Udong

Udong mountain in the distance

Welcome to Udong, a small town in Cambodia that is steeped in history and culture. Located just outside of Phnom Penh, Udong offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the country's rich heritage.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer, Udong has something to offer. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at this hidden gem and provide you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Udong.

Basic Facts about Udong

Farmers in Kampong Speu

Udong, also known as Oudong, is located in the Kampong Speu province of Cambodia, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh. Its history can date back to the 17th century. Today, it covers an area of approximately 60 square kilometers and has a population of around 20,000 people.

The climate in Udong, like much of Cambodia’s climate, is tropical and generally hot and humid throughout the year. The Kampong Speu province, where Udong locates, is mostly rural, with agriculture being the primary industry. The province is known for its production of rice, palm sugar, and fruits such as mangoes and durian.

History of Udong

Udong temple in Kampong Speu

As Cambodian-American singer and songwriter Jhene Aiko puts it, "Udong is a town with a rich and fascinating history that speaks to the resilience and strength of the Khmer people."

According to historical records, the first capital of Cambodia was located at Roluos, near present-day Siem Reap. The capital was then moved to Angkor, where it remained for several centuries. In the early 17th century, King Srei Soryapor moved the capital to Longvek, which was located on the banks of the Tonle Sap River.

However, Longvek was repeatedly attacked by the neighboring kingdom of Siam, so the capital was moved again to Udong in 1618. During the next two centuries, Udong was the center of Cambodian culture and politics. Nowadays, Udong is an important site for those interested in Cambodian history and culture, as well as for those interested in experiencing rural life and traditional agriculture in Cambodia.

Cultural Significance

Offerings of food at a part of the Pchum Ben festival

Udong has played a significant role in shaping Cambodia's cultural heritage.

In terms of architecture, Udong is home to many important temples, stupas, and other structures that reflect the unique architecture and design of Khmer culture. The stupa of King Monivong, built in 1929, is an impressive example of Khmer architecture and design, which represents the country’s rich culture and historical heritage. It reminds us of Cambodia’s most famous temple complex, Angkor Wat, known for bas-reliefs, outstanding architecture and its water management system.

In terms of festivals, Udong is also home to several important festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the Pchum Ben festival, which is a time for Cambodians to honor their ancestors and offer food and prayers at local temples.

How to Tour Udong

Visitor at Udong town

To make the most of your time in Udong, we recommend spending at least a few days in the town. There are plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels to choose from, such as the charming Bou Savy Guesthouse or the rustic Nature Lodge.

When it comes to dining, be sure to check out the local street vendors for a taste of traditional Khmer cuisine. We recommend Kru Lanh Restaurant. This is a popular restaurant in Udong, serving traditional Khmer dishes such as amok, lok lak, and bai sach chrouk. The restaurant is located in the center of town, near the market.

There are several tourist attractions around Udong. The main attraction in Udong is the hill of Phnom Udong. Visitors can climb the hill to explore these sites, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also visit the Buddhist Monastery of Vipassana Dhura,. The monastery was founded in the early 20th century and is renowned for its peaceful setting and beautiful grounds.

Suggested Route in Udong

Day 1:

1) Start the day by visiting the Stupa of King Monivong and the Temple of the Three Prangs on Phnom Udong, as mentioned in the previous example route.

2) After visiting these sites, head to the Royal Palace and spend some time exploring the ruins and learning about Cambodia's royal history.

3) In the afternoon, visit the Buddhist Monastery of Vipassana Dhura and take a meditation course or explore the beautiful grounds.

Day 2:

1) Begin the day by visiting a traditional Cambodian village near Udong, where you can learn about rural life and traditional agricultural practices.

2) After your visit to the village, head back to Udong and explore the local market, where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts.

3) In the afternoon, take a walk or bicycle ride through the countryside surrounding Udong, enjoying the scenery and observing rural life.

Day 3:

1) Start the day by taking a tuk-tuk or motorbike ride to the nearby Phnom Oudong Mountain, which is about 10 kilometers from Udong. Here you can explore a temple and enjoy panoramic views of the countryside.

2) After your visit to Phnom Oudong, return to Udong and spend some time at a local pagoda or temple, such as the Preah Vihear Temple or the Wat Tani Pagoda.

3) In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner at one of the local restaurants in Udong, such as Seng Oudong Restaurant or Le Tonle Restaurant.

How to Get to Udong

Bus ride in Cambodia

If you are in Cambodia, there are a few ways you can get to Udong.

1) By car: You can hire a car or take a taxi from Phnom Penh, which is about 40 kilometers south of Udong. The journey takes about one hour, depending on traffic.

2) By motorbike or bicycle: If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a motorbike or bicycle in Phnom Penh and make the journey to Udong on your own. Be aware that the roads can be busy and sometimes poorly maintained.

3) By bus: Several bus companies operate services between Phnom Penh and Udong. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and the buses usually depart from the Phnom Penh central bus station.

4) By tuk-tuk: You can also hire a tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh for the journey to Udong. This option can be more expensive than the bus, but offers more flexibility and the chance to stop at other sites along the way.

I recommend checking with your hotel or guesthouse for advice on the best way to travel to Udong, as they may be able to help arrange transport for you.

Recommended itineraries in Cambodia:
6 Days Essence of Cambodia Tour

15 Days Exploration Tour of Cambodia

Visiting Tips

Insect repellent prepared

Here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting Udong:

1) Dress modestly: As with most religious and cultural sites in Cambodia, it's important to dress modestly when visiting Udong. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes when entering temples.

2) Bring sunscreen and insect repellent: Udong can be quite hot and humid, especially during the summer months, so make sure to bring sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.

3) Bring plenty of water: It's important to stay hydrated when exploring Udong, so bring plenty of water with you. You can also find bottled water for sale at local markets and convenience stores.

4) Respect local customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.

5) Try the local cuisine: Udong is known for its delicious local cuisine, so be sure to try some of the local dishes while you're there. Look for small restaurants or street vendors selling Khmer specialties like amok and lok lak.

6) Learn some basic Khmer phrases: Learning a few basic Khmer phrases can go a long way in making connections with locals and showing respect for their culture. Try learning some greetings, such as "sous-dey" (hello) and "aw-koon" (thank you).

In the End

As American actress and activist Angelina Jolie once said, "Udong is a town that reminds us of the beauty and resilience of the Khmer people, and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage for future generations."

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Udong for an unforgettable travel experience. If you get any confusions or questions, please feel free to contact us to tailor your Cambodia tour!