Oudong Mountain History and Pagoda Tour from Phnom Penh

The mountain holds the tombs of Cambodian kings, scattered across dozens of stupas you walk past on the ridge.

A seven-hour guided tour from Phnom Penh to Mount Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia, led by Sam Ang, an English-speaking local guide. The day includes stops at a fish port and market on the Tonle Sap River, a traditional silversmith village, and a floating settlement, before heading inland to hike the mountain's wooded ridgeline past ancient temples and the white Preah Shakyamuni Chedi stupa. Lunch at a local Khmer restaurant and time in Chey Odam village market are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Oudong Mountain and Cultural Tour

• Visit fish port and market
• Explore silversmith village
• View floating village
• Visit Wat Arey Kasap temple
• Hike Mount Oudong and visit stupas
• Browse Chey Odam village market
• Enjoy lunch at Oudong

The experience

Seven hours covers the drive north from Phnom Penh along the Tonle Sap River, three stops before the mountain itself, and the hike to the top. You start with the fish port at Russey Keo, where traditional boats unload their catch for the busy market, then move on to Kampong Luong to watch silversmiths at work in the traditional village. A floating settlement sits nearby on the river: entire communities of homes and businesses built on water, a feature of both the Tonle Sap and Mekong. Sam, your guide, travels with you the whole way and speaks English. He knows the stories and the landscape.

The mountain itself is the reason for the day. Oudong was Cambodia's royal capital before Phnom Penh, and it is an important historic site for Cambodians but often missed by tourists. You hike from the village of Chey Odam up a 1.5-kilometer route that climbs the northern end and follows the wooded ridgeline. The remains of numerous kings and other royalty are entombed in the many stupas scattered across the mountain. The route leads to the white Preah Shakyamuni Chedi, a modern stupa completed in 2002 that houses Buddha relics and offers expansive views of the surrounding plains. From there you can choose to continue along the ridge past more ancient stupas, temples and stone carvings to Wat Athaross, a highly sacred temple recently restored after destruction by the Khmer Rouge, or descend the 509 steps directly back to the village.

Lunch happens at the base of the mountain in Chey Odam village at a local outdoor Khmer restaurant with shady huts where you can sit out of the sun. Roast chicken with morning glory is a popular choice, but there is a wide choice of both vegetable and meat dishes. Beer and soft drinks come with the meal. Before heading back to Phnom Penh, you have time to browse the market at the village, which sits busy with day trippers from the city on weekends.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your Phnom Penh hotel.
• transportation by tuk tuk or car.
• water and snacks throughout the day.
• lunch at a local outdoor restaurant with beer and soft drinks.
• English-speaking guide Sam Ang for the entire tour.
• a small souvenir.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 to 89 years) · Child (1 to 15 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kesar Khmer Tours- Cambodia

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Phnom Penh hotel means you do not need a car or a way to reach the starting point. The tour collects you and brings you back, so it works whether you are staying in the city or passing through for a day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 15 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Tonle Sap River fish port like when we stop there?

The fish port at Russey Keo is where local fishermen in traditional boats bring their catch to sell to traders for distribution and direct sales at the busy market. It sits on the Tonle Sap River, which drains the vast freshwater lake of the same name and is an extremely important fishery.

Can I see how the silversmiths work in Kampong Luong?

Yes. In the traditional silversmith village at Kampong Luong, you will see local artisans produce handicrafts from silver and other metals and observe their traditional way of life.

How long is the hike up Mount Oudong?

The route ascends 1.5 kilometers along the northern end of the mountain and follows the wooded ridgeline. If you choose the longer walk option past more ancient stupas and temples to Wat Athaross, it takes more time. If you descend directly, you go down 509 steps back to the village.

What is Preah Shakyamuni Chedi?

Preah Shakyamuni Chedi is a white stupa completed in 2002 that sits at the end of the main ridgeline route on Mount Oudong. It is a modern addition to the site and houses Buddha relics, and from it you have expansive views of the surrounding plains.

Will I receive a Buddhist blessing during the tour?

At Wat Arey Kasap, a contemporary Buddhist temple in the Oudong district, you may if you wish receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from one of the monks during your guided tour of the site.