Siem Reap, Cambodia — September 23, 2026 — The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) has launched its first Cultural Pop-up Shows initiative in Siem Reap, giving visitors and the public an opportunity to experience Cambodia’s living heritage through traditional performances.
The first shows were held on September 18–19, featuring two Cambodian art forms inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Kun Lbokator, Cambodia’s traditional martial art, and Lkhon Sbek Thom, the country’s traditional large shadow theatre.
The programme is scheduled to continue every Friday and Saturday from September 18.
Bringing Living Heritage Closer to Visitors
According to the CTB, the initiative is designed to bring Cambodia’s cultural traditions into direct contact with visitors through immersive performances in prominent locations around Siem Reap.
Rather than presenting cultural heritage only through museums or heritage sites, the pop-up performances create opportunities for visitors to experience traditional arts in an active public setting.
The programme features two different performances, each presented at a separate location and time.
Kun Lbokator at the Terrace of the Elephants
Kun Lbokator performances are scheduled every Friday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at the Terrace of the Elephants.
The CTB said the performance aims to bring to life the martial art forms represented in carvings found on the walls and stones of ancient temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
The setting provides a direct connection between the traditional martial art and the archaeological environment where representations of Khmer civilisation can still be seen today.
Lkhon Sbek Thom Along the Siem Reap River
Lkhon Sbek Thom, Cambodia’s traditional large shadow theatre, is scheduled every Saturday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm along the Siem Reap River.
The evening performance brings another major Cambodian traditional art form into a public setting, creating a cultural experience alongside the river.
The CTB said the performances are intended to make Cambodia’s living heritage more accessible to both visitors and the wider public.
Cultural Experiences for Visitors and Families
The Cambodia Tourism Board is inviting stakeholders and members of the public to attend the performances and experience Cambodia’s traditional arts.
Visitors are also encouraged to bring friends and family members and capture the experience through photographs and videos.
The initiative provides an additional cultural activity for people visiting Siem Reap while creating a platform for traditional Cambodian performing arts.
Cultural Pop-up Show Schedule
| Performance | Location | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kun Lbokator | Terrace of the Elephants | Every Friday | 4:30pm–5:30pm |
| Lkhon Sbek Thom | Along the Siem Reap River | Every Saturday | 7:00pm–8:30pm |
Key Facts
| Indiator | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Cambodia Tourism Board |
| Programme | Cultural Pop-up Shows |
| Launch | September 18–19, 2026 |
| Location | Siem Reap |
| Featured arts | Kun Lbokator and Lkhon Sbek Thom |
| Cultural status | Both are inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list |
| Kun Lbokator | Fridays, 4:30pm–5:30pm |
| Kun Lbokator venue | Terrace of the Elephants |
| Lkhon Sbek Thom | Saturdays, 7:00pm–8:30pm |
| Lkhon Sbek Thom venue | Siem Reap River |
Angkor Times Analysis
The Cultural Pop-up Shows add a living-performance dimension to Siem Reap’s heritage tourism offer.
The initiative connects traditional performing arts with locations that visitors already associate with the province, including the Angkor Archaeological Park and the Siem Reap River. This can create a more varied visitor experience by combining Cambodia’s built heritage with performing traditions.
The programme also demonstrates how cultural performances can become part of the visitor experience outside conventional stage venues. Regular Friday and Saturday programming gives visitors another reason to include cultural activities in their Siem Reap itineraries.
For the local tourism ecosystem, recurring cultural programmes can also provide additional opportunities for performers and help keep traditional art forms visible to both Cambodian audiences and international visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cultural Pop-up Shows?
They are a Cambodia Tourism Board initiative presenting traditional Cambodian performing arts in public locations in Siem Reap.
Which performances are featured?
The programme features Kun Lbokator and Lkhon Sbek Thom.
When can visitors watch Kun Lbokator?
Kun Lbokator is scheduled every Friday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at the Terrace of the Elephants.
When is Lkhon Sbek Thom performed?
Lkhon Sbek Thom is scheduled every Saturday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm along the Siem Reap River.
Are the performances open to the public?
The CTB has invited stakeholders and the general public to attend and experience the performances.
Why are the performances significant?
The programme highlights traditional Cambodian art forms recognised as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and presents them as living cultural practices for visitors and the public to experience.