Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Phare, The Cambodian Circus is one of the most popular evening activities in Siem Reap. It is not a traditional circus with animals, but a modern, high-energy cultural show that blends circus skills with theatre, music and dance, with acts such as aerial silks. Performances last about an hour, and afterwards the artists come out to chat and pose for photographs.

The circus is also a social business. It is the commercial arm of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit arts school in Battambang founded in 1994 by nine young men returning from a refugee camp. The performers are students and graduates of the school's vocational training centre, the circus gives them paid work, and its revenue helps to fund the school's education, arts and community programmes. A short introduction to the project follows each show.

Shows run nightly at 8pm all year, and from November 2026 to March 2027 Phare is also adding 5pm matinees on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The site opens from 5:30pm for food, drinks and shopping, and the open-air Phare Café serves street food, snacks and full dinners, so you can make an evening of it. The Phare Boutique sells art and handicrafts. Tickets are sold on the official website in three seating sections: reserved seats in Section A, open seating in the rear middle in Section B and open side seating in Section C, where some views are partly obstructed. Sections A and B often sell out, and Section C guests tend to queue around 45 minutes before the show.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start, as no one is admitted once the performance begins. Photos and short videos are allowed as long as the flash is switched off. The big top is air-conditioned, but light, comfortable clothing is still the best choice. Changes and refunds are possible up to the day before. The show suits all ages, and child prices apply from five to eleven.

The big top stands on Ring Road just south of Sok San Road, about two kilometres from the Old Market and Pub Street. Phare does not arrange transport, but tuk-tuks are easy to find and wait in the car park after the show; note that parts of the surrounding roads are unlit at night.