2 Best Performing Arts Venues in Cambodia

Cambodia's answer to Cirque du Soleil is a "circus with a purpose"—and truly a must-see. The circus launched in 2013 to provide jobs for graduates of the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus school in Battambang, formed in 1994 by nine refugees. Their mission was to use the arts as therapy as much as a means of lifting locals out of poverty. After quickly becoming one of the most popular activities in Siem Reap, Phare moved to a larger site fifteen minutes from the center, with a cafe-bar, an outdoor stage for free cultural performances before the main show, and a shop selling gifts made by local artists and designers. The high-energy shows are rooted in Cambodian stories, traditional and modern, combining circus arts, dance, and music to captivate audiences every night.

Established to create work opportunities for talented local artists, Plae Pakaa puts on three shows, each performed twice a week at 7 pm (no show on Sunday). They are organized by the Marion Institute with Cambodian Living Arts and take place in the National Museum gardens. The beautifully staged performances showcase the rich diversity of Cambodian culture, from Apsara dances to traditional ceremonies, theater, music, and contemporary dance. If you're only in town for two or three days you can catch a different performance each night.