On The Road: Oudong Mountain

We had a plan, i.e., leave early for our 2-hour drive from Phnom Penh to Oudong. And we all know that sleep, candy crush, and other distractions trumps plans. Generally, getting on the road at 10AM was a bad idea. Judging from Google Maps we were to catch the sun at its highest point by the time we get to Oudong Mountain, but we were on a mission to get out, drive, and see some stupas.



Phnom Oudong was the old capital of Cambodia from 1618 to 1866 before the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. It is now the resting place of Buddha's bones possessed by Cambodia.

The first stupa, Chetdei Mouk Pruhm, is where the remains of King Monivong lie. He died in 1941. The middle stupa, with four bayon faces, is Trai Traing, built by King Norodom for his father, King Ang Duong, in 1891. The last stupa is called Damrei Sam Poan and was built in the 17th century for King Soriyopor.

Beggars along the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain.

The Stupa that was built atop Oudong Mountain that is said to house the bones of Buddha.

 

A breathtaking view of Cambodia from atop Oudong Mountain.

There are two roads that lead to the foot of Oudong Mountain, we took the back road where the stupas of the the three kings were located just before you head up to the top. It was less crowded, and has less beggars and monkeys. If you decide to take the main road, it has more restaurants where you can dine and rest, but beware of the monkeys, their known to snatch up sunglasses, cameras, and mobile phones. Also, in the park just along the main road you will also see a mini glass stupa that holds the bones of Khmer Rouge victims.