From Phnom Penh: Oudong Stupas & Silver Smith Village

Nestled just outside the bustling capital of Phnom Penh, the Oudong Stupas and Silver Smith Village offer a captivating glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. This 5-hour tour transports visitors to the UNESCO-listed Oudong, where they’ll explore the region’s impressive religious monuments and the iconic 18-Cubit Buddha statue. But the journey doesn’t end there, as the tour also includes a stop at the artisan village of Kompong Luong, where travelers can witness the time-honored techniques of traditional silver smithing and peruse an array of meticulously crafted jewelry. With an expert guide leading the way, this immersive cultural experience promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on it.

Good To Know

• Tour to Oudong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visits to historic stupas and a traditional silver smithing village, approximately 40 km from Phnom Penh.
• Includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and refreshments, providing an immersive cultural experience and insights into Cambodia’s enduring heritage.
• Highlights the 18-Cubit Buddha statue, a symbol of resilience, and explores the legacy of Oudong’s former kings through the three main stupas.
• Provides an opportunity to observe the intricate silver smithing process and interact with local artisans in the village of Kompong Luong.
• Overall tour duration of 5 hours, with a small group size, catering to visitors seeking a personalized and enriching exploration of Oudong’s historical and cultural significance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Oudong Stupas & Silver Smith Village," takes visitors on a 5-hour exploration of Oudong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia.

Priced from $135.00 to $122.85 per person, the tour offers a small group experience, limited to 8 participants. Highlights include visiting various temples, stupas, and the Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha, symbolizing resilience.

On the return trip, the tour stops at the silver smith village of Kompong Luong. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour includes a professional, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, refreshments, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Historical Significance

Oudong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a rich history that has endured through times of war and conflict.

The city features a towering, 30-foot, 18-Cubit Buddha statue, partially destroyed by war, symbolizing the resilience of the Cambodian people. Oudong is also home to three main stupas, which contain the remains of the city’s former kings.

Unfortunately, Oudong suffered greatly from bombings by American forces and the destruction of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Despite these challenges, the city remains a testament to Cambodia’s enduring cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s captivating past.

• 30-foot, 18-Cubit Buddha statue, partially destroyed by war
• Three main stupas containing the remains of Oudong’s kings
• City suffered bombings and destruction during wartime

Tour Highlights

This small group tour offers visitors a chance to explore Oudong’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The tour highlights include visiting various temples, stupas, and the Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha. Guests will marvel at the 30-foot, 18-Cubit Buddha statue, a symbol of resilience despite war and destruction.

The tour also includes a stop at the silver smith village of Kompong Luong, where travelers can observe the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans.

While lunch at a local restaurant isn’t included, the tour provides refreshments like coconut juice, soft drinks, and beer.

With a small group size and an experienced, knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an immersive cultural experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour package includes a fully vaccinated English-speaking guide and driver, air-conditioned vehicle transportation, complimentary refreshments like cool towels, drinking water, coconut juice, soft drinks, and beer.

Entrance fees and sightseeing are also covered. However, meals not mentioned in the program and additional personal expenses are excluded.

The tour focuses on the key highlights, providing an immersive experience, but leaves room for independent exploration and dining options.

The inclusions offer a well-rounded tour, while the exclusions allow flexibility for travelers to customize their experience based on their preferences and budget.

• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Drinks or beer not mentioned in the program
• Other personal expenses

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Customer Feedback

A review of the tour’s customer feedback presents a mixed picture.

While the tour guide received high praise, with a 5/5 rating, the overall value for money was rated only 2.5/5 by customers. Some reviewers noted the poor condition of certain areas visited, suggesting a lower-cost option for independent travel may be preferable.

However, the transportation and the guide’s knowledge were positively highlighted.

The tour maintains an overall rating of 3.8/5 based on 8 reviews, indicating a generally satisfactory experience, though with room for improvement in certain areas to better meet customer expectations and provide greater value.

Getting to Oudong

Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, lies approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh. Getting there’s convenient for visitors staying in the capital city. The tour operator typically offers hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless transportation experience.

Travelers have a few options to reach Oudong:

• Private car or minivan transfer, which is the most comfortable and efficient way to get there.
• Book a day trip that includes roundtrip transportation from Phnom Penh.
• Self-drive, though navigating the roads may be more challenging for some visitors.

Regardless of the transportation method, the journey to Oudong provides a glimpse into the Cambodian countryside and allows visitors to explore the historical and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exploring the Stupas

The tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the historic Oudong Stupas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds immense cultural and religious significance.

Towering over the landscape, the three main stupas contain the remains of Oudong’s former kings, offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s royal past.

Visitors can explore the Vihara, or temple, that houses the partially destroyed 30-foot, 18-Cubit Buddha statue, a poignant symbol of resilience in the face of the region’s tumultuous history.

As they wander through the serene grounds, travelers gain a deeper understanding of Oudong’s enduring spiritual and architectural legacy, which has weathered wars and upheaval over the centuries.

Silver Smithing Village

After visiting the historic Oudong Stupas, the tour continues on to the captivating silver smithing village of Kompong Luong.

This traditional enclave showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of local artisans who’ve honed their skills over generations. Visitors can observe the intricate process of silver smithing, from melting the raw metal to shaping and embellishing the final products.

The village offers a unique opportunity to:

• Browse a diverse collection of handcrafted silver jewelry and trinkets
• Interact with the skilled artisans and learn about their techniques
• Purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs to commemorate the cultural experience

This addition to the tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Cambodia’s rich heritage and artisanal traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Tour Sites Independently?

Yes, visitors can explore the Oudong Stupas and Silver Smith Village independently. The tour sites are publicly accessible, though a guide may provide more context and facilitate visits to specific landmarks. Travelers can opt for a self-guided experience to save on costs.

Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?

The tour includes several additional costs that are not covered in the base price. These include meals not mentioned in the program, as well as any drinks or beer beyond what’s provided.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, according to the details provided. Travelers should allocate this amount of time to fully experience the highlights of visiting the Oudong Stupas and the Silver Smith Village on this excursion.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but visitors are expected to wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees when visiting the religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour operator generally offers a pre-designed itinerary, but there may be some flexibility to customize the tour to suit the traveler’s interests. Guests should inquire about any customization options when booking the tour.

Sum Up

The Oudong Stupas & Silver Smith Village tour offers a captivating glimpse into Cambodia’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the historic Oudong site, marvel at the impressive stupas, and witness the age-old art of silver smithing. This immersive cultural experience promises a memorable adventure, allowing travelers to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s enduring traditions. With a knowledgeable guide, the tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the country’s fascinating past.

You can check if your dates are available here: