The short answer
Phare, The Cambodian Circus: what visitors should know first
Yes, it is one of the best evenings in town and works well for families and older travellers. Book ahead, choose a central seat, and arrive early for the pre-show area. The show is about an hour, with seating rather than long walking.
History and context
The story behind Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Phare Ponleu Selpak was founded in 1994 by Cambodians who had studied in refugee camps, with the belief that art can help people move past trauma. In 2012 it received a Prince Claus Award from the Netherlands.
The Siem Reap circus is the social business arm that supports the school; check the official site for current show details.
Useful facts
Phare, The Cambodian Circus facts at a glance
- Location
- Siem Reap; see the official page for directions
- Style
- Contemporary circus with music and dance
- Duration
- About 1 hour
- Schedule
- Nightly at 8 pm; matinees on some days
- Best suited to
- Families and mixed-age groups
- Social mission
- Funds a vocational arts school
Why it matters
Why Phare, The Cambodian Circus is worth your time
Phare is the social business arm of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit arts school founded in 1994 to help young people deal with war trauma through art. Performers are students and graduates of its vocational training centre.
The circus provides graduates with steady, well-paid work, and revenue funds the school's education and community programmes. That makes the ticket an easy way to support local young artists as well as to see a good show.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The performers
Graduates and students of an arts school show their skills.
- 02
The pre-show area
Food, drinks and shopping from 5:30 pm.
- 03
Meeting the artists
Performers usually stay to chat and take photos.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Arrive by 5:30 pm if you want to use the pre-show area, where food, drinks, shopping and entertainment are available. Then take your reserved seat before the 8 pm start. The show lasts around an hour and mixes acrobatics, music, theatre and dance. Performers usually stay afterwards to chat and take photos.
The story-led format means you do not need to know Khmer to follow it. It suits children and grandparents alike. Pick a central seat for the best view; side sections may have partly obstructed views.
Because each show is a ticketed evening and demand is high, book at least a few days ahead in the busy season. From November 2026 to March 2027 a 5 pm matinee runs on selected days, which can suit families with young children or older visitors who prefer to be home earlier.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book tickets in advance
- Choose a central seat
- Arrive early for the pre-show
- Check schedule changes
- Ask about matinees if travelling with young children
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Siem Reap; see the official site for the venue directions
- Time needed
- About 2 hours including the pre-show
- Best time
- Evening; shows run nightly at 8 pm, with changing matinee days
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Seating is in a covered tent with reserved places. The pre-show area is a short walk. The show is about an hour and is generally comfortable, though check the seat position for steps and exits.
- Tickets and access
- Tickets are sold in tiers and should be booked ahead on the official website; children aged 5 to 11 get reduced prices. Seat tiers differ in view, so choose carefully.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Seating is in a covered tent with reserved places. The pre-show area is a short walk. The show is about an hour and is generally comfortable, though check the seat position for steps and exits.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the show suitable for children?
Yes. Children aged 5 to 11 get reduced prices.
How long is it?
About one hour.
Do I need to book?
Yes, book in advance, especially in the busy season.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.