October is an interesting month to travel around Cambodia. The country moves through the final part of the green season, while one of Cambodia’s most important religious festivals, Pchum Ben, takes place from October 10 to 12. Phnom Penh also hosts major cultural, sporting and exhibition events later in the month.
If you are planning a trip to Cambodia in October 2026, these are the main events and dates worth knowing about, including festivals in Siem Reap, cultural events in Phnom Penh, public holidays and activities that international travelers can actually experience.
Best Cambodia Events in October 2026
| Date | Event | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 10–12 | Pchum Ben Festival | Nationwide | Religious & Cultural Festival |
| October 15 | Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk | Nationwide | Public Holiday |
| October 15–18 | Cambodia International Gems & Jewelry Fair | Phnom Penh | International Exhibition |
| October 18 | ROAR Challenge | Siem Reap | Sports Event |
| October 22–November 22 | Photo Phnom Penh 2026 | Phnom Penh | Photography & Arts Festival |
| October 25 | AIA Pink Run 2026 | Phnom Penh | Running & Charity Event |
| From around October 27 | Kathen Robe-Offering Season | Pagodas across Cambodia | Religious & Cultural Tradition |
| October 29 | King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day | Nationwide | Public Holiday |
1. Pchum Ben Festival — October 10–12, 2026
Location: Pagodas and communities across Cambodia
Date: October 10–12, 2026
Type: Religious and cultural festival
Pchum Ben is the biggest cultural event in Cambodia during October and one of the most important periods of the Khmer Buddhist calendar. The 15-day religious period culminates in a three-day public holiday from October 10 to 12.
During Pchum Ben, Cambodian families return to their hometowns, visit pagodas, make food offerings and pray for deceased relatives. For visitors, it is an opportunity to see an important part of Cambodian culture away from the usual tourist attractions.
The festival takes place throughout the country, including Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Kampot and other provinces. The experience is particularly interesting if you are willing to visit a local pagoda respectfully rather than simply staying around the main tourist areas.
Travelers should also plan around the holiday. Transport can become significantly busier as people travel home, and some businesses and services may operate on reduced schedules or close during the main festival days.
If you are staying in Siem Reap, this can be a good time to combine the festival atmosphere with visits to Angkor and the city’s temples.
See our guides to Siem Reap, where to stay in Siem Reap and the best hotels in Siem Reap before booking your trip.
2. King Father Commemoration Day — October 15
Location: Nationwide
Date: October 15, 2026
Type: Public holiday
October 15 is the official Commemoration Day of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. The national holiday remembers the former king and his role in Cambodia’s modern history.
For international travelers, this is mainly a date to be aware of when planning transport, government services and visits to places that may have altered opening arrangements.
3. Cambodia International Gems & Jewelry Fair — October 15–18
Location: Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, Phnom Penh
Date: October 15–18, 2026
Type: International trade exhibition
The Cambodia International Gems & Jewelry Fair brings together jewelry companies, gemstone traders, designers and industry professionals in Phnom Penh.
This is primarily a professional event rather than a conventional tourist festival, but it is worth including in a broader October events calendar because international visitors interested in jewelry, gemstones, design and Cambodian craftsmanship may find it relevant.
If you are attending the exhibition or spending several days in the capital, check our guides to Phnom Penh, where to stay in Phnom Penh and the best hotels in Phnom Penh.
4. ROAR Challenge — October 18
Location: Wake Park Cambodia, Siem Reap
Date: October 18, 2026
Type: Sports and obstacle race
The ROAR Challenge is an obstacle-course event bringing together local residents and expats in Siem Reap. The 2026 event is scheduled for October 18 at Wake Park Cambodia.
It is a smaller event than Pchum Ben or the major Phnom Penh festivals, but it adds a different option for active travelers spending time in Siem Reap.
Siem Reap is particularly easy to combine with several days around Angkor. If you are planning a longer stay, see our Siem Reap itinerary and Siem Reap Travel Guide.
5. Photo Phnom Penh 2026 — October 22 to November 22
Location: Phnom Penh
Dates: October 22–November 22, 2026
Type: Photography and contemporary arts festival
Photo Phnom Penh returns for its 17th edition in 2026, running from October 22 through November 22.
The festival focuses on contemporary and historical photography and transforms cultural venues and public spaces across Phnom Penh into exhibition locations. The programme includes exhibitions, public installations, screenings, workshops, lectures and other events.
The 2026 edition is being held in conjunction with the 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia, bringing together Cambodian and international artists and cultural professionals.
