Cambodia Tourism Board Launches Free Cultural Shows in Siem Reap
The Cambodia Tourism Board will host free weekly performances of UNESCO-listed Kun Lbokator and Lkhon Sbek Thom in Siem Reap, beginning 18 September 2026.
New Cultural Initiative for Siem Reap Visitors
The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) has launched a new Cultural Pop-up Show initiative, designed to bring immersive cultural performances directly to key tourism sites across Siem Reap.
Commencing 18 September 2026, these complimentary shows will be held every Friday and Saturday, providing both local residents and international travellers with an accessible avenue to engage with Cambodia’s rich living heritage.
This programme aims to create a more dynamic, immersive, and memorable experience of Siem Reap, encouraging visitors to explore aspects of Cambodian culture beyond the well-known temple complexes. The initiative represents a strategic effort to broaden the destination's appeal and deepen visitor engagement with its unique traditions.
Showcasing UNESCO-Listed Art Forms
The initiative prominently features two traditional Cambodian art forms, both recognised on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These include Kun Lbokator, Cambodia’s ancient martial art, and Lkhon Sbek Thom, the nation's traditional large shadow theatre.
Public performances of Kun Lbokator are scheduled at the iconic Terrace of the Elephants each Friday and Saturday, running from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Subsequently, Lkhon Sbek Thom will be staged along the Siem Reap River, with shows taking place from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
These specific timings and locations have been chosen to ensure maximum accessibility and convenience for visitors throughout the late afternoon and evening hours.
CTB’s Vision for a Dynamic Cultural Hub
H.E. Kim Minea, CEO of the Cambodia Tourism Board, highlighted Siem Reap's recent global recognition, noting its inclusion as one of the world’s top destinations for 2026 by global travel publication Lonely Planet. Furthermore, Siem Reap was acknowledged among the world’s best cultural destinations in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Mr Minea explained that bringing cultural performances into public spaces across the city aims to inject more energy, creativity, and moments of surprise into the visitor experience. This approach seeks to foster new avenues for both local communities and international travellers to connect with Cambodia’s living culture and heritage.
The CTB’s goal is to further improve Siem Reap’s city vibe, establishing it as a more dynamic, lively, and immersive cultural destination for travellers globally. The Apsara National Authority Siem Reap Provincial Administration provided close cooperation and support for these performances.
Boosting Local Economy and Visitor Engagement
Oknha Lay Kimsour, President of the Cambodian Hotel Association, Siem Reap Chapter, expressed strong support for the Cambodia Tourism Board’s initiative. Mr Kimsour advocated for the regular organisation and expansion of such activities to more locations across Siem Reap.
He emphasised that providing visitors with more attractions and activities, especially beyond the temples and extending into the evening, could encourage them to prolong their stays, explore a wider range of areas, and increase their spending with local businesses.
This strategy is designed to generate greater economic benefits for local communities, while showcasing Siem Reap as a rich cultural destination boasting a lively city atmosphere and diverse experiences available throughout the year.
Implications for Travellers and Regional Tourism
This initiative offers travellers free, authentic cultural immersion, significantly diversifying Siem Reap’s appeal beyond its renowned temple complexes. The scheduled evening performances provide new entertainment options, which could encourage longer stays and increased expenditure within the local economy.
For the broader Asian travel industry, this move by the Cambodia Tourism Board demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing destination attractiveness by utilising intangible cultural heritage.
This strategy could serve as a model for other cultural destinations in the region, particularly those with rich historical sites, looking to offer more immersive and economically beneficial visitor experiences, thereby driving demand for local services and accommodations.
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