REVIEW · SIEM REAP
Siem Reap: Phare, the Cambodian Circus Show Tickets
See Prices & Book →Operated by Phare The Cambodian Circus
This circus tells Cambodia in motion. It’s not a circus in the usual sense. Phare blends drama, dance, live music, and acrobatics into stories shaped by the performers own life, plus history and folklore that feel very current.
I love how the show uses storytelling to make the stunts land emotionally, not just visually. I also love the tight, human-scale energy of the big top, where musicians and performers share the space in real time. One consideration: it can run hot, and you’ll want to arrive early because once the show starts, entry is closed.
The show starts at 8:00 PM and lasts about an hour, with time after for photos and a chance to interact with the artists. It costs $18, and for me that feels like good value because your ticket directly supports the school behind Phare and the artists who grow their skills there.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A Cambodian show that uses acrobatics to tell real stories
- Before 8 PM: crafts, cafe time, and getting your seat right
- The Big Top show: drama, dance, and live music that never feels stuck
- Photo rules that affect how you plan your phone
- Insider option: what a backstage tour adds to the show
- After the final act: photos, interaction, and an easy plan for your night
- Price and value: is $18 worth it in Siem Reap?
- Who should book Phare Circus (and who might not love it)
- Should you book Phare in Siem Reap?
- FAQ
- What time is the Phare Circus show in Siem Reap?
- How long is the performance?
- Is flash photography allowed during the show?
- What should I bring to the venue?
- How early should I arrive?
- Where do I meet for the activity?
- Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?
- Are food and drinks included?
- What is the minimum age?
Key things to know before you go
- Story-first circus: comedy and emotion built into the stunts, not separate from them
- Live music inside the ring: you’re watching performers and musicians feed off each other
- Backstage with Insider options: a tour before the show helps the performance make more sense
- No flash photography: you can still take photos during the show as long as the flash is off
- Arrive 30 minutes early: once the show starts, no late entry
- Seat choice matters: the cheapest sections can have obstructed views near the band
A Cambodian show that uses acrobatics to tell real stories
Phare is a night out that hits two goals at once: you get jaw-dropping physical skills, and you also leave with a better sense of modern Cambodia. The action is bold and theatrical, but the heart of the show is the storytelling. Performers create scenes from recent history, folklore, and today’s society, then shape it into drama and dance that moves like a conversation.
What makes this special for your trip is the balance. Yes, it’s circus. But it also feels like street theater upgraded into a professional production. I like that you’re not just watching tricks; you’re watching people communicate.
And it helps that the company runs as a school and non-profit mission. Your ticket isn’t just entertainment. It’s part of a system that gives Cambodian artists training and a stage to grow on.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Siem Reap
Before 8 PM: crafts, cafe time, and getting your seat right
Plan your evening so you’re not rushing. The grounds are set up for a proper pre-show hang. The Phare Boutique and Phare Cafe open about two hours before curtain, so you can get food or drinks and browse locally made gifts without feeling trapped in lines right before the show.
I suggest arriving about 30 minutes early. That gives you enough time to settle in, adjust to the warm big top, and get ready for the show without stress. One small detail that matters in practice: the venue can feel hot in the Big Top, so comfortable clothes beat anything fussy. Bring water, and consider mosquito repellent too if you’re wandering outside before showtime.
Seat choice is a quiet make-or-break factor here, because this is a smaller circular arena. Some seats are great, and some will test your patience. Based on what people report seeing, I’d avoid sitting directly behind the band area if you can. Wires or equipment can obstruct part of the view there. On the flip side, seats in Stage B, especially around the middle in the upper stands, are often described as offering a strong view of the ring and choreography.
If you’re booking on a budget, you can absolutely still have a great time. Just know that the cheapest sections may be less comfortable for sightlines. The show is short, fast, and physical—so you’ll appreciate a clear view.
The Big Top show: drama, dance, and live music that never feels stuck
The performance runs about one hour, and it’s designed to keep moving. Expect a blend of circus arts with theater and dance, plus live music that’s part of the show rather than background noise. One of the best parts is how the performers choreograph the energy so the music and the physical action match each other.
The stories often work on multiple levels. You might see moments grounded in recent Cambodian history such as the Khmer Rouge era, but it’s not presented like a lecture. It’s staged as human experience—sometimes serious, sometimes funny—so it lands even if you don’t know every detail ahead of time.
And yes, there are genuinely funny bits. A lot of the entertainment value comes from the tone shifts: humor and audience engagement pop up between big stunts. That mix keeps the show from becoming intense all the way through. It’s also a big reason why different ages tend to enjoy it.
