The Cambodian Circus Show and Pub Street Night Market

The Cambodian Circus Show and Pub Street Night Market: An Authentic Night Out in Siem Reap

If you’re heading to Siem Reap and looking for an evening that combines cultural flair, lively entertainment, and a taste of local life, this tour might be just what you need. It offers a mix of spectacular performances, delicious food, and vibrant markets—all wrapped up in a hassle-free package. Notably run by the non-profit Phare Ponleu Selpak, this experience also supports meaningful community projects, adding a feel-good aspect to your night.

What really stands out? The performance itself is engaging and well-reviewed, with acrobatic feats, dance, and live music that keep audiences captivated. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off means you can relax and focus on enjoying the evening. One small consideration is that, at $40 per person, it’s a solid value, but it’s also a more curated experience, so if you’re after a very local, street-level night out, some may prefer wandering on their own.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate artistic performances, want to support local initiatives, and enjoy lively night markets and social atmospheres. Families, couples, and even solo travelers will find this a well-rounded way to spend an evening in Siem Reap.

Key Points

• Cultural Show: The highlight is the spectacular Cambodian Circus, with acrobatics, dance, and live music that tell engaging stories.
• Support for a Cause: Booking this tour helps fund Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit dedicated to arts education.
• Convenience: Included pickup and drop-off make this experience hassle-free, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
• Flexible Ending: After the show, you can choose to continue exploring Pub Street or the Night Market, making it adaptable to your mood.
• Value for Money: At $40, the experience offers a lot—dinner, entertainment, and guided tours—making it a good deal.
• Authentic Vibe: The tour combines modern Cambodian culture with lively street markets, giving you a genuine taste of Siem Reap’s nightlife.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The tour kicks off with pickup from your hotel, often arranged via tuk tuk or private car, which is especially convenient if you’re staying in central Siem Reap. The first stop is Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where you’ll find yourself immersed in a show that’s considered the top-rated modern cultural performance in the area. The performance lasts about two hours, blending drama, dance, and circus acts into a seamless story. Reviewers frequently mention how skilled performers are, with some even describing their acts as “heart-stopping” and “fantastic.”

One reviewer specifically highlighted the turning of the acts into stories, which adds depth to what might otherwise be just an acrobatic display. The performers are young Cambodians, many of whom have trained through the charity’s programs. Watching their talent, you get a sense of pride, and knowing your ticket supports their growth makes the experience even more meaningful.

Following the circus, the tour takes you to Siem Reap Night Market. Here, you’re encouraged to explore the stalls, which are full of handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. Reviews mention enjoying local food choices right next to the market, as well as finding some lovely, reasonably priced souvenirs. It’s a relaxed way to absorb local culture at your own pace, and the 30-minute stop allows just enough time to browse without feeling rushed.

Next, the guide will escort you to Pub Street, the lively hub of Siem Reap’s nightlife. Situated close to the Old Market, Pub Street is a lively strip lined with restaurants, bars, and street performers. It’s perfect for those who want to unwind, grab a drink, or just soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers describe it as “the heart of Siem Reap nightlife,” full of energy and entertainment options.

Throughout the evening, the tour provides tuk tuk or private car transport, with plenty of mineral water included, ensuring comfort and hydration. The total duration is around three hours, which makes it a compact yet comprehensive night out.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviews, is the knowledgeable guides who help set the scene and provide context—though specific names aren’t mentioned, the overall tone is that guides are friendly and informative. The performance itself draws glowing reviews, with travelers describing the performers as “exceptional” and the show as “worthwhile to add to your Siem Reap itinerary.”

Reviewers also appreciated the support for local youth and arts education, which adds a layer of social impact to the experience. Knowing that your ticket helps fund arts training for young Cambodians makes the entertainment more meaningful.

The value for money is another highlight. For $40, you get a full evening of entertainment, dinner, guided market visits, and transport—all key ingredients for a memorable night without the hassle of planning each element separately.

One critique? Some travelers mention that the experience is curated, which might not appeal if you’re looking for a purely street-level, spontaneous night out. But for most, the convenience and quality of the performances outweigh this.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

The tour covers all transportation, whether tuk tuk or car, ensuring no need to worry about logistics. The show ticket is included, with a good seat (Seat C), and mineral water is provided, keeping you refreshed throughout. The pick-up and drop-off service means you won’t need to navigate Siem Reap’s busy streets on your own, which is especially valuable after a long day of sightseeing.

The price point at $40 is competitive given the package—dinner, live show, market visits, and transport are included. As the reviews confirm, the experience offers great value and a chance to support local arts and community projects.

Not included are personal expenses and tips, so plan accordingly if you want to indulge in souvenirs or extra drinks during pub street hours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for culture lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates well-produced performances. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed yet lively evening with minimal hassle. Travelers interested in supporting local initiatives will find extra satisfaction knowing their ticket contributes to arts education in Cambodia.

Those seeking to explore after the show will enjoy the flexibility to continue exploring Pub Street and the Night Market, making it suitable for a full night out. It’s also a good pick for first-time visitors who want an overview of Siem Reap’s nightlife with the added bonus of cultural insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, the performance is described as suitable for both adults and children, making it a family-friendly option.

How long does the entire tour last? The total experience is approximately 3 hours, including the performance, market visits, and transport.

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes tuk tuk or private car pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple.

Can I extend my evening after the tour? Absolutely. The drop-off at Pub Street or Night Market allows you to continue your night exploring at your own pace.

What is the cost of the tour? The price is $40 per person, covering the show, dinner, transport, and guided visits.

Are the tickets mobile? Yes, tickets are mobile, making access quick and easy.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience, receiving a full refund.

Is this a private tour? Yes, it’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

For travelers seeking a blend of culture, entertainment, and lively nightlife, this tour offers an enjoyable and meaningful way to spend an evening in Siem Reap. The spectacular circus performance, combined with visits to the vibrant Night Market and Pub Street, provides a well-rounded snapshot of local creativity and social vibrancy.

The fact that it supports arts education through Phare Ponleu Selpak makes it more than just a night of entertainment—it’s an opportunity to contribute to a community cause while enjoying top-tier performances. The seamless logistics, friendly guides, and good value make it a compelling option for most visitors.

If you’re after an authentic, fun, and socially conscious night out that blends culture with lively street scenes, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s best suited for those who appreciate quality performances and want an evening that’s both entertaining and impactful.

In summary, this experience offers a rich mix of spectacular entertainment, cultural support, and local flavor—all wrapped in a convenient package. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, it’s a memorable way to see the vibrant side of Siem Reap.