Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE CAMBODIAN BEER GARDEN EXPERIENCE
There are dozens of beer gardens around Siem Reap that cater to young Cambodians working in the
tourism industry. These can be a great experience for cheap beer, local snacks and getting to know
some Cambodians beyond your driver or guide. All serve up ice-cold beer, some served in 3L beer
towers complete with chiller. They can be a bit laddish by Cambodian standards, so solo female trav-
ellers might want to hook up with a traveller crowd before venturing forth.
The best strip is just north of Airport Rd from the first set of traffic lights after Sivatha St.
Samut
central bar, regular football on big screens and mighty beer towers. Wander around this area to see
where the locals are hanging out.
Entertainment
Several restaurants and hotels offer cultural performances during the evening, and for
many visitors such shows offer the only opportunity to see Cambodian classical dance.
While they may be aimed at tourists and are nowhere near as sophisticated as a perform-
ance of the Royal Ballet in Phnom Penh, to the untrained eye it is nonetheless graceful
and alluring. Prices usually include a buffet meal.
Apsara Theatre
( 063-963561;
www.angkorvillage.com/theatre.php
;
admission US$25)
The setting is a striking
wooden pavilion finished in the style of a wat, but the set menu is less inspiring. There are
two shows per night and it's packed to the rafters with tour groups.
DANCE
Beatocello
CLASSICAL MUSIC
(
www.beatocello.com
; 7.15pm Sat)
Better known as Dr Beat Richner, Beatocello per-
forms cello compositions at Jayavarman VII Children's Hospital. Entry is free, but dona-
tions are welcome, as they assist the hospital in offering free medical treatment to the chil-
dren of Cambodia.
La Noria Restaurant
SHADOW PUPPETS
