Oudong, Cambodia

About 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh, the peaceful rural villages, ancient local pagodas, and scenic rice paddies make Oudong a captivating day trip spot easily accessed from the modern capital of Cambodia.
Founded by King Srei Soryapor in 1601, Oudong (also called Udong or Odong) develops a large system of canals, bridges, terraces, and hundreds of pagodas. During the post-Angkorian period (1618-1863 C.E), it served as the royal residence and Cambodia's capital before abandoned by King Norodom in 1866. Also, under the Khmer Rouge in 1977, the town was extensively damaged along with many religious structures.
Nowadays, Oudong is situated in Ponhea Lueu District of Kandal Province and becomes popular to daytrippers with fun biking tours and countryside sightseeing excursions. The main attraction here is the mountain Phnom Oudong with its twin humps that have a monumental royal necropolis and several stupas atop the hills. Tourists can take a climb up the stairs to the top and enjoy the magnificent views over the Cambodian countryside below. Your local guide will explain the history of the area and introduce some sites, such as Vihear Preah Ath Roes, Mak Proum Stupa, Ang Doung Stupa and Damrei Sam Poan Stupa. Besides, visiting farming villages along rural lanes and local houses producing palm sugar is also an interesting experience in the countryside of Oudong.