Kun Lbokator and Shadow Theater: Free Weekly Shows in Siem Reap

The Cambodia Tourism Board has launched a program of free weekly performances dedicated to two Cambodian living arts: Kun Lbokator, a traditional martial art, and Lkhon Sbek Thom, shadow theater. The first editions were held on September 18 and 19, 2026, with a Kun Lbokator demonstration.

• Date: weekly performances since September 18, 2026; exact dates announced each week by the organizers.
• Audience: general public, expats, visitors, and Cambodian residents; no experience required.
• Location: two major venues in Siem Reap, whose names are specified in the program's official calendar.
• Group size: open access subject to each venue's capacity.
• Cost: free admission, no paid tickets.

The exact lineup varies by venue and week. The usual format combines a Kun Lbokator demonstration and a shadow theater performance, with a Q&A session at the end.

Admission is free, but dates and venues change every week. A little preparation avoids a wasted trip.

1. Step 1: follow the official Cambodia Tourism Board pages and local Siem Reap accounts that share the weekly calendar.
2. Step 2: note the date, time, and venue for the week you're interested in.
3. Step 3: check whether a reservation or confirmation message is required, even when admission is free.
4. Step 4: confirm your attendance with your companions and plan your route to the venue.
5. Step 5: arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to find a spot with a good view.
6. Step 6: check in at the venue's reception and follow the on-site staff's instructions.
7. Step 7: stay after the performance to chat with the artists and ask your questions.

The outing takes place outdoors or in a semi-open space depending on the venue. A little preparation makes the experience more comfortable.

• Water — evenings remain hot and humid in Siem Reap.
• Mosquito repellent — useful after nightfall at outdoor venues.
• Charged phone — to find the location, follow updates, and take photos.
• Small bills in riels or dollars — for a tuk-tuk there and back.
• Modest, respectful clothing — performances take place in a cultural and sometimes religious setting.
• A light seat or blanket — seating isn't always guaranteed depending on the venue layout.
• Patience — schedules may be slightly adjusted, so allow a fifteen-minute buffer.

If you enjoy this format, several regular events round out the city's cultural calendar.

• Cambodian circus shows — professional performances blending acrobatics, music, and local stories, several evenings a week.
• Night markets and artisan evenings — weekly gatherings with crafts, live music, and street food.
• Khmer cooking classes — short small-group sessions, often held in the late morning or afternoon.
• Expat cultural exchange groups — regular meetups around the Khmer language and local heritage.
• Cambodia Tourism Board events — official calendar to follow for upcoming editions and new venues.