Phare Battambang Circus
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Phare Ponleu Selpak Battambang

4.7
·526 reviews·Phum Anh'Chanh, Cambodia

A non-profit arts and circus school empowering Cambodian youth through creative education and captivating performances.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

The main circus shows are held in the evening.

CrowdMedium
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Phare Battambang Circus

Phare Ponleu Selpak Battambang

Best Time

Evenings

The main circus shows are held in the evening.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A non-profit arts and circus school empowering Cambodian youth through creative education and captivating performances.

4.7
(526 reviews)

"This is an ABSOLUTE must when in Battambang!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead

Shows can sell out; book in advance, possibly through your hotel for convenience.

⏰ Arrive Early

Get there 30-45 mins early to explore exhibits and grab drinks.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Circus Performance

The Circus Performance

Big Top Tent

Witness breathtaking acrobatics, juggling, and theatrical storytelling by talented young Cambodian artists.

Educational Exhibit

Educational Exhibit

Campus Entrance

Learn about the school's inspiring mission and the impact of art education on underprivileged youth.

Student Art & Crafts

Student Art & Crafts

Campus Stalls

Support the students by purchasing unique artwork, crafts, and merchandise created by the students themselves.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Shows at Phare Ponleu Selpak can sell out, especially during peak season. Booking your tickets ahead of time ensures you don't miss out on this incredible experience. Many hotels offer ticket packages, which can be a convenient option.

Arrive Early for the Full Experience

Aim to arrive about 30-45 minutes before the show starts. This gives you time to explore the campus, learn about the school's history and programs, and perhaps grab a drink from the cafe to enjoy during the performance.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
The main circus shows are held in the evening.
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime (for tours)
Why
Explore the campus and learn about the school.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌻#របាំបុរាណខ្មែរ #phareponleuselpak #cambodia #fyp #CapCut
@povpisey12
45.6K likes • 198.6K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead

Shows can sell out; book in advance, possibly through your hotel for convenience. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Get there 30-45 mins early to explore exhibits and grab drinks. Reddit

Yuk kita kenali Phare Ponleu Selpak, sekolah nirlaba yang memberikan pendidikan seni bagi murid-murid di kota Battambang. Sekolah yang bermula dari kamp pengungsi di perbatasan dengan Thailand ini sekarang memiliki lebih dari 1.000 murid. Sekolah mana lagi di Kamboja yang perlu kita kunjungi..? តោះមកស្គាល់ Phare Ponleu Selpak ជាសាលាមិនរកប្រាក់ចំណេញ ដែលផ្តល់ការអប់រំផ្នែកសិល្បៈដល់សិស្សានុសិស្សក្...
amb.id.phnompenh
23 likes • 597 views
Phare Ponleu Selpak, a Cambodian non-profit art school and circus, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest circus show, achieving a 24-hour, 10-minute, and 30-second performance on March 7-8, 2021, in Battambang, Cambodia. We went to this show performed by some students; amazing work! 24.04.25 Battambang, Cambodia #travel #traveling #travelling #travelaroundworld #travelaroundthewor...
mj.hoppingaroundtheworld
4 likes • 298 views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Cafe drinks are allowed in the tent; it gets warm during performances. Reddit

💖 Support the Cause

Buy student art or make a donation; all profits support the school. Reddit

Phare, the Cambodian Circus teams recently made a cultural visit to Phare Ponleu Selpak - Battambang in Battambang Province on June 12–13, 2025. The purpose of the trip was to deepen their understanding of Phare’s educational programs and shared artistic vision within the Phare family. #PhareCircus #PharePunleuSelapak #MustSeeInSiemReap #StaffOrentation
pharecambodiancircus
42 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead

Shows can sell out; book in advance, possibly through your hotel for convenience. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Get there 30-45 mins early to explore exhibits and grab drinks. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Cafe drinks are allowed in the tent; it gets warm during performances. Reddit

💖 Support the Cause

Buy student art or make a donation; all profits support the school. Reddit

🚫 No Plastic Policy

Be mindful of the 'no plastic' rule on campus. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(526 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently rave about the incredible energy and inspiring performances at Phare Ponleu Selpak. The dedication of the student performers is highly praised, making the shows a moving and memorable experience. While the performances are not always technically perfect, the effort and passion are undeniable, and supporting this non-profit arts school is a significant draw for many.

"The vibe was INCREDIBLE. We had to visit after seeing the Siem Reap circus and it was so interesting to watch these talented student improve and although some tricks may have taken two tries, it was so inspiring to see their improvement and dedication to the show"

lavanya oconnor

"Had a great time seeing the students perform in the big top. The campus is beautiful and I loved seeing the exhibit before the show and learning about the programs the students are involved in. The students are so professional and the 'Rouge' so was incredibly moving. This is a must do evening if you are visiting Battambang!"

J S

"This is an ABSOLUTE must when in Battambang.
The phare “campus” is packed with great energy and the show just keeps delivering.
Get into the tent around 18:45-18:50 and get some education on phare and why and how it all started, and why there’s a giant Guinness sign in the campus.
And please leave a donation at the end.

Tips:
Drinks from the cafe can be brought into the show, and since it will be warm it is nice to hydrate a little.
Many hotels sell tickets/vouchers, saves you from cash payments and just add to the hotel bill
They sell shirts, drawing, paintings and lots more that help support the cause
Tips = donation

And to all volunteers, thank you!"

Stefan V

What People Like

Inspiring student performances
Impactful non-profit mission
Vibrant campus atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional minor performance imperfections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Phare Ponleu Selpak is located on the outskirts of Battambang. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk from the city center. Many hotels can arrange transportation for you, or you can negotiate a fare with a local driver. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes. TikTok

While direct public buses might be limited, tuk-tuks are the most common and convenient way to get there from Battambang town. It's a short and affordable ride. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but they are generally affordable and offer excellent value for the quality of the performance. It's best to check their official website or inquire at your hotel for the most current pricing. Reddit

You can purchase tickets directly at the venue, through many hotels in Battambang, or sometimes online via their official channels. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular show dates. Reddit

The main circus performances typically take place in the evening, usually starting around 7 PM. It's advisable to confirm the exact show schedule as it can vary. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the campus during the day to explore the educational exhibits, see student artwork, and learn about the school's mission. Daytime visits offer a different perspective before the evening show. Reddit

The shows are generally family-friendly, but it's always a good idea to check the specific content of the performance if you have very young children. The 'Rouge' show, for example, is noted as being incredibly moving. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

Expect a dynamic and inspiring performance featuring acrobatics, juggling, theater, and dance, all performed by talented students. The shows often incorporate storytelling and cultural elements, making them engaging and moving. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Arrive early to explore the campus, visit the educational exhibits that explain the school's history and impact, and browse the student art and crafts for sale. Reddit

Yes, drinks purchased from the on-site cafe are permitted inside the big top. It's recommended to stay hydrated, especially as it can get warm during the performance. Reddit

The 'Rouge' show is a particularly moving performance that delves into the history of Cambodia, including the Khmer Rouge regime. It's described as incredibly impactful by visitors. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can support the school by purchasing student artwork, crafts, and merchandise. Donations are also highly encouraged and directly benefit the students and their education. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While photos are generally allowed, it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff. Flash photography is usually discouraged as it can disrupt the performers. Capturing the energy of the show is a great way to remember the experience. Instagram

The campus itself offers many picturesque spots, from the colorful art installations to the vibrant student artwork. The big top tent also provides a dramatic backdrop for photos before or after the show. Instagram

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