Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
5
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
About
Phare, The Cambodian Circus "Amazing vibe & energy, transforming the lives of Cambodian youth" Experience Siem Reap's most unique, authentic top rated (TripAdvisor & Lonely Planet) evening entertainment. More than just a circus, Phare, the Cambodian Circus performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak's vocational training centre in Battambang. The association was formed in 1994 by 9 young men coming home from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. They were greatly helped during that time by an art teacher using drawing classes as therapy and wanted to share this new skill among the poor, socially deprived and troubled youngsters in Battambang. They founded an art school and public school followed to offer free education. A music school and theatre school were next and finally, for the kids who wanted more, the circus school. Today more than 1,200 pupils attend the public school daily and 500 attend the alternative schools. Phare Ponleu Selpak also has extensive outreach programs, trying to help with the problems highlighted in their own tales. Phare The Cambodian Circus offers these students and graduates somewhere to hone their skills and a place to earn a decent wage. Money that will take them out of poverty and give them self-respect and freedom.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
12,655 reviews
Excellent
11,262
Very good
1,118
Average
195
Poor
53
Terrible
27
BobBonHere
Lytham St Anne's, UK2,567 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Our tour group visited the Circus and joined a near full house to watch a scintillating show by the youngsters. The one and a quarter hour show was full of action supported by excellent supporting music. Definitely worth visiting if you are in the area.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi BobBonHere, thank you for sharing your Phare Circus experience. The artists and musicians will be deligthed to hear your compliments of their performance. It sure feels great to have the pandemic behind us (knock wood) and to be performing to a big top full of guests from around the world. Thank you for being part of it and recommending it to others.
Written April 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RGH
Los Angeles, CA115 contributions
Mar 2023
So much fun and inspiring! These musicians and entertainers are all extremely talented and know how to connect with an international crowd. My skeptical 20-something adult kids loved it. The pre-show dinner is a nice, relaxed atmosphere as well and sets the mood for a fun evening. Highly recommend when in Siem Reap, everyone left with a smile!
Written March 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi RGH, thank you for the review of your evening at Phare Circus. I'll be sure to pass along your compliments to the artists for their performance. Always glad to hear we could keep guests of all ages entertained. It's great that you were able to take-in dinner before the show , along with the pre-show entertainment to set the mood. Thanks again for coming and recommending to future visitors.
Written April 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Posh Ollie
Singapore, Singapore200 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Easily the best thing we did in Siem Reap. Phare is not a normal conventional circus in a big tent with animals and fly trapeze. It has none of that. Instead it is in a small tent where the artists tell a story through dance, live music, funny interaction with the crowd and of course acrobatics. It’s a real production!! The circus is another example of a “social enterprise” - by visiting and enjoying their show, you are giving something back! There are two shows each day, at 5pm and 8pm. Price wise it’s quite punchy, we paid $50 per adult (12+) and $30 per child (5-11) for Seat A plus Superior Set Meal in the cafe after the show. Seat A are the best seats in the house - front row where you get the best views of the show, whilst we also got a free water bottle (which is a nice touch) and of course our 3 course meal which was very tasty! Drinks are not included but are very reasonably priced plus you can take a beer into the show with you to enjoy!! I suggest that you book tickets in advance as they sell out very quickly. Our show was full. As for the show and the performers, it was amazing, stunning even. Some of their stunts/ acrobatics etc were mind blowing all done with a sense of humour. I particularly liked the juggling. As I said, there is a cafe/ bar area with outdoor seating plus a boutique shop to buy a few souvenirs. We came with high expectations after reading many good reviews and we were not disappointed, in fact the whole show exceeded our expectations. It was magnificent and is highly recommended. If you come to Siem Real, you have to come and see the show. It’s a must doo!!! We will definitely come back.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rodlois
Brisbane, Australia37 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We attended a Phare performance last night and would highly recommend this show. The performers are enthusiastic and tell an interesting narrative while displaying their circus talents. A standout is also the music - a real highlight with original music played throughout. we purchased c section seating so get there early to queue but you can enjoy a drink or ice cream while you wait. The performers are even more remarkable when you read the background to the circus school as you wait for the show to start. A first class 1.15 hr performance no matter where you come from. A hidden night gem of Cambodia.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex H
Port St. Mary, UK1,172 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We visited the Circus in Siem Reap after hearing about it in Battambang, and my goodness are we glad we did this.
