Pchum Ben Draws Over Two Million Travellers Across Cambodia

Cambodia’s Pchum Ben holiday saw a surge in domestic travel this week, with more than 2.14 million people journeying across the country to mark one of its most sacred festivals. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the three-day celebration, held from 21–23 September, drew 24,443 foreign visitors and packed popular destinations such as Siem Reap, Battambang, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Cham and Kampong Chhnang.

Pchum Ben, known as Ancestor’s Day, is Cambodia’s second-largest national celebration after the April lunar New Year. Rooted in Buddhist tradition, the festival sees families gather at pagodas to honour deceased relatives by offering food, drinks, incense and donations to monks.

Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the event as vital for preserving Cambodia’s cultural heritage and passing it on to younger generations.

The holiday also brought a noticeable uptick in road traffic, particularly along the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport reported 62,291 vehicles over the three-day period — a 6.5% increase compared to last year. Despite the rise in traffic, only five accidents were recorded, suggesting improved safety measures and road discipline.

Daily vehicle counts showed a steady climb: 20,116 on 21 September (up 15.37%), 18,366 on the 22nd (up 2%), and 23,809 on the 23rd (up 3.3%). Ministry spokesperson Phon Rim noted that the expressway’s performance during the holiday was encouraging, with smoother flow and fewer incidents than in 2024.

The figures reflect both the enduring cultural significance of Pchum Ben and Cambodia’s growing domestic mobility. As the country continues to invest in infrastructure and tourism, festivals like this offer a snapshot of national unity, spiritual reflection and economic activity in motion.

-2025-09-26