Information
Landmark: Oudong MountainCity: Kandal
Country: Cambodia
Continent: Asia
Oudong Mountain, Kandal, Cambodia, Asia
Overview
Oudong Mountain, or Phnom Oudong, rises about 40 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh in Kandal Province, Cambodia, its slopes dotted with ancient stupas and sacred shrines, moreover from the early 1600s until the mid-1800s, it was Cambodia’s capital, its streets buzzing with markets and the scent of frying fish, before Phnom Penh took over as the permanent seat of power, slightly Today, Oudong draws pilgrims to its hilltop, where golden stupas, quiet temples, and relics of past Khmer kings catch the sunlight, in turn king Srei Soryopor, also known as Barom Reachea IV, founded it in the early 1600s, when the air was thick with incense from bustling temple courtyards.It was Cambodia’s royal capital until 1866, when King Norodom packed up his court and shifted it to Phnom Penh, at the same time it took heavy damage during the Khmer Rouge era, but today many of its buildings stand restored, their stone walls bright in the sun, almost The name “Oudong” comes from the Sanskrit word “Uttunga,” meaning “supreme” or “high,” a nod to its lofty importance, like a spire rising above the plain, to boot many of the stupas hold the ashes of past Khmer kings, along with sacred Buddhist relics-fragments of bone wrapped in faded silk, kind of The Preah Reach Damrei Stupa, or Stupa of the Royal Elephant, is said to hold a sacred relic of the Buddha, kept deep within its cool stone walls, after that wat Oudong is a living monastery, home to saffron-robed monks, where visitors might catch the soft chant of a Buddhist ceremony drifting through the air, sort of The steep staircase-more than 500 steps-climbs to the summit, where you can take in sweeping views of the rolling countryside dotted with small stone farmhouses, in conjunction with at Oudong Mountain’s Preah Srei Santhor Stupa, built by King Ang Duong, you’ll find royal relics resting in the quiet glow of gilded chambers, perhaps Preah Atharos, the Giant Buddha, sits towering and still, gazing out over the land like a silent guardian, simultaneously wat Oudong is a Buddhist monastery, its spires rising above the trees and covered in ornate Khmer carvings.From the summit, you can witness a sweep of green rice fields, quiet villages, and the wide shimmer of the Tonle Sap River, then to get there, head about 40 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh on National Road 5, where the asphalt runs straight past fields shimmering in the heat.Actually, The best time to go is the dry season, from November to April, when the trails stay firm underfoot and hiking feels easy, not only that there’s no set entry fee, though they’re happy to accept a donation-drop a few coins in the tin if you’d like.When visiting the temple, it’s best to wear modest clothing-think covered shoulders and a skirt or pants that fall below the knee, meanwhile climbing Difficulty: It’s a steep 500-step trek, so bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and shield yourself from the sun’s glare.Oudong Mountain blends history, spirituality, and sweeping views, with ancient stupas that whisper Cambodia’s royal past and Buddhist traditions-an easy, rewarding day trip from Phnom Penh.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-15
