Phare Circus, Siem Reap
Everything you need to know BEFORE you visit with kids
Updated December 2024
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Phare Circus is undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do with children in Siem Reap. Yes, the Angkor Wat temples are beautiful but is there anything more thrilling than watching a load of performers throw themselves in the air and do things that keep you on the edge of your seat?!
Photo: Phare Circus Performace
What is Phare Circus?
When you think of a circus in Cambodia your mind might go straight to clowns, exotic animals and dodgy ring masters however Phare circus is anything but these things. It is a spectacular show with drama, dance, acrobatics and an indescribable energy, all of which will guarantee an unforgettable experience!
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The performers are all graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit school and professional arts training centre. The background of Phare Ponleu Selpak is admirable and during your time at Phare Circus, you can learn more about the history and the work they are currently doing with young people.
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75% of sales profits go towards funding free education for Cambodian children and help create meaningful employment opportunities for local artists.
Getting to Phare Circus
Phare Circus is located just out of the main city. To get there you will need to book transport. Tuk Tuks are the most convenient and cheapest way of getting around in Siem Reap and thanks to Grab, you can book your family a Tuk Tuk without having to worry about negotiating prices. A standard Tuk Tuk is designed to fit 3 people but if you are a family of 4 with a little one, you can easily all squeeze in with the little one on a lap. Alternatively, you can book a larger Tuk Tuk that will easily fit a family of 4+.
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Leaving the circus there are many Tuk Tuks waiting outside all to try and secure a booking with you. Many of these drivers are also on Grab and are sat there waiting for bookings to pop up on the app. As soon as we exited, we opened up the app and booked a Tuk Tuk straight away.
Photo: Travelling around Siem Reap in a Tuk Tuk
Ticket Prices
You can purchase tickets online through the official website. Third party organisations charge an additional fee therefore for the best price, go directly though the website. There are 3 different ticket options to choose from:
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Preferred Reserved Seating (Section A) - $38 Adult/ $18 child
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Preferred Open Seating (Section B) - $28 Adult/ $15 child
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General Open Seating (Section C) $18 Adult/ $10 child
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Photo: Seating Plan at Phare Circus (www.pharecircus.org)
Children under the age of 5 do not require a ticket if they do not have an allocated seat. In other words they need to sit on your lap. However, there was plenty of room for our youngest to sit on the bench next to me during the show.
We opted for General Open Seating and whilst there are warnings of obstructed views, we had fantastic seats. We were sat right at the front to the left of the above picture. If you want to secure the best seats in General Open Seating then I suggest that you get in there as soon as you can because these seats fill up quickly!
Photo: Big Top filling up ready for the show.
What to expect at Phare Circus
Performance starts at 8pm but doors open at 5.30pm. This sounds a little early to be heading there but it gives you the opportunity to browse around Phare Boutique and have a meal and pre-drinks before the show.
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In order to purchase food and drinks, you need to buy tokens. When you arrive at the food stalls, you will see a stall where you will exchange money for tokens. Any tokens that you do not spend you can exchange back into money. Just remember to do this before you head into the big top for the show or you may forget (like we did!) after the show.
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At 7pm there is a pre-show performance by students from Khmer Angkor Cultural Training Club. Once that has finished at 7.30pm, the Big Top opens for seating.
Photo: Pre-Show performance at Phare Circus
Food and Drink at Phare Circus
At Phare Circus, they want you to make the most of your evening and that includes soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying some delicious cuisine before the show. At Phare circus you can sample some delicious noodle dishes, traditional Khmer curries, western foods and street food. The street food stalls included traditional puddings and sweet dishes which we were very excited about. We couldn't resist trying sticky rice & sugar palm and the Num Jak Jol which were delicious!
Photo: Street Food Stalls at Phare Circus
The Show
The show tells a story of traditional Khmer life through drama, dance and acrobats. From the minute the performers step into the ring you are captivated. It is really hard to describe the energy in the tent- you will have to go to experience it yourself!
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The show starts at 8pm and lasts for an hour. During this time you are not permitted to leave the tent. This is because the performers use all entrances and exits throughout the show. Therefore, make sure everyone makes a trip to the toilet before heading into the Big Top tent.
Photo: Phare Circus Performace
The music is a little loud in the tent. If you have a child who is sensitive to noise it might be worth taking some ear defenders with you. We didn't even think about this and despite loving the show, our 4 year old spent his time with his hands over his ears!
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The skill set of these performers is phenomenal! I did not hear a single peep from our boys throughout the show and I don't think I've ever said "Wow!" so many times before. There were also times where we were watching through our fingers for fear of someone falling! It was incredible and worth every single penny.
Top tips for visiting Phare Circus with kids
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Purchase your tickets online BEFORE you visit.
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Protect yourselves from Mosquitos, most of the evening is spent outside therefore cover up and take mosquito spray with you.
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Happy Hour is 5.30pm- 6.30pm, cocktails are buy 1 get 1 free.
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Head there early to make the most of the evening.
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Make sure to do a toilet stop before heading into the Big Top Tent.
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Take ear defenders with you if your child is sensitive to noise.
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Take cash with you. Minimum card payment is $10 in the shop and you will need cash to exchange into tokens for food and drinks. Be sure to remember to change your tokens back into cash if you have any leftover at the end!
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Embrace the evening and soak in the energy!
Photo: Phare Circus Performace
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About 4inthVan
We are a family of 4 living and travelling full time in our self converted Luton van.Â
Our aim is to provide other families information, guides and top tips to help them on their next adventure, whether that's world travel, van life or home education.