Siem Reap Expands Cultural Tourism Beyond Angkor With Free Weekly Shows

SIEM REAP, Sept 7, 2026 (KPT) — Siem Reap is broadening its tourism appeal beyond temple visits with a new weekly cultural performance programme aimed at encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more at local businesses, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) said Monday. The “Cultural Pop-up Show” initiative will launch on September 18, bringing traditional Cambodian performances to public spaces and tourism sites every Friday and Saturday. The programme will feature Kun Lbokator, Cambodia’s traditional martial art, and Lkhon Sbek Thom, the country’s large shadow theatre—both recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Kun Lbokator will be staged at the Terrace of the Elephants from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., while the schedule for Lkhon Sbek Thom will be announced via CTB’s social media channels. All performances will be free of charge. CTB chief executive Kim Minea said the initiative would “add new experiences for visitors while creating opportunities to connect with Cambodia’s living cultural heritage.” The programme is designed to strengthen Siem Reap’s appeal as a destination offering activities beyond Angkor’s temples, particularly in the evening. Lay Kimsour, president of the Cambodian Hotel Association’s Siem Reap chapter, said the hospitality sector supports expanding such activities to more locations and making them more regular. “Providing visitors with more things to see and do could encourage them to stay longer and spend more with local businesses,” she said. According to CTB, the pop-up concept will bring cultural performances to key visitor areas, including the Angkor Archaeological Park and Siem Reap town, allowing tourists to encounter Cambodian traditions as part of their journey rather than only through scheduled attractions. The initiative is part of broader efforts to diversify Siem Reap’s tourism economy by extending visitor activities into the evening and creating opportunities for restaurants, hotels, shops and transport providers. Siem Reap has recently been recognised among leading global destinations for 2026 by Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor. By combining Cambodia’s living heritage with free, accessible public performances, the programme aims to give visitors more reasons to spend additional time in Siem Reap while supporting local communities and businesses.