Phare, the Cambodian Circus is not a circus of animals and clowns but a fast, funny and moving piece of theatre in which young Cambodian performers tell stories through acrobatics, juggling, contortion, dance, live music and painting. The artists are graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit arts school in Battambang founded in the 1990s by young men returning from the refugee camps after the Khmer Rouge years, which still offers free schooling and arts training to children from poor families. Each show tells a Cambodian story, from village life and folk tales to the country’s recent history, and the energy under the big top is infectious. Several productions rotate through the month. Revenue from the shows supports the school, so a night at Phare is one of the most rewarding ways to spend money in Siem Reap. This page links to Phare’s own entry ticket on Viator, rated 4.9 from more than 2,000 reviews, with reserved and open seating options.
How to visit: shows run every night at the Phare big top in Siem Reap. The site opens at 17:30 with street food, drinks and shopping, and the main show starts at 20:00 and lasts about an hour, followed by a chance to meet the artists for photos. From November 2026 to March 2027 there is also a 17:00 matinee on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. In November 2026 the programme rotates between Khmer Metal, White Gold and Sokha, so check which show plays on your night. The Tini Tinou international circus festival also takes place in Siem Reap and Battambang from 17 to 24 November.
Tickets: there are three sections, with child prices for ages 5 to 11. Section A is reserved seating in the front half of the centre and includes a souvenir; Section B is open seating behind it; and Section C is open seating on the sides, where some views are partly blocked. Book a few days ahead in high season, as A seats sell out. Free cancellation runs until 24 hours before.
Making the most of it: arrive early for dinner on site, sit centre if you can, and note that some shows use smoke, loud music and strobe lights and touch on war, so ask the team about very young children.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour show of acrobatics, theatre, live music and dance under a big top, with street food and drinks before and photos with the artists after.
Best time
Any evening of your stay; the 20:00 show is the classic, and the 17:00 matinees on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays suit families.
How long
About one hour for the show, or two to three hours with dinner and the pre-show.
Tips
Book Section A for reserved centre seats, arrive by 19:30 at the latest, and check which show is playing on your date.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Everyone: it is the most loved evening activity in Siem Reap and a good cause.
- Families
- Children are thrilled by the acrobatics, and child tickets cover ages 5 to 11; ask about themes and effects for very young children.
- Couples
- Dinner at the big top and a show full of energy make an easy, memorable date night.
- Pair with
- A temple day at Angkor, since the 20:00 start leaves time to rest after the heat.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
What time does Phare circus start?+
The main show starts every night at 20:00 and lasts about an hour. From November 2026 to March 2027 there is also a 17:00 matinee on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Which seats should I book at Phare?+
Section A gives reserved seats in the front half of the centre and includes a souvenir. Sections B and C are open seating, and some side seats in C have partly blocked views.
Is Phare suitable for children?+
Yes, children love it and child tickets cover ages 5 to 11. Some shows use smoke, loud music and strobes and touch on themes such as war, so ask the team if you have very young children.
Is there food at Phare?+
Yes, the site opens at 17:30 with street food, drinks and shopping before the show. Food and drinks are paid for separately.
Where does the money from Phare go?+
Show revenue supports Phare Ponleu Selpak, the non-profit arts school in Battambang that trains the artists. It offers free schooling and arts training to young Cambodians.
