A Cambodian orchestra playing traditional instruments and Apsara dancers serenade the diners as they enjoy their meal and their surroundings. Apsara dancers dance in the traditional Khmer style and are sometimes referred to as Royal Ballet Dancers of Khmer. These dancers use a series of stylized movements and gesticulations to mime a story, usually a historical saga. The dancers wear elaborately designed costumes made of silk and heavily worked with gold and silver. They also wear large chunky pieces of jewelry on their hands and feet, while also donning large intricately detailed headdresses. The design of the headdress primarily depends upon the character the dancer is supposed to depict. A western string quartet will also perform afterwards and a cultural show, an elephant parade and a fireworks display are also in the agenda.
The Angkor Archeological Park where the dinner is organized is one of the most important historical sites in Asia; it stretches over 400 square kilometers and contains the world famous Angkor Temple. While most of the temples that belong to the earlier period belong to Hinduism, some of the latter ones were built in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
The two temples that host the dinners belong to the latter period and are thus devoted to the Buddhist faith. Other locations can also be organized with prior permission being obtained from the hotel; Wat Atvea is sparingly used for this purpose. Special lighting techniques are used to illuminate the ruins in a faint reddish glow and to create a romantic ambience for the guests.
Guests will be taken along a decorated path to the ruins; beautifully carved ice sculptures will line the path and the dining area. A special pre-dinner cocktail and a Khmer or a Western menu prepared by chefs of this Siem Reap hotel will be offered. However the most important part of the ceremonial dinner is when the diners are blessed by a monk in a deeply spiritual traditional religious ritual.
