The Oudong Mountain – Phnom Penh Former Capital Private Day Tour offers an immersive exploration of Cambodia’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the iconic Wat Phnom to the breathtaking views atop Oudong Mountain, this tour promises a captivating experience for those seeking to uncover the country’s fascinating past. But what truly sets this tour apart is the opportunity to witness the serene rituals of nuns at the Sontte Wan Buddhist Meditation Center, providing a unique glimpse into the spiritual practices that have long shaped Cambodian society.

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Key Points

Explore the historical Wat Phnom temple and learn about its significance to the founding of Phnom Penh.
Witness the craftsmanship of local artisans at the Koh Chen Silversmithing Village.
Climb 500 steps to the top of Oudong Mountain for panoramic views of the former royal capital.
Visit the largest Buddhist center in Cambodia, predominantly occupied by nuns.
Discover unique souvenirs and experience local community life at the market at the base of Oudong Mountain.

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Overview of the Tour

The Oudong Mountain – Phnom Penh Former Capital Private Day Tour is a 1-day excursion that takes visitors on a journey to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Oudong Mountain.

The tour is priced from $50 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, guided visits to Wat Phnom, a silversmithing village, Oudong Mountain, and a Buddhist meditation center.

Includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, guided visits to Wat Phnom, a silversmithing village, Oudong Mountain, and a Buddhist meditation center.

Tuk-tuks provide transportation, and an English-speaking guide accompanies the private group.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the 500-step climb up Oudong Mountain.

Highlights of the Itinerary

This private tour showcases a diverse range of historic and cultural attractions.

Visitors first explore Wat Phnom, learning about its connections to Oudong Mountain. They then venture to Koh Chen Silversmithing Village, observing the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans.

The highlight is climbing 500 steps up Oudong Mountain, offering panoramic vistas and a grand white marble temple housing the ashes of a former king.

Lastly, guests visit the largest Buddhist center in Cambodia, predominantly occupied by nuns, before wandering through a local market at the mountain’s base.

Wat Phnom Temple and Lady Penh Statue

Visitors begin the tour at Wat Phnom, one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks. This hilltop temple holds historical significance, as it is connected to the founding of the city. Guests will learn about this link to Oudong Mountain, the former royal capital. The tour also includes photo opportunities at the Lady Penh Statue, which depicts the legendary Grandmother Penh who discovered the four Buddha statues that inspired the temple’s construction.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Duration | 1 hour |

| Highlights | Historical connection to Oudong, Lady Penh Statue |

| Access | Included in the tour package |

The visit to Wat Phnom sets the stage for the exploration of Oudong Mountain, providing historical context for the day’s journey.

Koh Chen Silversmithing Village

After exploring the historical significance of Wat Phnom, the tour moves on to Koh Chen Silversmithing Village.

Here, visitors can witness the craftsmanship of local artisans as they skillfully work with silver, copper, and brass. The tour provides an opportunity to browse and purchase these unique, handcrafted local artifacts.

Visitors can witness the craftsmanship of local artisans as they skillfully work with silver, copper, and brass, and browse unique, handcrafted local artifacts.

Spending an hour immersed in the village’s rich artistic heritage offers a fascinating cultural experience beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Koh Chen provides a glimpse into Cambodia’s enduring silversmithing traditions and the ability of the local community to preserve their time-honored craft.

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Climbing Oudong Mountain

After climbing the 500 steps to the top of Oudong Mountain, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The grand white marble Wat at the summit houses the ashes of King Norodom Sihanouk, the former King of Cambodia. Travelers can explore the various stupas and take scenic photographs.

The climb offers an opportunity to learn about the historical significance of Oudong Mountain, which served as the capital of Cambodia from the 17th to 19th centuries.

This segment of the tour provides a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices.

Sontte Wan Buddhist Meditation Center

The tour moves to the Sontte Wan Buddhist Meditation Center, the largest Buddhist center in Cambodia that’s predominantly occupied by nuns.

The group spends around 30 minutes exploring this sacred space.

Some highlights include:

Witnessing the daily meditation and prayer rituals of the nuns.
Observing the ornate architectural details and vibrant Buddhist imagery within the temple.
Gaining insights into the center’s role in preserving Cambodian Buddhist traditions and providing a sanctuary for spiritual practice.

Local Market Exploration

What awaits the group next is a wander through a lively local market at the base of Oudong Mountain.

Stalls brim with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and household goods. Vendors beckon visitors to browse their wares, offering friendly banter.

The sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling marketplace provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the local community.

Travelers can meander at their own pace, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps finding unique souvenirs to take home.

This market visit rounds out the day’s exploration of Oudong’s rich cultural heritage.

Transportation and Logistics

Visitors reach Oudong Mountain after an approximately 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Phnom Penh.

Visitors reach Oudong Mountain after an approximately 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Phnom Penh.

The tour uses tuk-tuks to navigate the countryside and villages. This mode of transportation allows for an immersive experience and ample photo opportunities along the way.

The tour also includes:

Pickup from hotels or accommodations in Phnom Penh.
Provided drinking water throughout the day.
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of total driving time, plus additional travel for the various stops on the itinerary.

The transportation is well-coordinated, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey for the private group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While customers are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks, the tour provider recommends relying on the drinking water supplied. This helps avoid any inconveniences or disruptions during the scheduled activities and transportation.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children. It involves climbing 500 steps up Oudong Mountain, which could be challenging for young children. The tour operator recommends the tour for adults and older children who can handle the physical activity.

Do I Need to Bring Any Additional Equipment for Oudong Mountain?

To climb Oudong Mountain, it’s recommended to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes and a water bottle. While umbrellas are available, dressing for the weather conditions is advised. The tour provider supplies drinking water throughout the day.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional sites. Guests can customize the itinerary with the tour operator based on their interests and available time. Additional sites may incur extra costs.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Car Instead of a Tuk-Tuk?

Yes, there’s an option to book a private car instead of a tuk-tuk for the tour. The private car can provide more comfort and privacy during the countryside and village drives.

The Sum Up

This private day tour offers an immersive experience exploring Cambodia’s rich history and culture. Visitors will discover iconic sites, witness local craftsmanship, and climb Oudong Mountain for breathtaking views. The tour also includes a visit to a serene Buddhist meditation center, providing insights into the country’s vibrant spiritual practices. With convenient transportation and an engaging itinerary, this tour is an excellent way to explore Cambodia’s captivating heritage.