Oudong Mountain History and Pagoda Tour

The Tonle Sap River, draining the vast freshwater lake of the same name, is an extremely important fishery. Driving north from Phnom Penh we stop at the fish port. Here, local fishermen in traditional boats, bring their catch to sell to traders for distribution and for direct sales at the busy fish market.

After a further drive north beside the Tonle Sap River we arrive at Kampong Luong to visit the traditional silversmith village. Here you will see local artisans produce handicrafts from silver and other metals, and observe their traditional way of life.

A little north we arrive at a point where we can view an extensive floating village. These villages are a feature of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, the largest of which are entire communities of businesses and services as well as floating homes.

Formerly the royal capital of Cambodia, this is an important historic and cultural site. Our time here begins with a visit to Wat Arey Kasap, which is a contemporary Buddhist temple that displays many of the traditional architectural and sculptural themes. During your guided tour of the site, you may if you wish, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from one of the monks.

e, and its ascent offers visitors expansive views of the surrounding plains. This is an important historic site, much visited by Cambodians, but often missed by tourists. The remains of numerous kings and other royalty are entombed in the many stupas here. The mountain is elongated and runs SE to NW and is ascended on foot up many steps. Our 1.5km route ascends the northern end and follows the wooded ridgeline to reach the stunning white stupa called Preah Shakyamuni Chedi which, completed in 2002, is a modern addition to the site and houses Buddha relics. From here you can choose to continue along the ridgeline for a longer walk or descend the 509 steps directly back to the village. The longer walk option hikes past more ancient stupas, temples, statues and associated stone carvings, to the historic Wat Athaross temple, a highly sacred site recently restored following destruction by the Khmer Rouge.

place much visited by day tripping Cambodians from Phnom Penh. Here we take time to browse in the market before heading for lunch.

With many weekend visitors from the city, Oudong is well supplied with Khmer restaurants that offer traditional food served in shady huts where you can relax and escape the sun. Roast chicken with morning glory is a popular choice, but there is a wide choice of both vegetable and meat dishes.