Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestors’ Day

Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestors’ Day, is a deeply spiritual 15-day Cambodian Buddhist festival dedicated to honoring deceased relatives up to seven generations back. During this time, Cambodians believe the gates of hell open, allowing ancestor spirits to visit the living, and families gather at pagodas across Cambodia to make food offerings to monks, who bless and help pass merit to the ancestors.
In 2026, Pchum Ben is observed around October 10–12, with the peak celebration often on the final day of the festival when most pagoda ceremonies happen in early morning (offerings commonly start at dawn).
It is celebrated nationwide in Cambodia—especially at pagodas/temples in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and rural provinces—where devotees wear respectful attire (often white) and arrive early to offer food and incense.
For official information about visiting Cambodia during Pchum Ben or general tourism guidance, you can contact Ministry of Tourism Cambodia in Phnom Penh; check their website at tourism.gov.kh or call the Ministry directly (hours typically Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–5:00 PM) for advice on events and pagoda visits. (Note: specific phone/email for the Pchum Ben festival are not published centrally; local pagodas often post schedules closer to the dates.)