🛕 Oudong
ឧដុង្គ
Also known as: Udong, Former Royal Capital
Province
Kandal
Era
Post-Angkorian
Difficulty
🟡 Moderate
Crowds
👥 Moderate
Key Facts
Built: 17th–19th century
Built by: Various Cambodian kings
Religion: Buddhist
Entry Fee: Free
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Cambodia's former royal capital (1618–1866) with hilltop royal stupas, Buddhist pagodas, and a massive seated Buddha — an important pilgrimage site.
Oudong served as the capital of Cambodia for over 200 years, from 1618 until King Norodom moved the capital to Phnom Penh in 1866. Today, the twin hills of Phnom Udong are crowned with royal stupas containing the ashes of Cambodian kings, active Buddhist monasteries, and a massive modern seated Buddha (Vipassana Dhura) that can be seen from kilometers away. The climb up the stairs passes through a memorial site for victims of the Khmer Rouge (who destroyed several of the original stupas) and is rewarded with panoramic views over the Cambodian plain. Oudong remains an important pilgrimage destination for Cambodian Buddhists, particularly during festivals, and offers visitors a meaningful window into post-Angkorian Cambodian royal history.
Highlights
- ✦ Former royal capital (1618–1866)
- ✦ Royal stupas with ashes of kings
- ✦ Massive modern seated Buddha
- ✦ Khmer Rouge memorial site
- ✦ Panoramic views of Cambodian plain
- ✦ Active Buddhist pilgrimage site
- ✦ Easy day trip from Phnom Penh
Best Time to Visit
Morning for cooler climb; festivals for cultural atmosphere
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Located 40 km north of Phnom Penh — about 1 hour by car
- 💡 The climb involves several hundred steps — bring water
- 💡 Respectful dress required — active monastery and memorial
- 💡 Combine with a silk-weaving village visit (Koh Dach) on the way back
Nearby Temples
11.8167°N, 104.7333°E
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