The show was absolutely magnificent. You are captivated from the get go. The story of the show was superb, and very easy to follow. There is narration in 4 different languages including English.
All of the actors and actresses are unbelievably good at what they do. They are such likeable people and it really makes you appreciate the stunts they perform, which are amazing by the way.
They play all their own music live and the whole performance is breathtaking.
I would 1000% absolutely recommend seeing this for yourself as I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!!
Tips - We paid for the $18.00 seats which are great, and to be honest I wouldn’t say you need to have the more expensive seats at all. The tuktuk from near Pub Street area was $2.00 to get there and $2.00 to get back.
The show was absolutely magnificent. You are captivated from the get go. The story of the show was superb, and very easy to follow. There is narration in 4 different languages including English.
All of the actors and actresses are unbelievably good at what they do. They are such likeable people and it really makes you appreciate the stunts they perform, which are amazing by the way.
They play all their own music live and the whole performance is breathtaking.
I would 1000% absolutely recommend seeing this for yourself as I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!!
Tips - We paid for the $18.00 seats which are great, and to be honest I wouldn’t say you need to have the more expensive seats at all. The tuktuk from near Pub Street area was $2.00 to get there and $2.00 to get back.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry
6 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Had a wonderful night out at the circus! The show was packed with stunning gravity-defying stunts and tricks, but also entertaining and funny, with lots of interaction between the cast and the audience. At the end of the show, they will ask for donations to support their non-profit school, but they do not pressure you into donating, and the audience also has a chance to get photos with the cast. Strongly recommend paying the circus a visit!
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jerryyyap, thank you for sharing your Phare Circus experience and making a recommendation. It's wonderful to hear that you had a great evening at the circus. The artists will be pleased to hear your compliments. Our sincerest hope is that guests enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment, with the added benefit of knowing they're helping sustain good jobs in the arts and fund free artistic and academic education at Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school. Thanks for including us in your Siem Reap visit. Thanks again for including Phare Circus in your visit to Siem Reap.
Written March 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
helga_lm
Bogota, Colombia138 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This was an excellent night out in Siem Reap, we had so much fun. The show lasts a bit more than an hour, it’s funny and entertaining. It supports local artists in the city, you can also grab a drink and some food there before the show. I highly recommend it!
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi helga_lm, thank you for the review of your Phare Circus experience. It's a good tip for future guests to take in the pre-show activities, including Cambodian street food favorites, drink specials, shopping and pre-show entertainment. Indeed, your patronage helps provide good jobs in the arts, but it also funds free artistic and academic education at Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school, our parent organization. Someone once wrote 'seldom is helping people so much fun'. Thanks again for your recommendation and for including Phare Circus in your Siem Reap visit.
Written August 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
r2thebizel
Pattaya, Thailand252 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
A fabulous setup and really worthwhile cause. The performers are marvellous from the musicians to the acrobats, no animals insight and wonderful handcrafted props. You do sit in a fuel fumes all night within the tent but I guess that can’t be helped with the fire tricks they perform.
Written April 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi r2thbizel, thank you for writing about your evening at Phare Circus. I'll be sure to pass along your compliments to the musicians and circus artists. Absolutely no animals are used in any Phare Circus performance. The simple staging you mention is built by our own technicians and most costumes made by our own costume staff. We apologize for the kerosene fumes from the fire acts. The ventilation efforts seem to be no match, but the technical team continues to look for ways. Currently, "Eclipse" is the only show with fire acts. Future guests can check the schedule on the website to know which show they will see. Thanks again for including us in your Siem Reap visit and for sharing with others.
