Phare The Cambodian Circus

What Phare The Cambodian Circus does

Phare, The Cambodian Circus is a social enterprise operating nightly circus performances from a big-top venue in Siem Reap, Cambodia — approximately 2km from Old Market and a short tuk-tuk ride from the Angkor Wat temple complex. The company is one business unit of Phare Performing Social Enterprise and is majority-owned by the Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school founded in 1994 by nine Khmer Rouge survivors. Performances combine theater, music, dance, acrobatics, contortion, and aerial arts to tell Cambodian stories drawn from history, folklore, and modern life, with a rotating repertoire of 13+ original productions (Sokha, White Gold, Khmer Metal, Same Same But Different, among others). The core product is the nightly show, with three standard seating tiers (Section A at $38, Section B at $28, Section C at $18) and premium add-ons including the Phare Insider VIP backstage tour ($43-$63), Personal Big Top private performances ($4,200 for up to 20 guests), and a Sokkhak Spa dinner-show combo ($58-$78). Ancillary revenue streams include Phare Café (Cambodian street food and beverages), Phare Boutique (apparel, original art, and locally made handicrafts), and a Phare Circus Lover Card season pass ($90 for 6 months, $150 for 1 year).

The company operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and channel-partner go-to-market motion. Direct booking is enabled through the official website powered by the Rezgo booking platform (partner since 2014), phone, email, and on-site box office (open 9am-9pm daily). Channel distribution flows through Siem Reap hotels, restaurants, travel agents, and combo partnerships with Sokkhak Spa and luxury hotel brands (Sofitel, Amansara, Raffles, Park Hyatt, Phum Baitang) that hire Phare artists for gala and corporate events. The single most significant AI deployment is AcroBot, a 24/7 guest assistant chatbot built with Respond.io, Olive & Lake, and InnoLabs and available across Telegram, Messenger, Line, WhatsApp, and webchat. Customer segments are heavily weighted toward international tourists visiting Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, with secondary segments including families, luxury hotels and corporate event buyers, and travel agents. The brand is supported by a 4.9/5 star rating across 10,000+ verified reviews and TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards in 2023 and 2024. No venture capital, private equity, or institutional funding has been disclosed; revenue is generated organically and funds the parent non-profit's free education programs serving 1,200+ students daily.

Name

Phare The Cambodian Circus

Legal name

Phare The Cambodian Circus

Website

https://pharecircus.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Phare, The Cambodian Circus is a social enterprise operating nightly circus performances in Siem Reap, Cambodia, combining theater, acrobatics, and music to tell authentic Cambodian stories. Revenue funds the Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school serving 1,200+ students daily.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Performance Entertainment

NAICS

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Circus, Magic & Variety Shows (THAJAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Circus & Physical Theatre (MPAGABAL)

Keywords

• Live circus performances
• Cultural entertainment shows
• Circus arts training
• Tourism experience services
• Social enterprise performances

Headquarters

HQ city

Siem Reap

HQ country

Cambodia

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Core revenue from ticket sales across three seating sections (A, B, C) plus premium packages (Phare Insider VIP, Sokkhak Spa combo, Private Big Top). Approximately 1-hour performances nightly with seasonal matinees.
2. On-site Food & Beverage: Phare Café serves Cambodian street food, drinks, and meals (Fish Amok, Beef Kroeung) before and after shows. Includes happy hour drink specials and pre-show cultural dance performance dining experience.
3. Merchandise Sales: Phare Boutique sells original art, T-shirts, tote bags, water bottles, and show soundtracks. Products sourced from Phare Ponleu Selpak students and local artisans. Online and on-site retail.
4. Private Events & Corporate Performances: Private VIP command performances at $4,200 per event for up to 20 guests. Corporate gala performances at luxury hotels. Deluxe catering add-ons available.
5. Season Passes: Phare Circus Lover Card offering unlimited visits: 6-month pass for $90, 1-year pass for $150.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Phare, The Cambodian Circus operates a nightly live modern circus performance in its iconic red big-top venue in Siem Reap, combining theater, music, dance, aerial arts, contortion, and acrobatics to tell original Cambodian stories. Supporting offerings include standard tiered ticketing (Sections A/B/C), VIP backstage experiences (Phare Insider), private command performances, a spa-dinner-show combo with Sokkhak Spa, a season-pass subscription, on-site café dining, and a retail boutique selling student-produced art and merchandise. Revenue funds the parent Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school's free education programs in Battambang.

