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Phare, The Cambodian Circus: A Cultural Spectacle

Experience Cambodia's top-rated modern cultural performance: a unique blend of circus arts, music, and storytelling in Siem Reap.

4.8

Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap, is more than just a circus; it's a captivating blend of Cambodian storytelling, drama, dance, live music, and modern circus arts. Performers, who are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak, share their life experiences through energetic and emotional performances.

A brief summary to Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Local tips

  • Arrive early to enjoy the Cambodian Street Food Festival and pre-show entertainment starting around 5:30 pm.
  • Book tickets in advance, especially for Sections A and B, as they often sell out.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to chat with the performers and take photos after the show.
  • Consider that the venue can get warm; dress accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are the most convenient and cheapest way to get to Phare Circus from Siem Reap. They are readily available throughout the city and stationed at most hotels and guesthouses. A ride from the city center, such as the Old Market or Pub Street area, typically costs between US$3 and US$5 each way. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting your journey. Some tickets include round-trip tuk-tuk transfers.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are also available in Siem Reap. This is a more comfortable option, especially during hotter months. Use the Grab app to book a ride and avoid negotiating prices. A taxi ride from the city center will likely cost slightly more than a tuk-tuk.

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Discover more about Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Phare, The Cambodian Circus, is a unique and highly-rated cultural performance in Siem Reap. It stands as a social enterprise extension of the Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school in Battambang, providing well-paying job opportunities to graduates and funding the school's academic and artistic programs. The circus blends traditional and modern circus arts with Cambodian storytelling, drama, dance, live music, and visual arts. The artists create and perform stories based on their own life experiences, drawing from Cambodian history, folklore, and contemporary society. Shows often touch on serious issues, such as the long-term effects suffered by post-war victims, and how art can provide a powerful way to heal and rebuild communities. Performances are held nightly in a big top. Pre-show entertainment begins around 5:30 pm, with Cambodian street food, drinks, and shopping available. The main show starts at 8:00 pm and lasts for one hour, followed by a chance to chat with the performers and take photos. Ticket options include general open seating, preferred open seating, and preferred reserved seating. Phare Ponleu Selpak was founded in 1994 by nine young men returning from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. They sought to use art as a means of healing and empowerment, offering young Cambodians a path out of poverty and giving them a sense of purpose.

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