Beyond Phnom Penh
Oudong: the old royal capital
The back story
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Ravivaddhana · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Oudong: the old royal capital
Oudong was Cambodia’s royal capital before Phnom Penh. Today its ridge, Phnom Udong, is crowned with stupas and shrines, reached by long stairways, with views over the rice fields.
Getting there
By car with a driver, north of the city; your hotel can arrange it.
The hill
Stairways climb the ridge to stupas and shrines with views across the plain. Dress respectfully: it is a place of worship.
Oudong lies north of the city: go by car with a driver.
When to go
Early in the morning, before the heat; take water.
Our advice: combine Oudong with a stop at Koh Dach on the way back.
Why it's on our list
- Getting there
- The hill
- When to go
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Oudong: the old royal capital before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Oudong: the old royal capital are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 12 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Wat Phnom34 kmCar or taxi 118 min
- The Central Market34 kmCar or taxi 119 min
- The National Museum35 kmCar or taxi 122 min
- The Royal Palace35 kmCar or taxi 123 min
- The Independence Monument36 kmCar or taxi 125 min
Railway
- Phnom Penh Railway Station34 kmCar or taxi 118 min