The Legend of Angkor Wat

See Angkor Wat come alive in The Legend of Angkor Wat, an extraordinary dinner show of light, sound and special effects. The show will be running on the grounds of the magnificent Angkor Wat temple between 20:00 - 21:00.

The show will run every night from 5 December 2008 through to 31 January 2009 except Sundays and the following dates:

• 24 December 2008
• 31 December 2008 

Show highlights:

Experience and enjoy the warm Khmer hospitality as you begin this spectacular evening with a leisurely stroll along a traditional Khmer village market bustling with various folk performances, local delicacies, arts and handicrafts.

Angkor Wat will then explode in an extravagant display of lights, sounds, water screen, and other special effects. You will be transported back in history during a time when this ancient wonder of the world was once the center of a powerful empire. Angkor Wat comes to life and becomes an enchanting backdrop for a great historical story-telling rendered through unique Apsara dances and contemporary Khmer performances.

Additionally, there will be a special celebration featuring the official national APSARA dancers on stage with hundred of Cambodian performers amid an extravagance of lights and sounds. During the event, guests will take pleasure in a sumptuous dinner which promises to be a gastronomic delight.

Synopsis:

Scene 1: Exploring the deserted empire
In 1860, Alexandre Henri Mouhot, a French naturalist, made a journey of exploration into the regions of Siam and Laos. When his group entered Cambodia, Henri heard from the villagers about the great temple of splendid beauty, believed to be built by the hands of gods. He relentlessly searches for it until finally the mysterious, legendary temple hidden in the dense forest appears before his eyes.

Scene 2: The legendary origin of the Khmer empire
Henri lies alone unconscious in an island. He regains consciousness and finds a lady with the look of Apsara in front of him. She tells him his wish had come true and takes him to experience the beauty of the Khmer civilization - starting from the legendary origin of the Khmer empire, the love story between Preah Thaong and Neang Nagi, the daughter of the king of Nagas. In this scene audiences will witness a wedding procession scene.

Scene 3: King Suryavarman II and the great Angkor Wat
Then Apsara brings Henri back to the time when the monument was constructed by thousands of workers. The moon shines in the sky, reflecting the outline of the temple. The sound of construction echoes around. Part by part, they witness the building of Angkor Wat to completion.

Scene 4: The glorious period of the Angkor empire
Apsara casts a magic spell and scenes from the glorious Khmer empire during the reign of Suryavarman II appear. She takes Henri for walk around to observe the lives of the people. Then, Apsara leads Henri to where the New Year celebration takes place and they stand with the crowd as they witness the spectacular procession of King Suryavarman II who presides over the celebrations.

Scene 5: The legend of Apsara
After the amazing trip, Henri becomes curious about Apsara. Was she once the spirit of an Angkor Princess? Apsara tells him she was born from the Churning of the Sea of Milk and promises to show her creation myth. In return, he must promise to bring life back into this great Angkor ruin that he had witnessed. Henri makes his promise and is at once transported back to witness Apsara’s creation.

Scene 6: Back to present
Henri finds himself back to the place where he loses consciousness. Still dazed from his unforgettable journey to the past, Henri fulfills the promise he made to Apsara – a promise that has been carried on until this present day and hopefully well into the future.

For more information and online booking, please visit www.angkorwatshow.com