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Few are aware that Cambodia once boasted a thriving ancient capital from the 17th to the 19th century. Sadly, Oudong Ancient Capital was forgotten for hundreds of years. Perhaps this is why Oudong Ancient Capital has become a spiritual tourist destination and a beloved ancient relic for many visitors. The temples, weathered by time, blend seamlessly with the untouched natural landscape, creating a unique charm that sparks curiosity and appeals to adventurous souls eager to explore.
An Introduction to Oudong Ancient Capital
Oudong Ancient Capital, also known locally as Udong or Oudong Meanchey, is located in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. It lies approximately 35 kilometers northwest of the capital city, Phnom Penh.
In reality, this ancient capital served as the royal seat of the Chenla Empire (ancient Khmer) for over two centuries, from 1618 to 1866. However, Oudong Ancient Capital gradually faded into obscurity when King Norodom issued a decree to move the capital to Phnom Penh in 1866.
The majestic and timeless beauty of a once-renowned ancient capital (Image source: Collected)
In the Khmer language, the name Oudong Meanchey holds profound significance. The term Oudong means noble, while Meanchey conveys a sense of uniqueness. It can be said that Oudong Ancient Capital is an architectural complex steeped in history, bearing the marks of time and dating back to the 13th century. What makes it even more remarkable is its location atop a high hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding fields and landscapes.
Some Highlights of Oudong Ancient Capital
What makes Oudong Ancient Capital so captivating that it draws countless tourists? Its striking architecture and fascinating legends are the primary reasons behind the unique allure of this historic site.
The Impressive Architecture of Oudong Ancient Capital
Much like the Angkor Wat complex, Oudong boasts numerous remarkable architectural structures, including temples and towers. Each of these structures is intricately carved from massive stone blocks. A standout feature of Oudong Ancient Capital is its towering Gropa spires that reach into the blue sky. The spires are adorned with exquisitely crafted patterns, reminiscent of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya in Thailand.
The captivating architectural style of the ancient capital attracts numerous visitors (Image source: Collected)
In addition, Oudong Ancient Capital is home to numerous religious relics officially recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage. The complex includes the tombs of Khmer kings and religious artifacts that are hundreds of years old.
The Legend of Princess Van Ngoc
For Vietnamese visitors, the legend of Princess Van Ngoc, closely tied to Oudong Ancient Capital, is a must-know tale. According to the legend, Princess Ngoc Van was the beloved daughter of Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen (of Cochinchina). The Vietnamese princess was compelled to leave her homeland to marry King Chey Chettha III. Although her life story is rarely mentioned, Vietnamese historical records acknowledge her silent sacrifices and contributions to the nation.
After becoming the Queen of Chenla, she was granted the title Somdach Prea Paccayo dey Preavoreac. Renowned for her beauty and wisdom, she earned the favor of King Chey Chettha III. However, her life in the opulent palace was marked by bloody power struggles. After more than 50 years abroad, Queen Mother Ngoc Van returned to Vietnam. She chose Ba Ria as her final resting place and established Gia Lao Pagoda on Chua Chan Mountain.
Guide to Traveling to Oudong Ancient Capital
The distance from Phnom Penh to Oudong Ancient Capital is relatively short. Travelers can reach the ancient capital in just 30 minutes to an hour. So, what is the fastest way to get to Oudong Ancient Capital?
Traveling by Tuk Tuk
The sight of tuk-tuks zipping through highways and alleys in Cambodia is familiar to many visitors. It’s no exaggeration to say that tuk-tuks are the most widely used public transport by both tourists and locals. Therefore, finding a route from Phnom Penh to Oudong Ancient Capital is relatively straightforward.
Once in Phnom Penh, travelers can take a tuk-tuk within the city to reach Oudong Ancient Capital. Located about 40 kilometers north of the capital, the journey takes approximately one hour. The biggest advantage of traveling by tuk-tuk is that it is affordable and relatively safe. Additionally, Cambodian drivers are familiar with various routes, so you can rest assured about navigation.
Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation to reach Oudong Ancient Capital (Image source: Collected)
According to Cambodia travel experiences, traveling by tuk-tuk offers many fascinating experiences. You’ll have the chance to admire traditional Cambodian houses, temples, and mosques along the way. The cost of hiring a tuk-tuk from Phnom Penh to Oudong ranges from $30 to $40 (750,000 VND - 1,000,000 VND per trip). However, this is not a fixed price, as the actual cost may be higher.
Experience a Day Tour to Explore Oudong
If you’re traveling to Cambodia independently with family or friends, you can book a 5-hour tour to explore Oudong Ancient Capital. The tour includes a professional driver who will pick you up directly from your hotel in Phnom Penh. The vehicle will then take you to the main attraction – Oudong Ancient Capital. The all-inclusive tour package covers entrance fees, a guide, and even lunch on the return journey.
Top Attractions to Visit in Oudong
Beyond its magnificent architectural structures, Oudong Ancient Capital offers many other captivating attractions waiting to be explored. Below are some of the most famous tourist spots in Oudong.
The Three Iconic Stupas of Oudong
The first stop on the journey to explore the ancient capital is the three stunning stupas.
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The First Stupa: Named Damrei Sam Poan, the first stupa is located in the northwest and was built by King Chey Chetta II (1618 - 26) to honor his predecessor, the founder of the ancient capital. The main stupa sits on a three-tiered elevated platform, offering visitors a panoramic view of Oudong Ancient Capital.
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The Second Stupa: Known as Ang Duong, this stupa is named after King Norodom. The entire structure is adorned with brightly colored bricks. King Norodom commissioned this stupa in 1891 to house his ashes after his passing. Every year on the anniversary of his death, a grand festival is held here, as locals believe the king’s spirit resides in the stupa, protecting and blessing them.
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The Third Stupa: The third stupa, called Muk Proum, is situated in the southeast of the trio. It belongs to King Monivong, who ruled from 1927 to 1941, and features four faces oriented toward the cardinal directions. The word “Mukh” in Khmer means face, reminiscent of the Bayon Temple in the Angkor complex.
Ancient Temples
It’s undeniable that Oudong Ancient Capital is a perfect destination for pilgrims. Along the route to the ancient capital, you’ll frequently encounter temples visited by locals. These temples are often illuminated with candles, flowers, and offerings, adding to the serene and timeless atmosphere of the area.
Travelers can stop by the ancient temples of Oudong Ancient Capital to pay their respects and pray for peace (Image source: Collected)
Oudong Mountain
The foothills of Oudong Mountain were once chosen by royal families as a retreat and resting place. From a distance, you can easily spot the towering stupas perched on the Oudong range. They resemble a mysterious fairy-tale castle, captivating visitors and drawing them in for exploration.
From the mountain peak, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Oudong Ancient Capital (Image source: Collected)
Before conquering the peak of Oudong Mountain, take a moment to visit the memorial for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Then, park your vehicle at the mountain’s base and begin your ascent by climbing approximately 500 steps to reach the summit. Along the way, you’ll be treated to serene views of lush green hills covered with vast tree canopies. You might even spot monkeys darting in and out of sight from a distance.
Arthaross Temple
Visiting Oudong Ancient Capital without exploring Arthaross Temple would be a significant oversight. Few realize that this renowned sacred temple was completely destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era. Fortunately, it has been meticulously restored to its original state. Arthaross Temple is also known as the “Temple of Eighteen Points,” a name derived from its unique architectural design featuring 18 distinct angles.
At Arthaross Temple, visitors can admire a giant Buddha statue that remains partially preserved despite being damaged by the Khmer Rouge. The statue faces north, deviating from the traditional eastward orientation.
The Tourism Potential of Oudong Ancient Capital
Although Oudong Ancient Capital cannot fully restore the relics destroyed in the past, it still holds a unique allure for international visitors. This charm may stem from its timeless, weathered spaces or the moss-covered statues that evoke a sense of history.
Currently, the Cambodian government is making efforts to restore Oudong Ancient Capital using traditional Khmer methods. This involves entirely manual construction, with pulleys as the primary tool to lift necessary materials. It is hoped that in the near future, Oudong will become an essential and captivating destination in Cambodia’s tourism circuit.
Above is all the detailed information about Oudong Ancient Capital. We hope these insights provide you with valuable travel knowledge for your upcoming journey. If you wish to book a Cambodia tour, please contact our hotline 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!
