lifestyle
Updated 2026-10-22 5 min
In short
- ●The Tini Tinou International Circus Festival takes place in November 2026 and links Siem Reap to Battambang.
- ●It has been announced by Phare Ponleu Selpak and the Cambodia Tourism Board, alongside the new "Angkor to Arts Corridor."
- ●The goal: turn the contemporary arts into a genuine tourist draw and encourage longer stays beyond Angkor.
- ●Exact dates, venues and prices need to be confirmed with the organizers, so follow Phare's official pages before booking.
November 2026
Edition
International artists (to be confirmed)
Participants
Siem Reap and Battambang
Location
To be confirmed
Cost
About the Tini Tinou Circus Festival
Tini Tinou is an international circus festival. This year's edition is built around a new cultural route, the Angkor to Arts Corridor, which links Siem Reap and Battambang.
- Date: November 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed by the organizers)
- Audience: expats, long-stay travelers, families and live-performance fans
- Location: Siem Reap and Battambang, about 170 km apart
- Group size: open to the public, with performances of varying sizes depending on the venue (capacities to be confirmed)
- Cost: prices have not been announced yet, so check with Phare Ponleu Selpak
Phare Ponleu Selpak is the Battambang-based association behind Phare Circus, well known in Siem Reap. It trains young Cambodian artists in circus, music, theater and the visual arts.
A Sample Festival Day
The detailed program has not been published yet. This rough outline follows the usual format of circus festivals. Check the times once the official announcement is out.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Workshops and meet-ups | Introduction to circus arts or conversations with the artists, depending on the venue |
| Midday | Lunch break | Local cafés and restaurants around the performance venues |
| Early afternoon | Daytime shows | Shorter performances, often family-friendly |
| Late afternoon | Activities and exhibitions | Visual arts and demonstrations tied to the cultural corridor |
| Evening | Main show | Contemporary circus performance, featuring Cambodian and guest artists |
How to Join the November Edition
A few simple steps are all it takes to prepare for your visit.
- Step 1: follow the official pages of Phare Ponleu Selpak and the Cambodia Tourism Board to get the program announcement.
- Step 2: note the dates as soon as they're published and block them off in your November calendar.
- Step 3: identify which performances are in Siem Reap and which are in Battambang so you can choose your route.
- Step 4: book your tickets online or through the official box office as soon as it opens, since circus venues often sell out.
- Step 5: if you're heading to Battambang, plan for the roughly 170 km trip (usually 3 to 4 hours by road) and a night there.
- Step 6: confirm your showtime with the organizers the day before, as a festival schedule can change.
- Step 7: arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the start to pick up your tickets and choose your seat.
What to Bring
- Ticket or booking confirmation — on your phone and as a screenshot, in case the network is weak.
- Cash in US dollars and riel — handy for small purchases, tuk-tuks and stalls.
- A light long-sleeved layer — some venues are air-conditioned, and November evenings are cooler.
- A reusable water bottle — to stay hydrated between shows.
- Sunscreen and a hat — for outdoor daytime activities.
- A power bank — to keep your phone charged all day.
- ID or a copy of your passport — useful for traveling between Siem Reap and Battambang.
- Your driver's contact or a ride-hailing app — to get home easily after the evening show.
Similar Events in Siem Reap
Siem Reap has cultural events on all year round. Here are a few ideas to follow up on alongside the festival.
- Phare, The Cambodian Circus — a contemporary circus show staged in the evening in Siem Reap, ideal for getting to know Phare's world before the festival.
- Phare Ponleu Selpak campus in Battambang — an arts school and meeting place, worth a visit during your stop in the city.
- Angkor Photo Festival — a year-end photography event in Siem Reap; check the dates each season.
- Artisan markets and downtown art nights — exhibitions, concerts and workshops run by galleries and cafés, best followed through community groups.
Frequently asked questions
What are the exact dates of the Tini Tinou festival?
The festival is announced for November 2026. The announcement didn't yet give precise dates for each venue. Check Phare Ponleu Selpak's official pages for the final schedule.
What is the Angkor to Arts Corridor?
It's a new cultural route linking Siem Reap and Battambang. It promotes Cambodian contemporary arts as a tourist attraction, and it also invites visitors to extend their stay beyond the Angkor temples.
How much do tickets cost?
Prices weren't specified in the information available. Check the official box office once the program is announced. Booking early generally helps you get the best seats.
Do I need to go to Battambang to enjoy the festival?
The festival links the two cities, so you can catch part of the program in Siem Reap. Battambang, about 170 km away, gives you the chance to discover the Phare Ponleu Selpak campus and the local arts scene. Staying a night there makes the trip more comfortable.
Is the festival suitable for children?
Circus is a family-friendly format, and daytime shows are often suited to children. Age guidance and the running time of each performance should be checked in the official program.
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The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia