The performances under the Big Top tent of Phare in Siem Reap are far removed from classical circus with its parade of animals. Here, through acrobatics, dance, mime, music and other stagecraft, talented artists brimming with energy tell you Cambodian stories with great agility and humor, exploring themes of discrimination, war, and popular beliefs.

By attending a performance, you'll not only enjoy a spectacular evening but also contribute to supporting a worthy nonprofit organization.

A Beautiful History

The story of Phare Cambodian Circus is as captivating as its performances.

It all begins when 9 young Cambodians, after spending their childhood in a refugee camp, reunite with their drawing teacher to establish an art-therapy center to help children process the trauma of war.

The nonprofit association Phare Ponleu Selpak (the light of the arts) is thus born in Battambang in 1994, initially offering only drawing classes.

Over the years, other artistic disciplines were added, and a Circus School opened in 1998. To provide financial support for the school and allow trained young performers to showcase their talents, Phare Circus established itself in Siem Reap in February 2013.

Today, in Battambang, Phare Ponleu Selpak teaches dance, theater, music, circus arts, visual and graphic arts while also providing educational programs and social support. Meanwhile, in Siem Reap, Phare Cambodian Circus has become an essential, unmissable attraction.

Entertainment at Phare Circus

Named Big Top, the tent hosts performances year-round. Every 6 days, the program changes. Various shows prepared by the artists are presented in rotation.

Same Same But Different highlights differences between Cambodians and foreign visitors; Sokha shows how art helps process war trauma; Eclipse addresses discrimination; Influence explores struggles for power and survival; Chills is a humorous interpretation of popular beliefs; Khmer Metal offers an unflinching portrait of urban Cambodia.

If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy Khmer or Western specialties served at Phare Café starting at 6 PM. The atmosphere will immerse you in the circus world. Then comes the moment to take your seat around the ring and applaud a vibrant festival of breathtaking acrobatics, comedy, music, and special sound and lighting effects. Regardless of the program, it will sweep you into a whirlwind of emotions.

Before or after the show, don't miss the Phare Shop where works created by Phare Ponleu Selpak students are displayed and sold. Remember that every beautiful souvenir purchased helps support the organization and its Circus School.

Phare Circus is located on Phare Circus Ring Road, south of the intersection with Sok San Road.

Hop into a taxi or tuk-tuk—virtually all Siem Reap drivers know the circus tent's location.

Hours

The Circus performs daily. The show lasts 1 hour.

In the evening, it begins at 8 PM.

On Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until March 31, 2018, a matinee is held at 5 PM.

The tent opens 30 minutes before the performance begins.

The Café and Shop open 2 hours prior.

For the safety of performers and the comfort of the public, no entry is permitted after the show has started.