An apsara is a celestial dancer from Khmer mythology, and the apsara image is frequently seen carved into the walls of temples around the Angkor area. Often finely and intricately carved, the apsara is a symbol of Khmer culture and the centre of traditional Khmer dance, dances of the apsaras have been traditionally performed for the Cambodian kings and royalty.

The dance of the apsaras is slow and graceful with very intricate movements that hold deep meanings, the apsara dancers study all their lives to perfect their dance. Many of the dances represent parts of the Reamker story, the Khmer version of the Indian Ramayana, and others are representations of the ancient wars and myths carved in the bas-reliefs on the walls of Angkor Wat and other temples.

In imagery and carvings, apsaras are depicted wearing decorative gold headdresses and jewelry, and silken garments. The apsara is an easily recognisable symbol of Khmer beauty and history.

The ancient apsaras depicted in Angkor times performed dances only for royalty and to honour the gods, after the 15th century, the apsara dance declined when the Angkor empire faded away and the temples left to the jungle.

Apsara dance has been reborn in the last century and is now also performed for tourists and others to see at restaurants and hotels among other venues.