The Cambodian Circus Show and Pub Street Night Market

If you’re visiting Siem Reap and looking for a memorable evening that blends culture, entertainment, and local life, this tour offers a compelling option. It combines a top-rated circus performance with lively night markets, all wrapped up in a package that supports a meaningful cause.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it offers more than just a show — it’s an opportunity to enjoy delicious local food, support a non-profit organization, and get a taste of Siem Reap’s pulsating nightlife. The $40 price tag might seem modest for such a well-rounded evening, especially considering the included transport, tickets, and the chance to explore two of the city’s most popular nighttime spots.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour lasts about three hours, so it works best if you’re ready for an evening packed with activities, rather than a slow, relaxed pace. This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy live entertainment, cultural insights, and want to get the most out of their evening in Siem Reap without the hassle of planning multiple steps themselves.

Key Points

• Support for a social cause: The show is run by Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit organization, making your ticket a way to contribute.
• High-quality entertainment: Expect acrobatics, dance, live music, and storytelling that captivate both adults and children.
• Convenience: Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel, plus optional continuation at Pub Street or the Night Market.
• Authentic local experience: Combine performance art with exploring Cambodia’s vibrant night markets.
• Great value for money: For $40, you get transportation, a show, dinner, and additional time at top nightlife spots.
• Well-reviewed: All five reviewers give the experience a perfect score, citing the skill of performers and overall enjoyment.

Discover the Magic of Phare, The Cambodian Circus

The cornerstone of this tour is the Phare Circus itself, which is often described as a must-see. It’s not just a circus — it’s a theatrical performance with storytelling woven through acrobatics, dance, and live music. Reviewers highlight the “excellent show” that features skilled performers who turn their acts into compelling stories. One reviewer even mentions that the performances are “so well done that the time flies,” which is a good sign of a captivating experience.

The live musicians play an integral role, adding layers of emotion and rhythm to each act. Many praise the performers’ talent, with comments like “the musicians were incredible” and “the boys are exceptional.” The show’s ability to entertain while supporting a social enterprise makes it a meaningful night out. Plus, the venue is comfortable, with seats arranged for good visibility, ensuring you won’t miss a moment.

The Pre-Show Dinner at Phare Café

Before the curtain rises, your evening begins with a delicious local meal at the Phare Café. While specific menu details aren’t provided, reviewers mention enjoying local food “upfront the show,” indicating tasty, authentic dishes that complement the cultural theme. This is a smart addition, as it allows you to settle in with a meal that supports local culinary talents and the organization’s social mission.

Exploring Siem Reap’s Night Market

Post-show, your driver can take you directly to the Siem Reap Night Market. This bustling spot is loved for its mix of handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. About 30 minutes are allocated for this stop, giving you enough time to browse local crafts, sample street snacks, or pick up unique souvenirs. Reviewers mention finding “very nice souvenirs” and enjoying the chance to get a feel for Cambodia’s artisan culture.

The market is a lively, colorful scene, making it perfect for those wanting an authentic glimpse into local life after the performance. It’s an ideal place to pick up a keepsake or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

The Buzz of Pub Street

If you’re feeling energetic after the market, your tour can drop you at Pub Street, the heartbeat of Siem Reap’s nightlife. Only 30 minutes are allocated here, but even this short visit can give you a taste of the area’s lively bars, restaurants, and street performers. Many travelers love Pub Street for its casual, fun vibe, and some reviews highlight it as a “great way to spend an evening,” especially for those wanting to enjoy local brews and lively chatter.

Its proximity to the Old Market makes it convenient, and you’ll be surrounded by a lively mix of international travelers and locals alike. It’s a fun, relaxed way to cap off your night, and the experience remains hassle-free thanks to the included drop-off.

Practical Details: Transport, Price, and Convenience

Transportation is a big plus with this tour. Your pickup is arranged from your hotel, and a tuk-tuk or car will whisk you to the circus and back, removing the stress of navigating Siem Reap’s busy streets. The tour lasts roughly three hours, making it a manageable but memorable evening activity.

At $40 per person, including the show, dinner, transport, and visits to the night market and Pub Street, it offers good value for money. Reviewers repeatedly praise the experience as worth the cost, especially considering the quality of performances and the opportunity to support a social enterprise.

While the reviews don’t specify group sizes, the mention of group discounts and private tour activity suggests flexibility, and the overall setup seems designed for small groups or individual travelers seeking a personalized experience.

Authenticity and Support for a Good Cause

A standout feature of this tour is its connection to Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit organization dedicated to arts and social development. Participating in this tour means you’re directly supporting local artists and community projects. Many reviewers appreciate the chance to enjoy world-class performances while knowing their money contributes to meaningful local work.

What to Expect in Terms of Experience

From the moment you’re picked up, you’re immersed in a smooth, well-organized evening. The show duration of about 2 hours provides plenty of entertainment, and the live music and storytelling keep the audience engaged.

Reviewers mention that the performers are highly skilled, with some describing acts that “turned this act into a story” or that their “hearts were in their mouths many times.” Such comments indicate a performance that’s both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.

The dinner at Phare Café is an added bonus, giving you a taste of local cuisine before the spectacle begins. The night market visit offers a relaxed, cultural exploration, and Pub Street’s vibrant nightlife caps off the evening with fun and social energy.

The Sum Up

This combined experience of Cambodian Circus Show and Night Market delivers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Siem Reap’s cultural scene. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a high-quality live performance without the hassle of planning multiple activities, all while supporting a meaningful social cause.

Travelers who value entertainment with a story, good value, and opportunities to explore nightlife will find this tour highly rewarding. It’s also suited for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for an evening that balances arts, local flavors, and lively atmosphere.

Given the glowing reviews, it’s clear that the performers’ skill, authentic food, and support for a good cause make this experience stand out as a must-do in Siem Reap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, with a tuk-tuk or car arranged for all transfers.

How long does the whole experience last?
The entire experience takes roughly three hours, including dinner, the show, and visits to the night market and Pub Street.

Can I extend my evening after the tour?
Yes, the driver can drop you at Pub Street or the Night Market, allowing you to stay longer and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the Phare Circus show, dinner at Phare Café, transportation, and visits to the night market and Pub Street.

Are children allowed to join?
While not explicitly stated, the reviews mention that the performance is suitable for adults and children, indicating it’s family-friendly.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Is there a private tour option?
Yes, this is a private activity, meaning only your group will participate, offering a more personalized experience.

How much should I budget for personal expenses?
While not included, personal expenditures like souvenirs or additional drinks are at your discretion — most find it reasonable given the overall value.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Yes, this tour is popular and is typically booked around 57 days in advance, so plan accordingly to secure your spot.

This lively, culturally rich evening in Siem Reap offers more than just entertainment; it’s a chance to support local artists, enjoy authentic Cambodian culture, and experience the city’s energetic nightlife—all at a fair price and with the convenience of hassle-free planning.