The Best of Cambodia & Laos

APSARA DANCE
Having spent the day looking at the stone variety of Apsaras, why not spend an evening
checking out the living ones? A number of places around town hold shows of Apsara Dance.
Angkor Village. Dancers in traditional gilded costume practice their slow elegant art.
This comes combined with a fine set Khmer menu in the traditional indoor banquethouse
theater. To make reservations for the nightly show call & 063/963-561. Dinner
begins at 7pm, and the show starts at 7:30pm (tickets cost $22).
The Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor has a similar show in an open pavilion on the
lawn at the front of the hotel ($32 including dinner). Times and performances vary so
be sure to call & 063/963-888 in advance. Most hotels have a performance space, and
many small restaurants have shows of varying quality.
Okay, admittedly this one is pretty kitschy, but the kids might like it: Cambodia
Cultural Center, far west of Siem Reap on the airport road (Svay Dongkum; & 063/
963-836) holds a host of shows and all-day events, including a mock Khmer wedding
and Apsara dance. Call for current offerings, as the program varies. If you don’t like the
performance, take heart that you can walk the grounds, set around a large central pond,
spend some time in Cambodia’s only wax museum, walk among all of Cambodia’s sights
done in miniature, or visit various exhibits of village life and rural skill. You can even get
around in an electric car. This one’s most popular with Asian tour groups.
Dr. Beat (Beatocello) Richner plays the works of Bach and some of his own comic
pieces between stories and vignettes about his work as director of the Kantha Bopha
Foundation, a humanitarian hospital just north of the town center. Admission is free,
but donations are accepted in support of their valiant efforts to serve a steady stream of
destitute patients, mostly children, who suffer from treatable diseases such as tuberculosis.
Dr. Richner is as passionate about his music as he is about his cause. You’re in for an
enjoyable, informative evening. Performances are every Saturday at 7:15pm just north of
the town center on the road to the temples.
Siem Reap
ATMs As with Phnom Penh, ATMs are springing up at a fast pace in Siem Reap.
There are many around Psar Chas and they accept all major cards. Canadia Bank
is the kindest in terms of fees charged.
Banks & Currency Exchange Canadia Bank, on the western side of the Old
Market (& 063/964-808), and ANZ Royal Bank (566–570 Tep Vong St.; & 023/
726-900) are the best options for services. ANZ has several ATMs around town
including one at the central branch and two 24-hour ATMs in the heart of the
backpacker district just south of Red Piano Bar. You can change traveler’s checks
in some hotels and in any bank.
Doctors & Hospitals Royal Angkor International Hospital (No. 6 Airport Rd.;
& 063/761-888; www.royalangkorhospital.com) provides 24-hour emergency care,
ambulance, translation, and evacuation. Check on their website before departure
to make sure your insurance covers you under their terms and conditions.
Emergencies There’s a tourist police station near the entrance to the temples.
For local police, dial & 117. In the event of a medical emergency, contact International
SOS Clinic in Phnom Penh (& 023/216-911).
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