In one example of a recent night’s theme, the show centered on the idea of white rice. That tells you something important: the production can change, and the company doesn’t feel locked into one single script forever. If you have more than one night in Siem Reap and the schedule lines up, it’s worth checking because the show can vary.
Photo rules that affect how you plan your phone
You can take photos during the performance, but flash photography is not allowed. That’s a helpful rule for your planning. Bring a phone with a decent low-light mode, keep flash off, and be ready for action that happens fast. Also, once the show starts, there’s no entrance allowed—so don’t count on popping in late and still getting seated comfortably.
Insider option: what a backstage tour adds to the show
If you can stretch for the Phare Insider option, I think it’s the best way to turn a fun show into a more meaningful one. This option includes an exclusive backstage tour before the performance, which helps you understand what the circus is building and why.
The practical benefit is simple: when you learn how the artists train and how the school connects to the performances, the show reads differently. The physical work stops being just impressive movement and becomes part of a process.
I’ve also seen accounts where a guide like Saad explains the circus with real enthusiasm and makes the structure easy to follow. Even if your guide is someone else, the value is the same: you get context without needing a history degree, and then you’re watching with sharper attention.
One more real-world point: doing the tour before the show means you’re already inside the flow of the evening. You’ll arrive, orient faster, and avoid that feeling of wandering around while everyone else seems to know where to go.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Siem Reap
After the final act: photos, interaction, and an easy plan for your night
When the show ends, you don’t just walk away. There’s a chance to interact with the artists afterward and take photos. That part matters. It turns the evening from a one-way performance into a two-way moment, and you’ll usually feel the artists’ energy and focus in that space.
Then what? You’re right in the middle of a built-in evening setup. The cafe and boutique are on site, so you can extend the night without needing a complicated plan. It’s a nice alternative to the usual Siem Reap routine of temples, tuk-tuks, and pub-street wandering.
If you’re pairing Phare with dinner elsewhere, I’d still give yourself a buffer. Between the show ending and the photo time, you may lose track of how quickly an hour can feel.
Price and value: is $18 worth it in Siem Reap?
At $18 per person, Phare is priced like a budget-friendly “must do.” But the value doesn’t come only from the ticket cost. The show packs in several things that cost more elsewhere: live music, a scripted theatrical production, serious acrobatics, and a venue experience that feels intentionally built around the performers and their training.
Also, your purchase supports the school and its mission. That changes the math in a good way. Instead of treating it like a disposable tourist event, you’re paying for art that’s actively strengthening Cambodian artists and giving them opportunities to perform.
If you’re thinking about seat upgrades, I’d decide based on how sensitive you are to view angles. Because the venue is small and circular, even mid-range seats can still work. But if you know you get frustrated with obstructed sights, avoid sections behind the band area. A slightly better seat can turn “good view” into “I can follow every move.”
Who should book Phare Circus (and who might not love it)
Phare fits well if you want a change of pace after temple days. It also fits if you like shows that mix humor with emotion, or if you enjoy art that’s clearly made by the people performing it.
It’s also a strong family choice if your kids are old enough. The minimum age is 5, and the show includes funny moments and high-energy action that tends to land well for mixed ages.
It might be less ideal if you need lots of quiet time, or if you can’t handle a warm indoor space. Also, because entry closes once the show starts, it’s not the best pick if your schedule is often chaotic late in the day.
Should you book Phare in Siem Reap?
Yes, I’d book it if your goal is a memorable evening that feels local and alive. For most visitors, the combo is hard to beat: story-driven acrobatics, live music right in the ring, and the feeling that you’re supporting a real arts school, not just buying a standard show.
Book the Insider option if you want the extra layer of meaning and plan to arrive early anyway. Skip it if you’re mainly focused on the performance itself and want to keep costs down.
Just do one thing for your best experience: arrive on time, keep your flash off, and pick your seat with view in mind. Get that right, and Phare becomes one of those nights you’ll still be thinking about the next morning.
FAQ
What time is the Phare Circus show in Siem Reap?
The show starts at 8:00 PM.
How long is the performance?
The show lasts about 1 hour, and afterwards there’s time to interact with the artists and take photos.
Is flash photography allowed during the show?
No. Flash photography is not allowed, but you can take photos during the performance if your flash is off.
What should I bring to the venue?
Bring water and wear comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather. Mosquito repellent is also a good idea if you’re spending time outdoors in Cambodia before the show.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before show time so you can get settled before the performance begins.
Where do I meet for the activity?
The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book.
Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.
Are food and drinks included?
Food and drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase. The Phare Cafe opens about two hours before show time.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 5.
