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Bokor Mountain
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Bokor Mountain, also known as Phnom Bokor, is part of the Preah Monivong National Park in southwestern Cambodia, rising to an elevation of 1081 meters. The mountain is renowned for its cool highland climate and mist-shrouded cliffs that offer panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand. In the 1920s, French colonial authorities established a hill station here, complete with a luxury hotel and casino, to escape the intense heat of the lowlands. These historic buildings became famous as ghost towns during the Khmer Rouge era, though some have been restored in recent years. Geologically, the Bokor massif is an extension of the Cardamom Mountains, composed mainly of sandstone plateaus that support unique flora, such as carnivorous pitcher plants. The mountain provides a habitat for diverse wildlife, including gibbons and rare birds dwelling in the montane evergreen forests. Today, Bokor is served by a modern serpentine road and has become a major hub for tourism and real estate development in Kampot Province.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Prek Thnout Rapids · Nataya Beach · ផ្សារត្រពាំងរពៅ
- Nearby: Kampot (19 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
Getting there
Access to this prominent mountain is usually via a remarkably well-paved winding road leading up from the nearby coastal town of Kampot, making the ascent straightforward for most standard vehicles.
Best season
The dry season from November to April has the most reliable weather, though the mountain is known for its cool, refreshing air year-round, which provides a welcome escape from the lowland heat.
Terrain & paths
The summit plateau features a mix of paved access roads connecting various historical ruins and modern developments, surrounded by untamed scrubland and denser patches of montane forest on the slopes.
What to bring
Visitors should bring layered clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes, along with a windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ruins, and sufficient drinking water.
Parking
Ample parking spaces are generally available across the expansive summit plateau, particularly near the most prominent historical structures, newly constructed hotels, and main panoramic viewing points.
Safety
Be cautious when exploring abandoned, decaying colonial structures due to unstable masonry, stay well away from sheer cliff edges, and drive carefully on the winding ascent, particularly in heavy fog.
Time needed
A comprehensive day trip from the nearby coastal towns is typically sufficient to drive up, explore the key historical remnants, enjoy the vast scenic viewpoints, and comfortably return before dusk.
Geography
Facts
- The highest point of the mountain reaches 1081 meters.
- The Bokor Palace Hotel originally opened in 1925.
- The National Park covers an area of 1540 square kilometers.
- The winding road to the summit is approximately 32 km long.
- The plateau is home to rare carnivorous pitcher plants.
- Average temperatures are 5-10 degrees cooler than the lowlands.
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 Mountain (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Bokor Hill Station?
A former French colonial hill station featuring ruins of a casino and a church.
How do you get up the mountain?
Via a well-maintained, winding road starting from Kampot.
Is it often foggy?
Yes, the mountain is famous for sudden fog, giving it a mystical atmosphere.
Are there wild animals?
The national park is home to gibbons, hornbills, and occasionally wild elephants.
Can you still gamble in the casino today?
The old casino is a ruin; however, there is a modern hotel and casino nearby.
Bokor Mountain: where is it located?
Bokor Mountain is located in Cambodia.
Bokor Mountain: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prek Thnout Rapids, Nataya Beach, ផ្សារត្រពាំងរពៅ.
Bokor Mountain: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Bokor Mountain: why is it worth visiting?
Bokor Mountain, also known as Phnom Bokor, is part of the Preah Monivong National Park in southwestern Cambodia, rising to an elevation of 1081 meters.
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