description Oudong Royal Stupas Overview
Oudong is a historical hill in central Cambodia that served as the royal capital of the country from 1618 until the capital was relocated to Phnom Penh in 1866. Several stupas (chedis) on the hill contain the cremated remains of Cambodian monarchs, including King Ang Duong, and the site remains an active Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The hill and its monuments are located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh in Kampong Speu province.
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What was the historical significance of Oudong in Cambodia?
Oudong served as the royal capital of Cambodia from 1618 until 1866, when King Norodom moved the capital to Phnom Penh. During its time as the capital, it was a thriving center of politics, religion, and trade for the Cambodian kingdom.
What do the Oudong Royal Stupas actually contain?
The hilltop stupas at Oudong function as an active royal necropolis and contain the cremated ashes of several former Cambodian kings. Among the notable monarchs interred there are King Ang Duong and King Sisowath.
Where are the Oudong Royal Stupas located?
The massive stupas are located at the very top of Phnom Oudong, a prominent twin-ridged hill located northwest of Phnom Penh. Visitors must climb a long, steep staircase flanked by nagas to reach the crest and view the monuments.
What major modern event affected the Oudong stupas?
In 2002, the Cambodian government undertook a massive restoration project at Oudong, largely funding the construction of a new stupa to house a relic of the Buddha. The site had also previously suffered damage and looting during the brutal reign of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s.
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