Sixteen stupas give Oudong a distinct historical character: they belong to former Theravada Buddhist kings and the royal family from the Oudong period. Thirteen stand on the mountain, and three at its foot. This distribution makes the topography part of the site’s story: the stupas are not clustered in one place but are spread across the mountain and its foot. For an introduction to Kandal through history and architecture, Oudong offers a tangible theme that brings together number, affiliation, and location.

Oudong’s History and Religious Architecture

Oudong was an ancient city of the post-Angkorian period from 1618 to 1863 and the Cambodian capital from 1618 to 1866; it was also home to several kings. The end years, 1863 and 1866, refer to different historical classifications: the period as an ancient city and the period as the capital, respectively. This keeps both time spans visible without merging them into a single date range. Taken together, they trace Oudong’s different historical roles, while the stupas make its connection to the royal family tangible.

Shrines and the remains of Ta San Mosque are located on the smaller hill of Phnom Udong. They add other religious structures to the stupas and offer a different perspective on the site. The Tum Pek Pagoda is also notable for its layout: eight artificial temples and paths lie around the pagoda. Together, these examples offer different architectural points of interest within Kandal—stupas on the mountain and hillside, shrines and mosque remains on the smaller hill, and a pagoda surrounded by temples and paths. Check the current condition of the Tum Pek complex before visiting.

Koh Dach on the Mekong

Koh Dach offers a different perspective on Kandal: the island covers 30 square kilometers and lies on the banks of the Mekong. This puts a specific riverside location and the area of an island in focus. Compared with Oudong, the choice can also be shaped by the theme you prefer: royal history and stupas on one hand, the Mekong riverbank and island landscape on the other. The two places give the destination distinct thematic highlights.

Kandal within the Wider Destination of Cambodia

Within the wider destination of Cambodia, Oudong can be considered alongside other examples of cultural heritage. Angkor extends over about 400 square kilometers and includes numerous temples, waterworks such as basins, dikes, reservoirs, and canals, as well as roads. Sambor Prei Kuk offers a different architectural comparison: the temple zone comprises 186 brick temples with sandstone details. Its unique artistic style combines Hindu, animist, and Buddhist elements and heralded the Khmer style later developed at Angkor. These examples broaden the perspective to include large-scale built environments and a distinct history of style; Oudong remains clearly defined by its 16 stupas, their distribution, and their royal affiliation.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Krong Ta Khmau, Tbeng Mean Chey, Steung Treng Province, Kampong Thom, Phnom Penh, Pailin, Kampong Cham, Ratanakkiri.

For the broader travel overview: Cambodia.