Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus
ហ្វារពន្លឺសិល្បៈ
An art school that grew out of an arts program in a postwar refugee camp, its Khmer contemporary circus blends acrobatics with theater.
Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning ‘Light of Art’, was founded in 1994 by young people returning from refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border. It provides free instruction in painting, music, and acrobatics to orphans and children from poor families. Students perform in the school's large tent. The shows blend acrobatics, dance, and Khmer stories, with a fast pace. For many visitors, it is the most memorable evening in Battambang. Performances usually start at 7 p.m., and tickets cost about US$14 to $18, with proceeds used to run the school. Campus tours are available during the day. It is about 2 kilometers northwest of the city center and can be reached by tuk-tuk.
Opening hours
Shows usually start at 19:00 (check official website for schedule)
Nearby sights
- Phsar Nat (Central Market)
- Battambang Railway Station
- French Colonial Old Town
- Wat Damrey Sor
- Battambang Museum
- Ta Dumbong Statue
- Well of Shadows Memorial
- Wat Kor Ancient Houses