Written April 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
madaugh13
Tacoma, WA52 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Second visit to Phare, very special to bring my boyfriend to watch the show for the first time! As always, the performers are SO FUN to watch because they seem to truly enjoy performing, playing music, dancing. The energy is high and we have a lot of respect for these students! Bonus if you get to visit their training school in Battambang. An excellent place to buy gifts for home (in their gift shop pre/post show).
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi madaugh13, Date Night! Your repeat visit is the ultimate compliment, and thanks for sharing Phare Circus iwth your boyfriend. Hope he also enjoyed! I'll be sure to pass along your appreciation to the performers for their performance and energy. We also hope guests will arrive early, as you mention, for some dinner, drinks and shopping locally made crafts. You are absolutely right that guests should visit Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school if they travel to Battambang. It's a great experience to see where it all started.
Written April 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie
8 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I fell in love with this organization. So glad I chose the Phare Insider package, which included a premises tour and beverage. The Director of Operations was kind enough to invite me to a rehearsal when I explained I missed my circus classes back home.
This is a business that does everything right: supports its local and artistic community, promotes all kinds of artists, creates its own ecosystem to financially support its participants, maintains beautiful and inviting grounds for its guests, has preshow entertainment for the benefit of its guests and young performers, and features delicious street food cooked on the spot (and a bar with fresh popcorn)! Even the bathrooms had scented hand towels!
I could go on and on. The show was clever and fun and uplifting, and the performers are Cirque de Soleil-worthy. Sit in the front row and get the Insider ticket. You won't stop smiling.
This is a business that does everything right: supports its local and artistic community, promotes all kinds of artists, creates its own ecosystem to financially support its participants, maintains beautiful and inviting grounds for its guests, has preshow entertainment for the benefit of its guests and young performers, and features delicious street food cooked on the spot (and a bar with fresh popcorn)! Even the bathrooms had scented hand towels!
I could go on and on. The show was clever and fun and uplifting, and the performers are Cirque de Soleil-worthy. Sit in the front row and get the Insider ticket. You won't stop smiling.
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Natalie, thank you for sharing your love for Phare Circus. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the Phare Insider back-stage experience. The show takes on a new dimension when guests can learn more about the project and see what goes into the show production. I'll be sure to pass along your gratitude to Tony (Director of Operations) for adding a visit to rehearsals. It's also gratifying to hear the drinks, dining and pre-show cultural performance were also a success. You might be interested to know that 2 Phare graduates actually performed in Cirque du Solleil. One was in their production "Volta" until the pandmic closed everythinng down. Thanks again for the awesome review and for including us in your Siem Reap visit.
Written April 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paulina Kacprzak
Warsaw, Poland11 contributions
Hi, I will sell one ticket for today’s show in section C. My friend can’t come with me 😞 I will be there tonight, so just let me know if you want to buy it. You can reach me on WhatsApp: +48517169535
sselisa
Stamford, CT2 contributions
Do you need tickets in advance or can they be bought on the day of the show?
GregWalburn
Canberra, Australia56 contributions
I bought mine there but I'd recommend buying in advance and getting there early to secure a good seat.
DianadeReznor
Barcelona, Spain8 contributions
Hi
What’s the difference between A, B and the standard open C tickets?
Thanks!
Best
ute0113
Bremen, Germany551 contributions
Hi
The A Tickets Are the planes at the Manege. But you Can see from each place behause it is a small circus. Have fun. We enjoyed it
sananda ghoshal
Kolkata (Calcutta), India2,117 contributions
during our stay at siem reap this april, we have an option to watch either eclipse or khmer metal show. cant see both sorry. read the storyline from their website, but still confused which one to choose. any help in this matter will be highly appreciated. which one will you choose? and why?
Craig D
Siem Reap, Cambodia137 contributions
Hi sans_gh,
The synopses pages give a fair idea, with photos and video, but understandably difficult to choose. "Khmer Metal" is very contemporary, edgy, provocative set in a rock bar (with all that entails). "Eclipse" is set in a traditional rural village with a lot of Cambodian legends and mysticism. Both are very high-energy with uniquely Cambodian story lines. Can't lose with either one.
