Pchum Ben is the most important religious festival of the year for many Cambodians. For fifteen days, families take food to the pagoda to honour their ancestors, and on the final days much of the country goes home to its home province. If you are in Cambodia in late September or October, it shapes everything from bus tickets to which shops are open.
Pchum Ben falls on the last day of the Khmer month of Photrobot, so it moves every year. The 2026 public holiday dates come from the official list. See every holy day and holiday on our Khmer lunar calendar.
What is Pchum Ben?
Pchum means to gather and ben means a ball of food. During the festival, Cambodians honour relatives who have died, traditionally going back seven generations. Many believe that during this period the spirits of the dead return, and that offerings made through the monks can ease the suffering of those who need merit.
The festival lasts fifteen days. The first fourteen are the days of Kan Ben, when families take turns bringing food to their local pagoda. The fifteenth and last day is Pchum Ben itself, when families gather together. In 2026 Kan Ben began on 27 September, and the main day is 11 October.
What happens at the pagoda
Before dawnFamilies arrive in the dark, often around 4am, carrying balls of rice called bay ben. They walk around the sanctuary and leave the rice for spirits who cannot enter the temple.
Offerings to monksLater in the morning, families bring dishes, fruit and cakes to the monks, who eat before noon. Offering to the monks is how merit is passed on to the dead.
ChantingMonks chant through the night before the main days, and pagodas are busy and lit up.
Visiting several pagodasMany families visit more than one pagoda during the fifteen days. Some aim for seven.
What visitors will notice
Travel
Roads and buses fill up
Hundreds of thousands of people travel home to the provinces just before the main days. Buses sell out and roads out of Phnom Penh are slow.
Cities
Phnom Penh goes quiet
During the holiday the capital empties. Many local shops, markets and offices close, although hotels and many tourist restaurants stay open.
Pagodas
Temples are busy
Pagodas are full, especially early in the morning. This is a religious occasion, not a show, so keep a respectful distance.
How to join respectfully
- Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. White or dark colours are a good choice.
- If you want to watch the dawn ceremony, go with a Cambodian friend or ask your guesthouse about a local pagoda.
- Stay at the edges, keep your voice low and do not step over or pick up offerings.
- Ask before photographing people, and never use flash during prayers.
- If you are invited to take part, follow your host’s lead. Read our temple etiquette guide first.
A scenario worth knowing about
You plan to take a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on 9 October and try to buy a ticket the day before. Every seat is gone, because much of the city is heading home at the same time. The fix is simple: book long-distance transport well in advance, travel a few days before or after the holiday, or plan to stay put and enjoy a quieter city.
Planning a trip around Pchum Ben
Book buses, taxis and domestic flights early for the days just before and after the holiday. After the main day, many Cambodian families take short trips, so popular places such as Siem Reap, Kampot, Kep and the coast can be busier than usual. If you need a bank, government office or visa service, finish your business before 10 October. See our transport booking guide for how to book ahead.
Frequently asked questions
When is Pchum Ben in 2026?
The public holiday runs from 10 to 12 October 2026. The main day is 11 October, and the fifteen days of Kan Ben began on 27 September.
Is Pchum Ben a public holiday?
Yes. It is a three-day national public holiday, so banks and government offices close.
Can tourists visit pagodas during Pchum Ben?
Yes, respectfully. Dress modestly, stay in the background and do not interrupt prayers or offerings.
Are shops and restaurants open?
Many local businesses close, especially in Phnom Penh, but hotels and many restaurants in tourist areas stay open. Carry some cash in case smaller places are shut.
Sources: 2026 holiday dates from the National Bank of Cambodia holiday list; meaning, rituals and travel impact from CambodgeMag and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office; lunar dates from our Khmer lunar calendar. Last checked 30 September 2026.