Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Sites on Bokor Mountain, Kampot
Nestled high above the coastal plains near Kampot Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is located 1h30 h from Kep. It is a destination of unparalleled natural beauty, fascinating history, and breathtaking vistas. This expansive protected area offers a full day of exploration for every type of traveler.
If you're looking for the best things to do when you are in Kep, an escape into nature, or a glimpse into Cambodia's intriguing past, then a trip to Bokor Park should be at the top of your list!
Why Bokor National Park is a Must-Visit
Bokor isn't just a mountain; it's an ecosystem, a historical museum, and a sanctuary of serenity all rolled into one. The journey itself, winding up the well-maintained road, is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of the jungle before you even reach the main attractions.
1. The Iconic Bokor Hill Station: A Glimpse into the Past
Perhaps the most famous draw of the park are the eerie, atmospheric ruins of the Bokor Hill Station. Built by French colonists in the early 20th century as a luxury retreat, these abandoned structures tell a compelling story of grandeur, desertion, and revival.
Le Bokor Palace Hotel & Casino: The grand centerpiece. Once a lavish hotel, it stood empty for decades, a ghostly reminder of its past. While parts have been renovated, the original facade and surrounding areas retain their historical charm. It's a surreal experience to stand where royalty and colonial elites once sought leisure.
The Old Catholic Church: A haunting, moss-covered stone church, perched dramatically on a cliff edge. Its stark architecture against the often misty or cloudy backdrop makes for incredibly evocative photographs.
King Sihanouk's Black Palace (Veal Srey): This former royal residence, built for King Sihanouk in 1936, offers simpler yet equally intriguing architecture and a peek into royal history.
2. Breathtaking Natural Viewpoints & Popokvil Waterfall
Beyond the man-made marvels, Bokor Park is a haven for natural beauty.
Panoramic Viewpoints: Numerous pull-offs along the ascent and at the plateau offer stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, the distant coastline, and the dense Cambodian jungle. On clear days, you can see all the way to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. When the mist rolls in, it transforms into an ethereal cloud forest – a truly unique experience.
Popokvil Waterfall: The park's most famous waterfall. Its name means "Hiding Clouds," and it’s a beautiful multi-tiered cascade, particularly impressive during the rainy season (roughly June to October). It's a perfect spot for a refreshing break and to connect with nature's raw power.
3. Spiritual Serenity: Wat Sampov Pram & Lok Yeay Mao Monument
Bokor Mountain also holds significant spiritual importance for Cambodians.
Wat Sampov Pram (Five Boats Pagoda): This active Buddhist pagoda is spectacularly located on a cliff edge, offering some of the most expansive and iconic views across the ocean, framed by five distinctive rock formations said to resemble boats. It's a peaceful spot for reflection and photography.
Lok Yeay Mao Monument: A towering statue dedicated to Lok Yeay Mao, a revered female deity and protector of travelers in Cambodian folklore. It's a common stop for locals to pay respects before continuing their journey.
4. Preserving the Park: A Note on Modern Development
The Bokor Mountain experience today presents a striking contrast. While the park’s main appeal lies in its pristine natural beauty and the haunting history of the Bokor Hill Station, recent years have seen extensive, modern construction.
It is important for visitors to be aware of the large-scale developments, such as the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort and surrounding new buildings. For many, these projects—driven by rapid growth and investment—unfortunately overshadow the wilderness and the historical atmosphere that originally defined Bokor.
If your goal is to experience the park’s authentic, wild charm and colonial ruins, you may find these modern, concrete additions visually disruptive and a stark reminder of development encroaching upon nature. We encourage visitors to focus their exploration on the timeless sites: the majestic Popokvil Waterfall, the panoramic Kampot View Points, the serene Wat Sampov Pram, and the historically rich Old Catholic Church. These areas remain the soul of Preah Monivong Bokor National Park.