Oudong City
City in Kampong Thom with rural charm
Perched on a hill west of Phnom Penh, Oudong draws pilgrims and photographers to its rows of stupas and shaded steps; climbers catch the river plain views, monks chant at dawn and small vendors sell grilled bananas.
Why Visit Oudong?#
Once Cambodia’s royal capital, Oudong attracts visitors for its hilltop stupas, royal necropolis and panoramic countryside views. Clusters of Buddhist monuments atop the mountain draw pilgrims during festivals like Pchum Ben, and shaded paths lead between large Buddha images and memorial stupas. Its historical weight and religious rituals offer a quieter, more contemplative complement to Cambodia’s better-known temple sites.
Best Things to Do in Oudong#
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Oudong Bucket List#
Phnom Oudong (Oudong Mountain) - Hill crowned with royal stupas and panoramic views over the Cambodian plain.
Royal stupas complex - Walk among stone stupas and memorials commemorating Khmer royalty and historic rulers.
Monastic temples - Walk among temples and monks at the base temples, observing daily rituals respectfully.
Oudong morning market - Morning market selling produce, grilled fish, and a variety of Khmer street snacks.
Sunset stupa viewpoint - Climb the final stupa for sunset colors and sweeping views over rice fields.
Local craft stalls - Small stalls near the town square selling handwoven textiles and carved souvenirs.
Phnom Penh - Capital city with Royal Palace, National Museum, and riverside cafés about one hour away.
Tonle Sap floating villages - Boat trips to Tonle Sap reveal stilted villages and seasonal floodplain ecosystems.
Best Time to Visit Oudong#
Oudong is most comfortable during the cool dry months (November-February) when mornings are pleasant for temple visits. The May-October rains bring heat relief but can turn tracks muddy.
November - February
21 - 30°C (70 - 86°F)
Drier, slightly cooler mornings and comfortable touring - best time for climbing Oudong mountain and visiting pagodas with less humidity and clearer light for photos.
March - May
28 - 38°C (82 - 100°F)
Very hot and sweaty before the rains - mornings are best for excursions; rest midday, and expect dusty roads and intense sun.
June - October
24 - 33°C (75 - 91°F)
Heavy afternoon downpours, greener landscapes and cooler afternoons - temples remain accessible but dirt tracks can become muddy; bring waterproofs and insect repellent.
Oudong's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1282 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (213 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (223 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Oudong#
Oudong (Udong) is a short road journey from Phnom Penh and is normally visited as a day trip by car, taxi or organised tour. There is no direct rail service; road transport is the practical option.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): Phnom Penh is the nearest international airport to Oudong (the former royal capital). From Phnom Penh it is a road journey of roughly 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and the exact site accessed; taxis and private drivers are common for the transfer.
Siem Reap / local airfields: These are farther away and require a long onward road transfer to Oudong.
Train: Cambodia’s passenger rail network is limited and does not serve Oudong directly.
Bus / tuk‑tuk / taxi: Regular provincial buses and private taxis run from Phnom Penh to Oudong; tuk‑tuks and motorbike taxis are useful for short local transfers around the hill and temple sites. Journey time from Phnom Penh is typically under 90 minutes by road.
How to Get Around Oudong#
Oudong is easiest reached by car or taxi from Phnom Penh; minibuses and tours are economical alternatives. On arrival, tuk‑tuks and walking cover local movement between temples and viewpoints.
- Taxi / private car (USD 15-40 (one‑way/private hire)) - Taxis or private cars are the most convenient way to reach Oudong from Phnom Penh and are widely used by day‑trippers. A private driver gives flexibility to stop at viewpoints and temples en route.
- Minibus / provincial bus (USD 1-6) - Provincial minibuses run from Phnom Penh to towns near Oudong; these are affordable but less flexible than a private hire. Services can be basic and schedules vary-confirm departure points in Phnom Penh.
- Tuk‑tuk / motorbike taxi (USD 0.50-5 (short trips)) - For short local trips around the Oudong hill and nearby villages tuk‑tuks and motorbike taxis are practical and inexpensive. Use them for last‑mile connections from bus stops or parking areas to temple sites.
- Organised tours (USD 20-60 (day tour)) - Many visitors take organised day tours from Phnom Penh combining transport, a guide and stops at key sites. Tours simplify logistics and include entry and guiding but reduce schedule flexibility.
- Walking - The temple hill and immediate archaeological sites at Oudong are best explored on foot; paths can be steep so wear sensible shoes. Walking between clustered monuments is straightforward.
Where to Stay in Oudong#
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Where to Eat in Oudong#
Oudong’s eateries concentrate on Khmer home cooking: rice, fish amok, soups and grilled dishes. Simple roadside stalls and family restaurants reflect local tastes and ingredients.
Markets and riverside stalls offer grilled fish, noodle soups and tropical fruits. Mealtime around sunset brings lively food activity near temples and the riverbank.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Oudong’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Oudong#
Shopping around Oudong is minimal and focused on small roadside stalls selling snacks, water and modest souvenirs near the main parking and viewing areas. For significant shopping or handicrafts, return to Phnom Penh where markets and shops are far more extensive. Expect few formal shops at the site itself; vendors tend to be seasonal and event-driven.
Nightlife in Oudong#
There is effectively no nightlife in Oudong - the site closes in the evenings and the area is quiet after dark. Most visitors plan trips as daytime excursions from Phnom Penh and return to the city for any evening entertainment. If you’re seeking bars or live music, Phnom Penh is the place to go rather than Oudong.
