Sacred Half-Day Monk Blessing at Oudong from Phnom Penh

Discover Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital, on a private half-day escape from Phnom Penh. Climb to panoramic hilltop views over the sugar palms and receive an authentic blessing ceremony from local monks. Rise early and set off from Phnom Penh for Oudong, the royal capital where Cambodian kings were crowned between 1618 and 1866. Climb the ridge linking the two humps of Phnom Oudong, walking past shrines and stupas dedicated to great Khmer rulers including King Monivong and King Ang Duong. Panoramic views over the countryside reward you at the summit, reached either by gravel road or by steps. The highlight is a personal blessing ceremony. Monks chant while sprinkling water and flowers, a traditional Khmer ritual believed to cleanse misfortune and bring good luck, before tying a sacred string around your wrist to be worn until it falls away on its own. A Khmer set lunch at a local restaurant lets the morning settle before your return to Phnom Penh.