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 C - 6:15pm
Backstage tour
Tickets in Section C seating
Soft drink or domestic beer
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.
Phare Insider Seat B - 6:15pm
Backstage tour
Tickets in Section B 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.
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.
Phare Insider Seat A - 6:15pm
Backstage tour
Tickets for Section A seating
Soft drink or domestic beer
Reviews
1,925 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Such a polished show.
singhasam,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00WE arrived well before the Khmer Metal show started and our $28 tickets were perfect. Our seating in the centre was close enough to the heart of the action yet far enough away that we got the whole picture. Before we took our seats we wandered about some of the food and drinks stalls and generally took in the atmosphere before we were all called forward to be fitted into a tight circular arena with the performance area directly in front of us. Phare shows let artists create and perform stories based on their own life experiences, drawing on recent Cambodian history, folklore and modern society in a seamless blend of circus arts, dance, drama, live music and spectacular feats by skilled acrobats. For just over an hour we were spellbound by this vibrant performance of life and love, humour and pathos all stitched together with some amazing strength and balance performances from high over our heads to down at ground level. Thunderous applause greeted the grand finale and it was thoroughly deserved. Don't miss a chance to come and see these talented performers. You won't forget what you see.
A Highlight of Siem Reap!
StJohnVI,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went with a group of women friends, and we all agreed the show was a highlight of our time in Siem Reap. The athleticism of the performers was breathtaking. And the show itself told a story of Cambodia’s history. At times sad, but honest, and ultimately uplifting. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity!
Dont miss this circus if you are in Siem Reap
Robbos1109,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous show, with such talented artists. Kept us engaged for the full hour. A bit of fun is mixed in. A social enterprise supporting the Cambodian community. Highly recommend
Phare Circus- well worth a visit.
2000Rich,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited the Phare Circus during our week-long stay in Siem Reap. The show officially starts at 8pm but you’re asked to arrive by 7:30pm which is when they open the big top and begin seating people. We actually got there around 7pm which worked perfectly because there are food and drink stalls so we were able to enjoy a snack before the performance. The stalls operate on a token system: you buy tokens from one stall and then use them to pay for whatever food or drinks you choose. If you don’t use all your tokens, you can simply cash them back in afterwards. We saw the Khmer Metal show which is set in a rock bar but the circus rotates its productions regularly — I believe they mentioned that the show changes every seven nights. The acts were impressive and varied; acrobatics and tumbling, balancing routines and aerial hoops and flowing ribbon work high above the stage. There was also some brilliant partner work, with performers lifting and throwing each other with what looked like effortless strength. There was plenty of humour too and everything was tied together with live music and dance so it felt like one continuous show rather than a series of separate acts. There are no animals involved at all; the focus is entirely on the performers’ music, dance, storytelling and circus skills. If you're in Siem Reap, give it a go as we really enjoyed the whole experience.
NOT worth it...
Gysbert D,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00More a amateur show, while credit given for effort, just not "all that". If you have trouble juggling 3 balls....well maybe practice more. While nice story, we saw white gold, it frankly was not really worth it.... Repetive acrobatics, Apart from the so so show, the seating is torture! If you are over 5'3", you will be miserable! Iam 6'3", and was pinned unable to move with other large people knees in my back, and the slightest movement from anyone you are poking a foot into a behind, or getting one up yours..... Go see a traditional dance show intead...we saw the one at the Golden Temple Residence....much more enjoyable.
All right.
del-estadio,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00made the formula meal then show. very nice (1 hour circus) and for a humanitarian cause
EXTRAORDINARY
nnnnnnhhhhhh,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Show, fabulous, absolutely confusing, transgressive, amazing. Happy entertaining. Totally subscribe to it.
A must see
footiemum90,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not sure what to expect but just wow. Brilliant show for all ages. On entry given a hand fan (although was so engrossed didn't use it) and water. So make sure get to see early to get one. Couple of screens with odd translation but even without them wouldn't be an issue. Started at 8pm and finished about 9.15
Phare Circus
kjbwxm,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant show, well written and performed. Audiences participation adds to the fun, very hard working cast, highly recommend.
Excellent fun evening, definitely recommend
alexaE6524ZT,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great fun evening, the performers were excellent, energetic & charismatic. Would definitely recommend it
From US$18.00
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Operated by Phare The Cambodian Circus