PHNOM PENH, September 17, 2024 — The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced that 56 buses will be available to provide free transportation for holidaymakers traveling to the northeastern provinces of Kratie, Stung Treng, Rattanakiri, and Mondulkiri during the upcoming Pchum Ben holiday.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Hun Manet this morning at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of three new buildings at Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh.

In addition to the free transport to the northeast, the Prime Minister confirmed that 497 public buses will be in service for people traveling within Phnom Penh and between the capital and other provinces during the holiday period.

The free bus services will be available from September 30 to October 4, 2024, to help facilitate travel during the Pchum Ben holiday, which takes place from October 1 to 3 this year.

Pchum Ben, also known as the Festival for the Dead, is a significant Cambodian tradition during which people return to their hometowns, visit pagodas, and participate in various entertainment and tourism activities. The Royal Government provides free public transport services annually during the Pchum Ben Festival and Khmer New Year to help ease travel costs for citizens.