Phare Cambodian Circus Show Tickets Siem Reap
Overview
Phare, the Cambodian Circus is an evening show in a Big Top in Siem Reap, where young Cambodian artists tell stories through acrobatics, dance, theatre and live music. The performance lasts about one hour and starts at 8:00 PM. You choose the seating that suits you, from open seating at the sides to assigned front rows, and can add an exclusive backstage tour before the show. Tickets are for the show only; hotel transfer, food and drinks are not included.
Highlights
- A one-hour show that mixes circus, dance, theatre and live music
- Stories inspired by Cambodian history, folklore and modern life
- Performed by artists trained at a well-known Cambodian arts school
- Choose Section A, B or C seating, or Section A VIP with assigned seats
- Add an exclusive backstage tour before the show with the Insider options
- Little spoken language, so it is easy to follow whatever your language
- Your ticket supports the training of young Cambodian artists
Full Description
Phare, the Cambodian Circus and its story
Phare, the Cambodian Circus grew out of Phare Ponleu Selpak, an arts school and social enterprise founded in 1994 in Battambang by a group of young Cambodians who had returned from refugee camps and wanted to use drawing, music and performance to heal and to teach. The Siem Reap Big Top brings that work to a wider audience, and a ticket helps fund training, education and support for young artists.
That background is why people search for Phare circus tickets in Siem Reap even when they do not usually go to circus shows. The performers are not imported stars; they are graduates of the school, and the shows draw on their own experience, Cambodian folklore and the recent past.
The show: what to expect in the Big Top
The Phare Cambodian Circus show lasts about one hour and starts at 8:00 PM. It is not a traditional circus with animals. Instead, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, musicians and actors share the ring with live music, lighting and props to tell a single story, often with humour and a serious side.
Because there is very little spoken language, you can follow the plot in any language. Plan to sit close to the ring if you enjoy seeing the athletes at work, and remember that the Big Top can be warm in the evening. Photos are allowed during the performance, but flash photography is not.
Which seats to choose: Sections A, B and C
The Big Top has three seating levels. Section C is open seating at the two sides of the tent, and it is the most affordable; a few seats have a partly blocked view, so arriving early helps. Section B is open seating in the rear half of the middle area with a better central view. Section A VIP has assigned seats in the front three rows of the middle area, and comes with a reusable water bottle with chilled water.
When deciding which Phare Cambodian Circus tickets to buy, consider how close you want to be to the artists and whether you want to pick your seat in advance. Open seating rewards early arrival. The booking panel shows the current price of each section for adults and children.
The Insider option: backstage tour before the show
The three Insider options add an exclusive backstage tour that starts at 6:15 PM, before the show. You visit the artist and technician areas and the costume workshop, and see the stage entrance of the Big Top. It is a chance to see how a company of young performers prepares for the night, and to understand how many people work behind each scene.
You keep the seats of the section you choose: Section C, Section B or Section A VIP. The Insider ticket takes about two hours in total, so it is a good choice for anyone who enjoys learning how a performance is made or who is travelling with curious teenagers.
Planning your evening: arrival, opening times and Siem Reap
The Big Top is in Siem Reap, a short tuk-tuk ride from the city centre, and your tuk-tuk driver will know it as the Phare circus. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the show. Once the show has begun, entry is not permitted for the safety of the performers and the comfort of other guests. Wi-Fi and parking are included with your ticket.
A boutique and cafe on site open about two hours before the show, and sell local crafts and meals if you want to arrive early. The best time to visit Phare is any evening that suits your schedule, as the performance is indoors under the tent, but wear light clothes and bring water for warm evenings.
Itinerary
- Arrive at the Big TopArrive at least 30 minutes before the show, and collect your seat or take your open seating.
- Backstage tour (Insider options only)The tour starts at 6:15 PM and visits the artist, technician and costume areas and the stage entrance.
- The Phare showWatch about one hour of acrobatics, dance, theatre and live music, starting at 8:00 PM.
- After the showStay for photos and, if the artists are available, a chance to meet them.
What's included
- Ticket to the Phare Cambodian Circus show
- Open seating in the side areas of the Big Top
- Wi-Fi and parking
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Souvenirs
Not suitable for
- Children under 5 years
- Late arrivals, because entry is not permitted after the show has started
- Anyone who is sensitive to loud music and dark lighting
Meeting point
The meeting point is the Phare Big Top in Siem Reap; hotel pickup is not included. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show at 8:00 PM. For the Insider options, the backstage tour starts at 6:15 PM, so arrive a little before that. Your tuk-tuk driver will know the venue as the Phare circus.
Important information
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show; no entry is permitted once it has started.
- The show starts at 8:00 PM and lasts about one hour; the backstage tour of the Insider options starts at 6:15 PM.
- Flash photography is not allowed; photos without flash are fine during the performance.
- The minimum age is 5 years.
- It can be warm inside the Big Top, so wear light clothes and consider bringing water.
- Use mosquito repellent before you go out in the evening.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, food, drinks and souvenirs are not included; Wi-Fi and parking are.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much do Phare Cambodian Circus tickets cost?
The price depends on the seat section and whether you add the backstage tour. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children.
What is the difference between Section A, B and C?
Section C is open seating at the sides of the Big Top, Section B is open seating in the rear middle area, and Section A VIP has assigned seats in the front three rows. Section A VIP also includes a reusable water bottle with chilled water.
What does the Insider option include?
The Insider options add an exclusive backstage tour before the show, starting at 6:15 PM, visiting the artist, technician and costume areas and the stage entrance. You then watch the show from the section you chose.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Tickets are for the show only, and you go to the Big Top in Siem Reap by tuk-tuk or taxi. Wi-Fi and parking are included.
How long is the show?
About one hour, starting at 8:00 PM. With the Insider option the whole experience lasts about two hours.
Is the show suitable for children?
Yes, from age 5. Children pay a child price shown in the booking panel. The show has no spoken story to follow, which helps young viewers.
Do I need to understand Khmer?
No. There is very little speech, and the stories are told through movement, music and lighting.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, light clothing, since the Big Top can be warm. There is no formal dress code.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
The calendar in the booking panel shows the dates that are open. For a last-minute date, contact us and we will check.
Is Phare Cambodian Circus worth it?
For many visitors it is the best evening activity in Siem Reap, because it combines skilled performance with a story about Cambodia, and supports young artists.
