Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Acrobatics and Live Music Telling Real Cambodian Stories
Photo: flowcomm
Phare, The Cambodian Circus — Quick Facts
- What is it?
- experience — Acrobatics and Live Music Telling Real Cambodian Stories
- Where?
- Siem Reap , Cambodia
- Entry Fee
- $18–38 USD depending on seating section; children 5–11 half-price, under 5 free
- Opening Hours
- Evening show nightly at 8:00 PM (about 1 hour); seasonal 5:00 PM matinees Wed/Fri/Sun, November–March
- Time Needed
- 1.5–2 hours including pre-show
- Best Time
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early; pre-show activities start at 5:30pm
- Don't Miss
- Extraordinary acrobatics built around a genuine Cambodian narrative, not a generic circus format
What to See at Phare
The Show
Each production blends acrobatics, live music, dance and theatre into a single narrative drawn from Cambodian history, folklore, or contemporary life — performed with a level of polish and emotional weight that surprises visitors expecting a standard circus act. After the roughly hour-long show, performers come out front to chat and take photos.
The Venue
An “iconic red big top” at the intersection of Ring Road and Sok San Road — easy for any tuk-tuk driver to find, with three seating tiers (A, B, C) at different price points and view quality.
The Mission
Phare is the public performance arm of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a free arts school in Battambang founded to give Cambodian children — many from difficult backgrounds — training in circus arts, music, and visual art. Ticket sales in Siem Reap directly fund the school.
How to Get to Phare
The big top is at the Ring Road/Sok San Road intersection in Siem Reap.
- Tuk-tuk: The standard way to arrive — any driver will recognise the venue
- Booking: Tickets are best bought in advance via the official website, especially in high season
Practical Tips
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 8:00pm show; pre-show activities begin at 5:30pm
- Section A is reserved and front-middle; Sections B and C are open seating further back, with C the most budget option
- Seasonal 5:00pm matinees run three times a week (Wed/Fri/Sun) from November to March
- A locally made souvenir is included with Section A tickets
Nearby Attractions
- Pub Street & Kandal Village — a short ride away for dinner before or after the show
- Phare Ponleu Selpak — the school itself, in Battambang, for visitors continuing west
Nearby Attractions in Siem Reap
temple Angkor Wat
The World's Largest Religious Monument
temple Bayon
216 Serene Stone Faces at the Heart of Angkor Thom
temple Ta Prohm
Jungle-Swallowed Ruins Left Deliberately Unrestored
temple Banteay Srei
The Finest Stone Carving in the Khmer World
Useful Links
Practical Info
- Entry Fee
- $18–38 USD depending on seating section; children 5–11 half-price, under 5 free
- Opening Hours
- Evening show nightly at 8:00 PM (about 1 hour); seasonal 5:00 PM matinees Wed/Fri/Sun, November–March
- Time Needed
- 1.5–2 hours including pre-show
- Best Time
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early; pre-show activities start at 5:30pm