Product overview

Phare, The Cambodian Circus is a social enterprise offering modern circus performances as a cultural entertainment experience in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The core offering is nightly live circus shows combining theater, music, dance, and acrobatics to tell authentic Cambodian stories. The product portfolio includes: main show ticketing with three seating tiers (Sections A, B, C), premium VIP experiences (Phare Insider backstage tours, Personal Big Top private performances), combination packages with Sokkhak Spa, on-site dining at Phare Cafe, and retail through Phare Boutique and online shop featuring apparel, merchandise, and original artwork. The circus also offers an AI-powered guest assistant (AcroBot) for 24/7 customer inquiries and manages multiple rotating productions. Revenue supports Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school in Battambang.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Phare Insider: VIP backstage access experience including guided tour of technician, costume design and artist work areas, plus show tickets
• Your Personal Big Top
• Sokkhak Spa - Dinner - Show Package
• Phare Circus Lover Card

Products and services

• Phare Circus Main Show The signature nightly live modern circus performance combining theater, music, dance, acrobatics, aerial arts, and contortion to tell original Cambodian stories. Performed in the iconic red big top tent in Siem Reap at 8:00pm nightly (1-hour duration), with seasonal matinees Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 5:00pm from November 2026 through March 2027. The rotating repertoire includes Sokha, White Gold, Khmer Metal, Same Same But Different, Khmer Angkor Village, Ponleu Samnang, Sokrias/Eclipse, Influence, Preu/Chills, Tchamlaek/Weird, Phsong Preng/The Adventure, Proniap/Panic, and Tini Tinou. Ticket prices: Section A adult US$38, child US$18; Section B adult US$28, child US$15; Section C adult US$18, child US$10. Infants age 4 and younger admitted free with no allocated seat. Section A tickets include a locally made Phare Circus souvenir. For international tourists, families, and groups visiting Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
• Phare Insider VIP Backstage Tour Premium VIP add-on experience featuring a 30-minute escorted backstage tour through technician areas, costume design, artist work areas, and stage entrance, plus a Q&A session with staff and reserved show seating in the chosen section. Adult pricing US$43-63, children (5-11) US$35-43 depending on seating section; includes 1 soft drink or domestic beer per guest. Targeted at tourists and families seeking a deeper behind-the-scenes experience.
• Personal Big Top Private VIP Performance Exclusive private command performance for up to 20 guests at a flat rate of $4,200 per event. Includes cold towel, welcome drink, popcorn, soda/domestic beer per guest, full 1-hour private performance, and artist meet-and-greet. Deluxe catering add-on priced $22-65 per person depending on group size. Designed for private celebrations, corporate events, and luxury hospitality use.
• Sokkhak Spa - Dinner - Phare Circus Combo Package Bundle experience with Sokkhak Spa Riverside combining a 60 or 90-minute aromatherapy massage, Cambodian street food dinner at Phare Cafe with $10 food/drink vouchers, and circus show seating. Includes complimentary tuk tuk transportation from the spa to the circus venue. Adult pricing US$58-78. Targeted at Siem Reap tourists seeking a complete evening experience.
• Phare Boutique - Retail Shop Online and on-site retail store selling original artwork and crafts produced by Phare Ponleu Selpak students, locally made handicrafts, performance-themed T-shirts (Contortion, Rolla Bolla, Juggling, Handstand, Khmer House, Brightness of the Arts, White Gold designs), tote bags, refillable sports water bottles, face masks, and original artwork from the circus productions. For tourists and supporters seeking souvenirs and student-produced art.
• Phare Cafe - On-site Dining Open-air restaurant at the circus venue serving Cambodian street food favorites including Fish Amok and Beef Kroeung, plus drinks. Open from 5:30pm with pre-show cultural dance dining experience and happy hour drink specials. Available to circus attendees and walk-in guests before and after shows.
• Phare Circus Lover Card Season Pass Subscription season pass offering unlimited visits to regularly scheduled performances at the Siem Reap big top. Available as a 6-month pass for $90 or a 1-year pass for $150. Includes general open seating in Section C with upgrade option. Cards are non-transferable and non-refundable. Targeted at Siem Reap long-stay visitors, expats, and repeat attendees.
• Circus Workshops Hands-on circus skill workshops offered for groups and corporate events, allowing participants to learn circus skills directly from Phare artists. For corporate team-building, school groups, and special-interest visitors to Siem Reap.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.9/5 star rating from 10,000+ verified reviews
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RezgocoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2014Online direct booking partner since 2014. Rezgo provides the foundation for Phare Circus's online ticket sales system, enabling secure payment processing, live availability, and instant confirmation. Partnership essential to direct-to-consumer sales channel.
• Respond.iocoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnical partner helping train AcroBot AI to be the best customer service assistant. Part of the AI implementation team for the 24/7 chatbot across messaging platforms.
• ArivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry-leading travel trends insights provider. Their trend reporting helps Phare stay ahead of travel industry developments. Partnership guided by Director of Sales and Marketing Craig Dodge.
• Planeterra - Global Community Tourism NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhare Circus is a member of Planeterra's Global Community Tourism Network, supporting sustainability and responsible tourism initiatives.
• RefillNotLandfill - CambodiaminorOthersPhare is a charter member of RefillNotLandfill Cambodia initiative. Sell refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste. Part of environmental sustainability commitment.
• Sokkhak SpacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRiverside spa partnership offering combo packages: 60-90 minute aromatherapy massage + Cambodian street food dinner + Phare Circus show. Includes complimentary tuk tuk transport from spa to circus venue.
• Phare Ponleu Selpak Non-Profit SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent non-profit organization founded in 1994 by refugees returning from Khmer Rouge regime. Phare Circus is majority-owned by the school. Circus provides jobs for graduates and royalties/fees/donations support school's free education programs. Over 1,200 students attend daily.
• Luxury Hotels (Sofitel, Amansara, Raffles, Park Hyatt, Phum Baitang)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotels hire Phare artists to headline New Year's Eve galas and corporate events. Represents significant private performance revenue stream and exposure to affluent travelers.
• Apsara Sangvar Pech Arts SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents from this arts school perform cultural dance at Phare Circus venue at 7:00pm before main performances, enhancing pre-show entertainment experience.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Sokkhak Spa: Riverside spa partner offering massage + Cambodian dinner + Phare Circus combo packages. A core distribution and bundling partner enabling higher ticket prices and dwell-time expansion for Phare.
• Luxury Hotels in Siem Reap (e.g., Sofitel, Amansara, Raffles, Park Hyatt): Top-tier Siem Reap hotels that hire Phare artists for private performances and corporate galas. Function as core B2B channel partners and adjacent ecosystem participants that amplify Phare's reach into affluent traveler segments.
• Tour Operators and Travel Agents in Siem Reap: Tour operators, hotel concierges, and travel agents that bundle and resell Phare tickets alongside other Siem Reap activities. They function as channel partners and adjacent ecosystem participants shaping tourist itineraries that include or exclude Phare.

