Pchum Ben is a vibrant 15-day Buddhist festival that marks the end of Buddhist Lent. During this time, it is believed that the souls of the deceased are released from their spiritual confinement. Families make offerings at pagodas to guide these souls through purgatory, and the festival brings together relatives from across Cambodia to partake in this meaningful tradition. The festival is celebrated across Cambodia, with activities centred around local pagodas and temples. The community spirit extends to various provinces, where families come together to participate in the traditions and ceremonies.

Can my guests participate in the festival?

Absolutely! We’ve crafted the NEW Pchum Ben Experience to invite your explorers in this celebration! This half-day tour will immerse them in this festival, offering a deep dive into traditional Cambodian customs, including food offerings to monks, interactions with local families, and insights into spiritual practices.

The tour begins with a detailed introduction from the guide, who will explain the cultural and religious significance of Pchum Ben and how locals prepare for it. Guests will then visit a local pagoda to observe and participate in traditional food preparations. They can use the food, drinks, and other offering items provided by our team or, for a more immersive experience, join a local family to observe and assist in the traditional preparation of offerings.

During this time, they will also have the chance to interact with many local families who will gather at the pagoda. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Cambodian customs and daily life up close. Your guests’ guide will facilitate meaningful conversations, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the festival’s traditions, the preparation of offerings, and their religious significance — allowing them to engage in the celebration as if one is a local.

The highlight of the tour is the monks’ lunch offering ceremony. Here, your travellers will experience this sacred ritual firsthand, witnessing monks chant blessings and learning about the significance of the offerings. The guide will provide explanations of their cultural and spiritual importance. The tour concludes with a guided walk around the pagoda grounds, offering insights into its architecture and history.

For more information about our latest product, feel free to reach out to our sales team at sales@kh.dth.travel. We look forward to assisting you!

Our office operations

October 1 to 3 are public holidays in Cambodia, but our office remains open with limited staff during this period. We will be available for any urgent needs, and our concierge service: 

French Speaking: +855 (0) 78 888 035 

German Speaking: +855 (0) 12 908 833 

English Speaking: +855 (0) 12 575 799 

Our office will resume its normal operations on Friday, October 4.

e-Arrival card launch moved to September 2024

The Cambodia e-Arrival system took effect this September, ahead of its original January 1, 2025 launch. As previously advised, this new system is designed to make the entry process at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville International Airports smoother — by allowing guests to pre-fill essential information online, including immigration, customs, and health declarations. The form is conveniently available via the Cambodia e-Arrival App, both on App Store and Google Play Store. If your guests forget to fill out the form in advance, tablets will be available at arrival terminals.

Please note that the e-Arrival card is required only for international airport arrivals. For land crossings, traditional paper forms are still in use. 

Also this month, your travellers can pay visa-on-arrival fees electronically through the Cambodia e-Arrival portal, eliminating the need for cash payments upon arrival. This feature will eventually extend to visa applications at Cambodian embassies and consulates abroad.

Please inform your guests accordingly. For any questions or if you need further assistance, we’re here to help.

The latest on high speed trains

We know you’ve been eagerly anticipating the launch of the new high speed trains. Unfortunately, the release dates, ticket prices, and schedules have been delayed due to necessary technical adjustments to ensure peak performance. While we don’t have an updated timeline yet, we will keep you posted as soon as more details become available.

The latest on airlines

On a positive note, Vietnam Airlines is set to introduce direct flights between Hanoi and Phnom Penh starting October 27, 2024. Operating four times a week — on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday — this new route will enhance connectivity alongside existing services from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, Hanoi to Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. This latest service is expected to boost tourism and trade, drawing travellers from Japan, South Korea, and Europe.

The latest on destinations

The Battambang-Siem Reap ferry service along the Sangke River has reopened, allowing tourists to embark on picturesque boat rides while enjoying the charm of floating villages, observing local fishermen at work, and spotting rare bird species. Boats set off daily at 7:30 AM during the high water season, which runs from December to February. The journey typically lasts six to seven hours, with the possibility of extended operations if water levels remain favourable beyond February.

In other news, exciting changes are happening at Angkor Wat. To enhance the visitor experience, the opening hours of several temples in Siem Reap have been extended. Angkor Wat will now be open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, an extension from its previous 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM hours. Temples like Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Krom will now welcome visitors from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, up from their previous hours of 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Other temples will be open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, instead of 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. These changes aim to provide a more enjoyable experience, especially during sunrise and sunset, and may adjust seasonally for the visitor's safety.

Moreover, starting this month, Cambodia will simplify the process for obtaining one-day Angkor Wat tickets by eliminating the need for photo and nationality identification, age, and gender details for international tourists. This step forward is designed to make ticketing easier and more convenient for all visitors.

Meanwhile, we regret to inform you that the Boutique Kampot Hotel will close at the end of September due to financial difficulties. All bookings at this property will be cancelled. If your reservation is affected, our team will be in touch to assist you in finding alternative accommodations.

We’re excited to offer your guests an unforgettable summer escape at The Royal Sands Koh Rong — Cambodia’s ultimate beachfront retreat! Enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on villa stays from May 1st to October 31st, 2025. Simply book by November 30th, 2024, to secure this special rate. The discount applies to villa rates and extra person charges (meal plans not included).

Make the most of your guests' stay with additional savings: 10% off for stays of 7-13 nights or 15% off for stays of 14 nights or more. Honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries can also enjoy special perks. Reservations are required and subject to availability.

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