Facts
- Elevation: 1,081 m (3,547 ft)
- Prominence: 949 m
- Peak category:
Spesial - Region:
Cambodia - Coordinates: 10.6181, 104.0303
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Phnom Bokor is the central summit of Preah Monivong National Park in Cambodia’s Kampot Province. It’s one of Cambodia’s most accessible mountains due to the road leading up to Bokor Hill Station, constructed in the French colonial era (1920s) for French soldiers to enjoy the less oppressive temperatures compared to at sea level. Sadly, the Chinese are building new ‘mega infrastructure’ up there, something which is well-known to be having a severely detrimental impact on this part of Cambodia. It’s probably best to go as soon as you can to enjoy the colonial ruins, jungle trails, waterfalls and panoramic views.
Key attractions include the abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel, Catholic church, Wat Sampov Pram temple and the Lok Yeay Mao statue. A casino was opened in 1962 but a decade later the hill station had been abandoned. It was one of the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge well into the 1990s.
The highest point appears to be near Domnak Preah Bath Monivong (retreat of King Monivong).
An early morning visit is best if you want to maximise your chances of great views.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: A well-paved sealed mountain road leads up from Kampot (35 km, approx 1 .5hr) to the hill station plateau but motorbike, tuk‑tuk, minivan or taxi options are available from Kampot or Sihanoukville.
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- Permits: No formal park entrance fee appears consistently enforced but some sources mention small tickets (US $1–2) for specific attractions or meditation zones. Rangers are present near the plateau.
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- Water sources: There are several known waterfalls and streams such as Popokvil Waterfall (approx 4 km from the summit plateau), best flowing in wet season—these are usable for refreshment but carry purification risk in the dry season. Drinks and snacks are available up there but some say they are overpriced.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Phnom Penh)
Location
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Origins and Meaning
Unknown.