the performance - which added to the chaos. The venue should establish ground rules for guests such as not talking during performances or picture taking so all guests could enjoy the dancing. What we saw of the dances - was wonderful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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