Everything You Need to Know About Phare, the Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap

Do you plan to visit Siem Reap and looking for something unique and different to experience? If yes, then Phare, the Cambodian Circus is all you should go for! This breathtakingly beautiful performing art show is a modern interpretation of Cambodia’s culture, customs, and history. It combines all the traditional circus activities like juggling, flying trapeze and clown performances with modern music, art and theatre. Phare Circus has been entertaining its audiences since 1994, and it has become an iconic symbol in the country. So if you’re curious to know more about this circus show, then this guide is all you need! Here I’ll tell you all about Phare Circus, what to expect and how to get tickets for it in Siem Reap.

What Is Phare Circus?

Phare is the first and only Cambodian professional contemporary circus. It is a live, contemporary performing arts company that tells the stories of Cambodian Society through theater, dance music and modern circus arts. It combines world-class visually captivating performances featuring circus artistry with highly energetic musical accompaniments. The talented performance artists at Phare are supported by international professionals in this field. From the music recording, sound design and video post production to the visual design of costumes, sets and props, all are done by renowned professionals. The performers of Phare are all Cambodian war survivors who use their skills in acrobatics, acting, dance, juggling and music to bring attention to the social challenges faced by Cambodians. Since 2000, the troupe has grown from 25 to 80 members from all over Cambodia. All of them are either from orphanages or other disadvantaged backgrounds, and in the wake of their newfound stardom, their economic stability and mental health improved drastically. The main mission of Phare is to pass down the traditional art forms of Cambodia to the younger generations and promote the culture in an entertaining way. The performances are live now in two different venues – at The Circus in Siem Reap and in Battambang as well.

A Brief Overview Of “The Circus”

The Circus is one of the two permanent performance venues of Phare Circus Siem Reap. It opened in 2015 just outside Angkor Wat. With a seating capacity of 700 people and state-of-the-art facilities, this venue has been designed especially for the shows by the company. The venue features a huge amphitheatre with seating arrangements divided into different categories like VIP, Gold and Silver. The structure also features a pathway that winds its way down towards a large pool right in the middle of the theatre. The shows at The Circus feature a combination of comedy acts such as clowning, hilarious skits and acrobatics performances such as fire breathing, pole balancing and aerial trapeze just to name a few. The musical accompaniment of the show includes both traditional and contemporary pieces that include themes from Cambodian culture and customs.

What To Expect From The Show?

The show at The Circus is a live interactive performance that tells stories from Cambodian culture with strong characters like Tiger Dancers, Apsara Dancers and also clowns. It’s a mix of comedy with acrobatics performances. The stage design is an ode to Cambodian architecture inspired by Ta Prohm temple located within Angkor Wat. The show also features fire eating and fire juggling displays which are done skilfully by the performers while they show pieces that represent contemporary social issues such as land grabbing, human trafficking and more. There is also traditional music played throughout the show which is done by musicians playing on traditional Khmer instruments. The show last around 90 min and is an amazing experience for both locals and visitors alike. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Cambodia culture through an entertaining show. Each performance is unique in its own way as new pieces are added on new occasions.

Phare Circus Siem Reap Tickets

The ticket prices for each show at The Circus vary according to its category. Prices are subject to change according to demand and seasonality so do check the website before booking as special deals can be available on festivals or special occasions like Christmas. The tickets for each category can be bought online on GetYourGuide. You can find discounted prices on certain days so do check if the deal still stands when you plan to book the tickets! Typically a ticket for a front row seat in the VIP category costs around $30-$50 while a ticket for the Silver section will cost around $15-$25 per person. Depending on your budget you can select the category that fits your needs best!

Our Recommendation

There’s no better way to learn and experience Cambodian culture than through this live performance by Phare Circus Siem Reap! It really highlights the beauty of Cambodia culture and its people using skilful performance arts like juggling, acrobats, live music and clowning performances. Whether you’re a local looking for some entertainment or planning to visit Siem Reap for an adventurous trip, you must never miss out on this show! So go ahead, book your tickets right now on GetYourGuide and enjoy an amazing experience with amazing talent at Phare Cambodia Circus – an unforgettable experience!