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.
Choose the Phare Insider options for show tickets plus an exclusive guided backstage tour.
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 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.
What‘s Included
Siem Reap's most original, authentic live performance.
Choose Phare Insider options for tickets + 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 points
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Intersection of Ring Road and Sok San Road Siem Reap Cambodia
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Phare Insider Seat A - 6:15pm
Backstage tour
Tickets for Section A seating
Soft drink or domestic beer
Phare Insider Seat C - 6:15pm
Backstage tour
Tickets in Section C seating
Soft drink or domestic beer
Preferred Open (B) - 8:00pm
Section B includes open seating in the rear half of the middle seating area.
Phare Insider Seat B - 6:15pm
Backstage tour
Tickets in Section B seating
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.
Reviews
1,897 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
World-class circus!
S4977FOerinp,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible night!! This is world-class circus at its best. I loved the Cambodian culture that was part of the show, including the wonderful live music. I wish every night was a Phare night!
I’d avoid this if I were you
Tim W,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Caveat… I’m now aware there are different shows on different nights, but Khmer Metal is what we saw and it is terrible, almost without exception, from start to finish. The only exception were the musicians who are clearly very talented, especially in percussion. The attempts of the rest of the cast to be acrobatic are marginally better than an amateur dramatics group. But they alone couldn’t save the rest of the cast, navigating their way through a story with overt sexual and alcohol abuse content. This is not for children. Other reviewers have received responses from the artistic director defending the lacklustre storyline as a. Co-creation by the cast reflecting their experiences of living in modern Cambodia. I get that. But this is pitched as a modern interpretation of the circus, but where regrettably the acrobatics are mediocre and the storyline inappropriate for a younger audience. If you’ve ever seen Cirque de Soleil you will be utterly disappointed by this. On and the pre-show street food? Terrible. We ate lots of Cambodian street food and this was the worst offer imaginable. If you’re going to go, eat before you get there.
12th visit and still an amazing show
26sues2016,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our 12th visit and we are still completely amazed at the entertainment, story telling and skills of the performers at every show. This is a value for money event. Arrive between 5:50pm and 6pm so you can enjoy the opportunity to use the gift shop and then to have some of the best tasting Khmer food at the Phare Cambodian cafe. The atmosphere is electric with a reasonable crowd size. All of the staff are wonderful and friendly. This is a must see/do activity when you visit Siem Reap. 100% recommendation and you won't be disappointed.
Very good evening.
56JEHAN,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00show, very moving, full of joy and derision. Very nice evening with the company far Circus. Little things to snack on before are delicious.
Delightful! Not too be missed!
markkramer,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great acrobatics. The wonderful Cambodian music. Funny. Great for all ages. Supporting a good cause too! Don't miss it
Must see show in Siem Reap!
Carol S,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant performance. It was not just a circus. It had a storyline. It’s drama, acrobats, dancing and music all in one. Fascinating show. Kudos to the performers and the NGO that provided these youngsters the opportunity to learn and perform.
Fun experience,...
William K,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun experience, definitely worth it if you have time. The performers were very talented and we enjoyed the touch of comedy in the show.
Enjoying Cambodian acrobats
Paradise91942,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The the performers were very entertaining and very professional. They seem to really enjoy what they do and it was well worth the cost.
Circus
Journey49203467999,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was fantastic - such skilled performers and very entertaining for the whole family. The performers looked as though they enjoyed it as much as us!
Must do
Victor B,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing time ! The show is absolutely stunning the performers are smiling, skilled and funny ! not expansive activity, you can select preferred seating, we took the A option i would say it’s worth it even tho they take care you enjoy the show wherever you are seated ! would not skip it when i come back to cambodia
From US$18.00
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Operated by Phare The Cambodian Circus