Oudong (also commonly spelled Udong) is a small town in Cambodia and the former capital of the country, built on Oudong Hill.  The current capital, Phnom Penh is about 40 kilometers south.

In 1618, Oudong became the capital after it was moved from nearby Lovek.  Then in 1866, the French persuaded King Norodom to move the capital to its present location in Phnom Penh because it was deemed a safer location from the Siamese.  Since the transfer, Oudong has reverted to a much simpler way of life, mainly composed of small villages, rice farmers and palm wineries.

Some of Oudong’s attractions are its stupas and shrines of past kings on Oudong Hill.  The climb to the top will require a little bit of work, but the view from up there makes the effort worthwhile.  Four Bayon style faces decorate one of the stupas, which contain the remains of King Monivong.  The middle pagoda is decorated with bright tiles and housed King Ang Duong’s ashes.  The third one, with partially damaged elephant carvings contains the remains of King Soriyopor.

The northern side of the hill contains what is perhaps one of Cambodia’s most important shrines.  Sanchak Mony Chedai, which is surrounded by nagas (serpent deities) elephants and lions, is a relatively new structure, which was finished in 2002.  What makes this structure revered is that it is home to three small pieces of Buddha’s bones which were moved from Phnom Penh.  The opening of the structure was met with huge fanfare as tens of thousands of people lines the roads during the procession.  To get here from the ground, one have to climb 509 steps but again the view is magnificent and worth the effort.

There is a large Cham Muslim population at Oudong, which is evident from the Muslim shrines at a nearby ridge.  Not too far from it is a Buddhist shrine with a damaged sandstone image, which was destroyed during the country’s civil war.  All that remains of the Buddha statue is its lap and right torso.  At the base of the ridge there is a memorial that is dedicated to the Khmer Rouge’s victims, containing the bones and remains of people buried in the mass graves which were excavated here in 1982.

Discover the Cambodia countryside as you travel by bicycle from Phnom Penh to Oudong in Exotissimo’s Oudong & Kompong Chhang by Bike – Phnom Penh day trip tour.  The ride passes rural villages, local pagodas, and scenic rice paddies before reaching Oudong Hill.  Climb to the top of the stupa-filled hill for great vistas before your descend and ride on to Kompong Chhnang, a small village known for its traditional pottery.  You can also see our Cambodia tours page and Cambodia day trips page for other interesting trips into this marvelous country or visit the Exotissimo home page for other great Southeast Asian holidays.