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Bokor Hill Station
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Landmark
Bokor Hill Station is a former French colonial settlement atop Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province, Cambodia. Established in the 1920s as a retreat for French officials to escape the lowland heat, its most prominent building is the old Bokor Palace Hotel, which long held a reputation as a ghost house before its recent renovation. The settlement also includes a Catholic church that still stands despite decades of neglect and bullet holes from wartime. Due to the often misty weather and abandoned structures, the site possesses a mysterious and melancholic atmosphere. In recent years, the area has undergone massive development, including a new large casino and modern hotel complexes. Nevertheless, the historical ruins remain important witnesses to the colonial past and Cambodia's turbulent history during the Khmer Rouge era, who used the mountain as a base. Situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, the location also features sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Concrete 'Mushroom' · Bokor Viewpoint · Old Colonial Catholic Church
- Nearby: Kampot (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 27 | 24 | 72 | 134 | 248 | 380 | 444 | 373 | 426 | 253 | 125 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Bokor Hill Station is an abandoned French hill station that is free to explore. Most buildings are ruins and can be entered at your own risk.
Typical hours
The site is accessible around the clock, but due to fog risk and poor road, a daytime visit is advised. There is no lighting or security personnel.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, and the abandoned buildings offer great subjects. Watch out for treacherous floors and open shafts while shooting in the ruins.
Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours to explore the entire complex. The drive up and the vastness of the site take more time than expected.
Combine with
Combine the hill station with a visit to nearby Preah Monivong National Park and the town of Kampot. The caves of Kampot are also worth a detour.
Getting there
Access is via a winding, steep road from Kampot, taking about one hour. A motorcycle or 4x4 is recommended; taxis can be booked locally.
Insider tip
Bring a flashlight to explore the dark interiors of the abandoned hotels. The fog can roll in suddenly - warm clothing is advisable even in a tropical climate.
Geography
Facts
- Construction began in 1921 and took just nine months using forced labor.
- The Bokor Palace Hotel officially opened on Valentine's Day in 1925.
- The mountain is located within the Preah Monivong (Bokor) National Park.
- The settlement was abandoned twice: in 1940 and again in 1972.
- The Catholic church was built in 1928 and remains largely intact.
- The highest point of the plateau sits at approximately 1,080 meters altitude.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bokor Hill Station (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Bokor Hill Station?
It is a former French hill station from the 1920s, known as a 'ghost town'.
What is the climate like up there?
It is significantly cooler than the lowlands and often foggy, creating a mystical atmosphere.
What are the main attractions?
The old casino (now renovated), an abandoned Catholic church, and the Popokvil waterfall.
How do you get there?
The station is about 40 km from Kampot and accessible via a well-maintained mountain road.
Can you stay overnight there?
Yes, there are now large, modern hotels on the high plateau.
Bokor Hill Station: where is it located?
Bokor Hill Station is located in Cambodia.
Bokor Hill Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Concrete 'Mushroom', Bokor Viewpoint, Old Colonial Catholic Church.
Bokor Hill Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Bokor Hill Station: why is it worth visiting?
Bokor Hill Station is a former French colonial settlement atop Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province, Cambodia.
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