Phnom Oudong

Day three at Cambodia was a laid-back kind of day. We woke up late and were not in a rush to do anything. Our only itinerary for the day was to take a tuktuk for a short trip to Oudong.

We had lunch first at a Japanese restaurant near Mad Monkey Hostel. To get to the street with lots of food choices, from the hostel, turn left, and then left again at the first street with the convenience store at the bend. Go straight for around 3 blocks. Then to your right, you'll spot a temple, look to your left and you'll see a street full of restaurants. It is parallel to the street of Mad Monkey Hostel. We spent around 3 USD/pax.

After lunch, we headed back to the hostel for the tuktuk that will take us to Oudong. The ride was priced at 10 USD/pax, and took around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic. During our time, there were lots of road constructions going on so that there was much heavier traffic. It was also very dusty, so you better bring a cover, such as a scarf or sarong, for your face. Don't forget, the roads there are literally rough and rocky.

Phnom Udong

Oudong or Udong, is a town located around 40 km north-western of Phnom Penh. It was once an ancient capital which was home to a succession of Khmer kings. It is famous for bearing a mountain stretch which was believed to have a shape similar to the Naga, the magical multi-headed serpent that can be seen guarding Buddha. Atop one of its hills is the Phnom Udong, the largest stupa of Cambodia. 

Stairs to Phnom Udong

At the base of the hill, one can see the royal tombs bearing the remains of 200 years worth of Khmer rulers. The way to the top of the hill comprises of 509 steps. The climb was pretty easy since the steps were not steep. The views were scenic, and there are certain stopovers along the path with benches and tables where I picture people sitting for meditation or even having picnics.

Outside the halls of the Buddhist temple

At the top is the Phnom Penh believed to have a buddha which faces north instead of the traditional direction of east, symbolizing the power and might of the ancient Khmer Kingdom. One can enjoy a full 360 degree view of the flat Cambodia countryside, with Buddhist temples in front and slightly to the left, below.

The Buddhist Temple below Phnom Udong

 After taking in the views, we headed down to explore the Buddhist temples below. It also has a reclining Buddha. We didn't get to see much, so we headed back to the hostel to freshen up for a dinner along the Riverside.

Karma Restaurant and Bar

 We took a tuktuk to take us to the riverside, which is lined by bars and restaurants. We had a sumptuous dinner at Karma Restaurant and Bar along Preah Sisowath Quay. There's a small cluster of shops there which offers happy pizza, if you know what I mean. We spent around 5 USD/pax, but we were all stuffed. We ordered all their house specialty. You should try their Amok, it was heavenly! The curry sauce paired with a spoonful of rice was enough to satiate your hunger.

Khmer Dinner

Following dinner was desserts at the Blue Pumpkin still located along the Quay. It is Cambodia's original French bakery and ice cream parlour. We had some ice cream and chilled at their second floor where you could lounge on their white comfy sofa beds with large pillows.

Chilling at the second floor

But of course, we're in Cambodia, so we bought one order of happy pizza from Happy Herb's Pizza. Happy pizza is supposed to be pizza garnished with cannabis. Yes, cannabis. It is commonly used by Cambodians for cooking as a therapeutic herb. Each order of regular pizza costs around 5 USD.

Happy Herb's Pizza

We then hired a tuktuk to go back to the hostel and retire for the night. A word of precaution: when traveling using tuktuks, be careful with your bags because there are lots of snatchers roaming around the city. Also, the streets aren't very busy and do not always have street lights, so better stick to the roads with many tourists or locals walking around than be adventurous and walk along an alley without a soul in it. Anyways, the locals, the staff of the hostel, and even the tuktuk drivers would usually warn you about the common modus operandi of snatchers and such, so better pay attention to them when they do.


Costs of the day:
- Tuktuk to/fro Oudong: 10 USD/pax
- Dinner: 5 USD/pax
- Pizza: 5 USD
- Mad Monkeys Hostel (2D2N): 17 USD for 4 pax (4.25 USD/pax)
Total: 24.25 USD