Beyond the Cabin: Live from Siem Reap

This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ Beyond the Cabin Season 2 video series, in which cabin crew unveil experiences in their favourite destinations.

Siem Reap is a hotspot for culture thanks to world-famous archaeological sites such as Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm Temple. But the city’s cultural charms are more multifaceted than visitors might think – for instance, its thriving performing arts scene is not to be missed.

“Travellers should visit Siem Reap to draw inspiration from its vibrant performing arts. Cambodians are not just taking the time to revive and reconnect with their rich heritage, but they are also growing other contemporary arts practices,” says Singapore Airlines cabin crew member Lim Jae-Yenn. “Plus, the city hosts various festivals and performances, offering visitors a rich and immersive cultural experience.”

Grab a front row seat and join Jae-Yenn as she discovers the best of Siem Reap’s performing arts scene.

Shadow puppetry is a time-honoured Cambodian art form dating back to pre-Angkorian times. “During sunset, performers start a bonfire using coconut husks, then showcase intricately handcrafted leather puppets behind a white screen. With the magical glow of the fire, Cambodian instrumental music and folktale narration, the puppetry really comes to life,” Jae-Yenn explains.

After the performance, audience members are invited to go backstage to play with the puppets. “You can also sign up for a shadow puppet-making workshop for a more hands-on experience,” Jae-Yenn says.

Recognised as a form of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, bokator is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. Practitioners use every single part of their body as a weapon, with powerful techniques including elbow strikes, kicks, grappling and more.

Bokator is one of the oldest martial arts in the world

As Jae-Yenn notes, many instances of bokator are depicted in the carvings found throughout the Angkor temples. Alternatively, you can try your hand at the martial art by signing up for a one-hour session (held at 6am, 8am and 6pm, seven days a week) at the Moha Nokor Club at Siem Reap.

For a night to remember, book tickets to Phare, The Cambodian Circus (bookable through Pelago) — Siem Reap’s very own Cirque du Soleil. Held beneath the big top in downtown Siem Reap, the nightly performance stars acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, musicians and more.

“I highly recommend this thrilling and captivating show, where traditional Khmer stories are brought to live through theatrical dance, music and modern arts. The talented performers really entertain and engage the audience, and the music complements the show so well,” Jae-Yenn says. “Everything else about the show is so well thought out too, from the multilingual subtitles to the lighting effects and performers’ makeup and outfits.”

When in Siem Reap, it’s a must to watch an Apsara dance, a classical art form that dates back to the 7th century. During the performance, women in glittering tunics and gilded headdresses narrate myths and religious stories through more than 1,500 hand gestures that are graceful and precise in equal measure.

Many venues across Siem Reap, including Por Cuisine Restaurant (bookable through Pelago), pair Apsara performances with a Cambodian-themed dinner. “You can learn about this mesmerising spectacle at your own pace, reading the guide on hand gestures while enjoying a variety of Khmer food. As a bonus, the interior of the theatre is so beautiful,” Jae-Yenn enthuses. “It’s both a cultural and gastronomic experience!”

At Singapore Airlines, we’re all about taking you places – whether that’s 30,000 feet in the air or 3,000+ attractions across the globe. Check out our travel experiences platform Pelago and lifestyle rewards app Kris+, and discover how you can get the most out of your next trip.