Gala Dinner

Thommanon Temple lit up at night, with candle-lit cocktail tables in front of the temple

The MMM 2027 gala dinner takes place on the evening of Thursday 07 January 2027 at Thommanon Temple, one of the most elegant monuments of the Angkor heritage site. Guests dine beneath the stars, surrounded by centuries-old sandstone carvings and illuminated temple towers, in an evening that brings together Khmer culture, fine cuisine and traditional performing arts.

When and Where

Date: Thursday 07 January 2027
Time: 18:30 – 22:30
Venue: Thommanon Temple, near the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom, about 30 minutes from central Siem Reap
Transport: transfers between the conference venue and the temple are provided

The Evening

A welcome with traditional Khmer drums and temple guards on arrival
A cocktail reception with canapés
A five-course dinner, with a choice of Khmer or Western set menu
Drinks throughout the evening: soft drinks, juices, Angkor beer, house wine and spirits
Traditional Cambodian music and six traditional dance and theatre performances
Torch- and candle-lit pathways, with the whole temple illuminated

Apsara dancers performing in front of Thommanon Temple

A dinner table set with candles and lotus flowers

A traditional Khmer theatre performance at the temple

Performers dressed as ancient temple guards welcoming guests

Who Can Attend

The gala dinner is included in Full and Student registrations made online (Early-bird and Standard rates).
Accompanying persons can join with a gala dinner ticket (USD 250 per person), booked in the registration form.
The gala dinner is not included in VBS registrations, and it is not available with on-site registration: the number of guests must be confirmed to the venue in advance.
Every guest's full name and date of birth as in the passport must be given in the registration form, for the guest list.

Fees and details are on the Registration page.

About Thommanon Temple

Thommanon is an ancient Hindu temple near the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. Built of sandstone in the late 11th to early 12th century, it is commonly associated with the reign of King Suryavarman II, when the architecture of Angkor Wat flourished.

Although much smaller than Angkor Wat, Thommanon is admired for its harmonious proportions and finely detailed carvings, above all its Devata: graceful female divinities carved in stone, a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient Khmer artisans. The temple is part of the Angkor World Heritage site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.