For travelers interested in photography, contemporary art and Cambodia beyond the traditional temple circuit, this is one of the strongest cultural events in Phnom Penh during the autumn.
It is also a good reason to spend an extra day or two in the capital rather than treating Phnom Penh only as a transit stop.
6. AIA Pink Run 2026 — October 25
Location: Botum Vattey Pagoda Park, Phnom Penh
Date: October 25, 2026
Type: Running and charity event
The AIA Pink Run 2026 takes place in central Phnom Penh on Sunday, October 25. The event offers 10 km, 5 km and 2.5 km family fun-run categories and supports breast cancer awareness.
The course passes through parts of central Phnom Penh, including areas around Norodom Boulevard, Wat Phnom, the Japanese Bridge and Sisowath Street before finishing near Botum Vattey Pagoda Park.
For travelers who enjoy running, this is an opportunity to participate in a local sporting event rather than simply watch one. International participants can register for the event.
The race starts early in the morning, so staying in central Phnom Penh makes logistics considerably easier. For accommodation planning, see our Phnom Penh accommodation guide and best hotels in Phnom Penh.
7. Kathen Robe-Offering Season — From Around October 27
Location: Pagodas and communities across Cambodia
Dates: Approximately October 27–November 24, 2026
Type: Buddhist and cultural tradition
The Kathen season begins after the end of the Buddhist Vassa period. Unlike Pchum Ben, there is no single nationwide event day: individual pagodas organize their own Kathen processions during the season.
A typical Kathen procession involves people bringing robes and other offerings to a pagoda. Music, food, decorated vehicles and groups of local residents can turn the religious ceremony into a lively community celebration.
For visitors, Kathen can offer a particularly authentic cultural experience because the celebrations take place within local communities rather than being designed specifically for tourists.
The exact dates depend on the individual pagoda, so travelers should check locally if they want to attend a particular procession. Dress modestly, remove shoes where required and behave respectfully inside temple grounds.
8. King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day — October 29
Location: Nationwide
Date: October 29, 2026
Type: Public holiday
October 29 is Cambodia’s annual Coronation Day, commemorating the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni in 2004.
The date is primarily important for travelers as a national holiday. Government offices and some businesses may operate differently, while cultural and ceremonial activity can increase in the capital.
If October 29 falls within your trip, keep some flexibility in your itinerary and check individual attractions and services before traveling.
October in Cambodia: What Travelers Should Know
October is generally part of Cambodia’s transition out of the wet season. Rain can still be frequent, but the landscape is green and the major tourist sites are typically less crowded than during the peak dry-season months.
The biggest practical consideration in October 2026 is Pchum Ben. The three-day holiday from October 10 to 12 is one of the country’s busiest domestic travel periods.
If you are traveling around these dates:
- Book buses, flights and other long-distance transport earlier than usual.
- Expect many Cambodian residents to travel to their home provinces.
- Check opening hours before visiting smaller attractions and businesses.
- Allow additional time for transport during the holiday period.
- Consider booking accommodation in advance, particularly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
For general preparation, see our Cambodia packing list, Cambodia hotel prices guide and Cambodia scams guide.
Where to Stay for Cambodia Events in October
Siem Reap is the best base if your October trip is focused on Pchum Ben, Angkor and local cultural experiences. It also gives you access to smaller events and community celebrations around the temples and surrounding province.
See our guides to where to stay in Siem Reap, the best hotels in Siem Reap and luxury resorts near Angkor Wat.
Phnom Penh is the better choice for travelers interested in Photo Phnom Penh, the AIA Pink Run, exhibitions and the capital’s cultural scene.
If you are staying in Phnom Penh, compare the best areas to stay, the best hotels and Phnom Penh hotel prices before booking.
October 2026 Cambodia Events Calendar: Quick Summary
- October 10–12: Pchum Ben Festival — nationwide
- October 15: King Father Commemoration Day — nationwide
- October 15–18: Cambodia International Gems & Jewelry Fair — Phnom Penh
- October 18: ROAR Challenge — Siem Reap
- October 22–November 22: Photo Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh
- October 25: AIA Pink Run — Phnom Penh
- From around October 27: Kathen season — nationwide
- October 29: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day — nationwide
Sources
- Cambodia public holiday calendar — Labour and Vocational Training / National Bank of Cambodia
- Visit Cambodia — Cambodia events calendar
- Photo Phnom Penh Association — official 2026 festival information
- Cambodia Events — AIA Pink Run 2026
- iLoveSiemReap — Kathen 2026 information