Direct peers

• Apsara Theatre (Siem Reap): Siem Reap venue hosting traditional Apsara dance performances and cultural shows targeting Angkor Wat tourists. Competes head-to-head with Phare for the same international tourist evening-entertainment segment at typically lower price points.
• Phare Ponleu Selpak Battambang Shows: The parent non-profit's own circus and cultural performances in Battambang, featuring students and emerging artists. Directly comparable as a same-brand, lower-scale expression of Phare's mission and content, often visited by tourists as a complement to the Siem Reap big top.
• Cirque du Soleil: Global leader in premium theatrical circus entertainment combining acrobatics, music, and narrative. Directly comparable to Phare on show format, target audience (tourists seeking high-quality live entertainment), and theatrical-circus style — customers explicitly benchmark Phare against Cirque du Soleil.
• Circus Oz: Australian circus-theater company with a strong social-mission orientation and contemporary circus productions. Highly comparable to Phare on the social-enterprise model, theatrical circus format, and emphasis on Australian storytelling — a near-twin operating philosophy in a different geography.
• Cirque Éloize: Canadian circus-theater company producing narrative-driven acrobatic shows with touring and resident productions. Directly comparable to Phare on theatrical circus style, touring model, and mid-size production scale targeting cultural and tourist audiences.
• Cambodian Cultural Village: Siem Reap-based cultural theme park featuring traditional Cambodian performances, dance, and cultural exhibits. Directly competes with Phare for the Siem Reap tourist evening-entertainment dollar and shares the cultural-performance positioning.

Emerging players

• Khmer Art and Cultural Centers (e.g., Cambodian Living Arts): Non-profit organization supporting Cambodian performing arts preservation and contemporary practice. Comparable as a mission-driven Cambodian arts organization; partly an ecosystem participant and partly a programming/curatorial peer shaping local cultural production.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PhareCircus
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/PPSEnterprise/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/pharecircus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pharecircus
• Instagraminstagram.com/pharecambodiancircus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Phare The Cambodian Circus