Udong City, Udong Capital, Phnom Penh

Udong City, an ancient capital hiding charm in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

When talking about the Cambodian capital, many people think ofPhnom Penhthe beautiful riverside city with a rich history. But for me, mr.hotsia, there is another city I want to recommend for travelers who want to experience authentic Cambodia. That isUdong City (Udong)or what locals call Nakhon Udong

Udong was once the capital of Cambodia before it changed to Phnom Penh today, during approximately 1618 to 1866 AD, coinciding with the reign of King Rama IV of Thailand. It is considered an important historical city as it was the residence of many kings, including King Norodom, the father of later kings, who laid the foundation for the Cambodian kingdom at that time.

Route from Phnom Penh to Udong City

Although I have traveled to Phnom Penh many times, this was my first time intentionally exploring Udong deeply. Traveling from Phnom Penh city to Udong is not difficult but not as easy as touring the city itself because you have to go off the main route about 30 kilometers and drive several more kilometers on the highway before arriving. The most convenient option is to rent a car from Phnom Penh for a round trip in one day.

For those interested in public transport, you need to plan carefully because there is no direct bus to Udong. But if you want to try other routes before returning, I recommend readingPhnom Penh Bus Stationwhere I have detailed my experience buying tickets and transferring buses in Cambodia.

Atmosphere and Attractions in Udong City

Udong is not as lively as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap but has a peaceful charm of an old city still remaining. I climbed to the pagoda on the hilltop, which is a stunning viewpoint because you can see the Cambodian countryside stretching far and wide. The green sugar palm trees spread throughout the area, creating a shady atmosphere and a sense of Cambodia’s natural land.

On the hilltop, there are several pagodas built since ancient times. Despite the passage of time, they still retain the beauty and sacredness of traditional Khmer art, perfect for those who enjoy quietly exploring history and culture without crowds.

Lifestyle and Food in Phnom Penh and Udong City

After descending from Udong, I returned to Phnom Penh to experience the capital’s lifestyle again. It is full of fresh markets, street food stalls, and people living simply. Khmer food here is very similar to Thai food. I never had difficulty finding food, whether affordable rice with curry or authentic Khmer dishes with unique characteristics such as sticky rice replacement with regular rice and grilled catfish dishes popular in several provinces.

If you are interested in seeing how to make roasted duck or local Cambodian dishes, I recommend the clipEating Khmer Roasted Duck in Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)that I recorded, which shows real life in markets and local eateries. There are also clips of ducks at the morning fresh market and the fish wholesale market showing the variety of fresh seafood in Phnom Penh.

Impressions and Future Plans of mr.hotsia

Although Udong is not a main tourist destination for everyone, for me it is a small corner full of memories and stories of Cambodian history. If I have time and opportunity, I will not miss returning to explore it more deeply to gather details and share experiences so everyone can know this city better.

For those planning to travel to Cambodia, don’t forget to check outBuses from Phnom Penh to Takeo Provinceor if traveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh like me, you can see details inTraveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penhto prepare before the actual trip.

Finally, visiting Udong and Phnom Penh is like opening doors to two distinct sides of Cambodia: the ancient and the modern blending perfectly. Those who enjoy traveling like mr.hotsia and love real stories should not miss it.