Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show in Siem Reap
Overview
Mobile ticket
Phare Circus is more than a conventional acrobatic circus. The artists create and perform stories based on their own life experiences. Drawing from recent history, folklore and modern society, the artists blend drama, dance, live music and circus arts to share a part of their lives with audiences.
The performers come from unimaginably difficult social and economic background. They discover and develop their skills at Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school. They are able to earn a good living and transform their lives at Phare Circus, breaking the cycle of poverty.
By attending a Phare Circus show, you enjoy Siem Reap's best live entertainment, financially support the school and provide opportunities for Cambodian artists.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Seating begins at 30 minutes prior to scheduled showtime. No entrance permitted once the show has started.
Refunds or changes must be made 1-day in advance.
Late arrivals may be re-accommodated to another day if space is available. No refund for late arrivals.
Travelers who require wheelchairs are to inform us in advance for prior arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Siem Reap's most original, authentic live performance.
Phare Insider option includes backstage visit to artist, technician, costume work areas
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drink available for purchase during free pre-show entertainment
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Experience Cambodia's most unique, authentic live entertainment by the graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school. Phare is more than a conventional acrobatic circus. Performers use theater, live music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The artists create the stories themselves based on the real-life experiences of themselves and their families. Expect the unexpected. NOTE: Phare Insider guests should arrive by 6:15pm for the backstage visit to the artist, technician and costume work areas.
Options
Phare Insider - 6:15pm
Backstage tour
Soft drink or domestic beer
Preferred Reserve (A) - 8:00pm
Reserved seating in the front half of the middle seating area including a refillable sports bottle filled with cool water.
Open Seating (C) - 8:00pm
Open seating along both sides of the stage. View for some seats may be partially obstructed due to tent supports.
Preferred Open (B) - 8:00pm
Section B includes open seating in the rear half of the middle seating area.
Reviews
1,872 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Everyone has fun at the Phare circus!
Paul S,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This circus is really a lot of fun. Better than I expected - high energy, enthusiastic performers. It has a theater in the round presentation and cheering audience that gives the show a “Thunderdome” feeling. The performers were skilled and truly seemed to enjoy themselves. Highly recommended!
Great Experience
Vacation10009830897,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Honestly didn’t expect it to be that good, but the show was amazing. The energy, the music, the story everything hit perfectly. The performers gave it their all, and you can really feel it. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Siem Reap.
What less of a show as expected
Ellen S,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good that this performance is provided by NGO. Lots of enthusiasm. Acrobatics is only part of the show. The story that is told is a lot of walking up and down. Clothes are different from the picture this was a bit disappointing. This makes it less of a show element and more of a performance.
A window open to the Great Circus Art in Cambodia,
cristinamK176SL,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our first day in Cambodia, we asked our guide Sophat Sour (+85570672279), for a cultural activity to enjoy on our first night in beautiful Siem Reap; without hesitation, he recommended us "Phare" the current show of the Cambodian Circus. He explained the importance of supporting these artists who come from schools of Popular Art and recommended us to arrive early to enjoy Traditional Dances that are presented before the Phare function and that are performed by even younger artists. The show is beautiful, very well structured, fun, the spectacular stunts, some of them of a high degree of difficulty, are intertwined with the story. At times it is very moving and at others it makes you laugh a lot. These young Cambodian artists, make you reflect on their terrible past, leaving you an incomparable life lesson and an example of inspiring resilience. Our Guide, Sophat Sour, also provided us with the phone of his young friend Chantha who drives a very nice and comfortable tuk tuk; he went for us to the hotel took us to the Circus headquarters and waited for us!
Do not miss this
Catherine P,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An experience not to be missed. We loved every second of it. The performers are extremely talented and the whole event is beautiful.
Magnificent skills and a unique show.
malcs89102018,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a uniquely brilliant show. It “starts” before the advertised start time with a very talented artist painting The Buddha, which then becomes the centre piece of the show and the multi talented gymnasts / actors then tell the story whilst performing unbelievably complex leaps and balancing acts etc all whilst the “Old Man” does another couple of pictures. Extraordinary.
Excellent presentation by young artists
Lee H,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone young and old. It is a small, in the round, circus stage where very talented young people performed masterfully. There is not a bad seat in the house and I understand that they have a different show each night. If we were staying longer, we would have gone to see another show.
High energy performance
rama1,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What fun. Performers are so athletic. High energy from start to finish. Gymnasts, jugglers, athletes, and more. Khmer back story very impressive.
Fun time at the Phare Circus
Melissa P,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went to the show on the recommendation of our guide. We arrived early to see the traditional dancing. There was very good food for sale, and we enjoyed eating on the patio while watching the pre-show. The main show was very entertaining and fun. There was some story telling as well as the acrobats. Very glad we went. The show supports a project offering education to underserved youth which makes it a great cause to support.
Amazing circus skills and strength.
Carolyn C,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic night out! Very well organised but remember to take cash to buy food and drink vouchers. Given fans to keep cool and big top feel to event! Acrobatics, trapeze, balancing acts and comedy! A great way to support young disadvantaged performing artists and provide them with job opportunities!
Related Experiences
Operated by Phare The Cambodian Circus