Phnom Baset & Udong Private Day Trip

At the indicated time, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Phnom Penh and set off to the hilltop temple complex of Phnom Baset, located 18 miles (30 km) northeast of the Cambodian capital. During the journey by air-conditioned bus, we'll make a stop in a village with a large Muslim community of Cham people.

After learning all about Cham traditions and culture, we'll continue on our way to Phnom Baset. Atop a hill surrounded by rolling green plains and rice paddies, the historic Buddhist buildings are breathtakingly beautiful. You'll be left speechless at the sight of the 8th-century Pre-Angkorian temple and the Phnom Baset pagoda, where we'll find the famous reclining Buddha.

From Phnom Baset hill, we'll continue in the direction of Udong, or Oudong, a former capital of Cambodia whose name means "Victorious". First on our agenda at the World Heritage Site will be taking a break with a typical picnic lunch. With renewed energy, we'll then begin the afternoon by visiting the town's many different temples.

Udong is home to three large stupas, where the ashes of three of the country's great kings have been preserved. Admire the incredible detail in which these stupas are decorated while the guide reveals interesting facts about their history. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Vihara of the 18 Cubit Buddha, an enormous Buddha statue that, despite being almost completely destroyed by the wars that plagued the region, is still one of the monumental highlights of the ancient town.

Finally, we'll make our way back to Phnom Penh, stopping in Kompong Luong along the way to learn all about the locals' traditional handicrafts and admire the unique objects made here.