Cambodians Depart Phnom Penh for Pchum Ben Festival

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.20,2025) — Thousands of Cambodians began leaving the capital Saturday to return to their hometowns for the Pchum Ben Festival, taking advantage of free city bus services provided by the government.

The annual religious holiday, one of the most significant in Cambodia, brings families together to honor their ancestors. As in previous years, the government’s transportation initiative is helping ease travel for many, particularly factory workers and low-income residents.

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng said the number of passengers using city buses during major holidays such as Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben has steadily increased.

“Year after year, we are seeing more and more people, including factory workers, using city buses to reunite with their families during national holidays,” Sreng said. “This reflects growing trust in the Royal Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, and confidence in the safety and reliability of public transportation.”

In 2024, the Phnom Penh Capital Administration reported that nearly 80,000 people used the free bus service during the holiday period, saving an estimated $1.2 million in travel costs.

The program is part of a broader effort to promote accessibility, public welfare and road safety during high-traffic periods. It also supports national goals to reduce congestion and improve transportation equity during peak travel times.

Officials expect more citizens to travel in the coming days as the Pchum Ben Festival continues, with public transportation services remaining in high demand.