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IF you were staying in Siem Reap, what would be the first thing you did? The answer, of course, is visit the Angkor Wat temples. But haven’t you ever wanted to try something that’s new

and quite unique?

Well, there is something different – something that takes you back to the lost dynasty. It’s called Smile of Angkor.

Smile of Angkor is the first grand epic performance in Southeast Asia. From foundation to prosperity, tale to folk custom, past to present, it revives all the myths depicted in the Angkor temple reliefs, with original culture expressing all aspects of the Angkor dynasty.

It’s about 75 minutes long, with six chapters: Preface to God; Glorious Kingdom; Resurrection of the Gods; Churning the Ocean of Milk; Prayer of Life; and Smile of Angkor.

The performance also contains traditional Cambodian dances such as the Shiva Dance, the Apsara Dance,

the Soldier Dance, the Peacock Dance, the Bathing Dance, the Monkey Dance, Bokotoo (an ancient Cambodian fighting skill) and the Palace Candle Dance.

This amazing production uses huge LEDs, a laser show, a water curtain, special stage smog, modern lighting and a stunning sound system to good effect.

Smile of Angkor is produced by the Siem Reap (Cambodia) Performance & Arts Company, one of the largest entertainment companies in Southeast Asia, and is supported by Cambodia and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

There are daily performances of Smile of Angkor from 19:15 to 20:25 in the Grand Theatre at AngkorCOEX.

The ticket prices are quite reasonable for both local people and international tourists, and it’s a kind of buffet performance.

Gek Sim, a member of the reservation staff, says: “There are two types of ticket, A and B. For international tourists, an A ticket costs $48 and a B ticket $38. Both types of ticket include a buffet dinner.

“Ticket prices for Cambod-ians are cheaper. They pay only $8 for an A ticket and $6 for a B ticket, but the buffet dinner is not included.

“If they want dinner, they have to pay another $5.”