Julie I
San Diego, CA10 contributions
Just to clarify, based on the comments of the Phare Director of Sales and Marketing- the homosexual innuendos were directed towards AUDIENCE MEMBERS and it was completely inappropriate!
samtexey
Houston, TX68 contributions
Audience yes. Inappropriate doubtful. They were directed to one guy who was sitting with his wife/girlfriend and they were both amused. As well as the audience. It was just flirting and unless you are homophobic you would not take offense. Sexuality in Asia is more open and not offensive.
Tess181
London, UK5 contributions
Hi, I was wondering if the show is suitable for a toddler (15 months old) - I read on the website there can be lots of smoke, loud noise etc - would people who've seen it think its suitable for a toddler? TIA
Craig D
Siem Reap, Cambodia137 contributions
Phare, The Cambodian Circus is not a conventional circus, but original Cambodian story telling using circus, dance, drama and live music. The themes come from recent Cambodian history, folklore and modern society. The music is indeed a bit loud and some of the stories have dramatic scenes and scary masks, but nothing more than what one might see on Halloween. You know your toddler best, but in our experience, when they understand it's not a conventional circus show, kids love the action while adults and young adults can additionally appreciate the stories.
imbidders
jakarta279 contributions
Hi, is Sokha suitable for 6years old to watch?
Craig D
Siem Reap, Cambodia137 contributions
Phare, The Cambodian Circus is not a conventional circus, but original Cambodian story telling using circus, drama, dance and live music. "Sokha" has a couple dramatic parts with scary masks, but nothing more than what you'd see on Halloween. You know your child best, but in our experience, if they know in advance there are some scary masks, they really enjoy the action. Adults and young adults additionally appreciate the story and symbolism.
Stikki_Rox
Perth, Western Australia, Australia8 contributions
How long does the show go for?
Craig D
Siem Reap, Cambodia137 contributions
The show runs just over an hour.
Phare Boutique and Phare Cafe open at 6:00pm, the big top opens for seating at 7:30pm and show time is 8:00pm. For the safety of the artists and comfort of other guests, no entrance is permitted after the show has started.
Hope that helps.
Best Regards
Craig Dodge
Director of Sales & Marketing
Helen H
Toowoomba33 contributions
Is the venue air conditioned? Or cooled somehow?
Do people usually take tuktuks and do they wait for you?
Best regards,
Helen
Craig D
Siem Reap, Cambodia137 contributions
Hi Helen,
Thanks for your interest in Phare, The Cambodian Circus.
The venue is a traditional circus big top. There are evaporative coolers, air conditioning units and oscillating fans, however it can be warm. It's best to dress for warm weather. Hand held fans are provided for use during the show.
Most guests not part of a group come by tuk tuk. The drivers usually charge $3-5 each way, depending on what part of town you come from. Many will offer to wait or come back after the show, however there are always tuk tuk available after the show.
Hope that information helps. See you at Phare!
Craig Dodge
Director of Sales & Marketing
Phare, The Cambodian Circus (Siem Reap) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Phare, The Cambodian Circus
- Phare, The Cambodian Circus is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- We recommend booking Phare, The Cambodian Circus tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 19 Phare, The Cambodian Circus tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Phare, The Cambodian Circus:
- Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show in Siem Reap (From $18.00)
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- The Cambodia Circus, Phare At 19:00 PM (From $49.00)
- Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show with Pick up & Drop off (From $25.00)
- Hotels near Phare, The Cambodian Circus:
- (0.10 mi) Angkor Heart Bungalow
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- Restaurants near Phare, The Cambodian Circus:
- (0.10 mi) Cuisine Angkor Heart
- (0.17 mi) P-Spot
- (0.22 mi) Phare Cafe
- (0.65 mi) Grand Steak Restaurant
- (0.78 mi) Rasoi Ghar Indian Restaurant
Phare, The Cambodian Circus Information
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