National ParkKampot

Bokor National Park

Rising dramatically above the Cambodian coast, Bokor National Park is one of the country's most atmospheric destinations. The mist-shrouded plateau at 1,080 meters features an eerie abandoned French hill station, the spectacular Popokvil Waterfall, and panoramic views stretching from the Gulf of Thailand to the Cardamom Mountains. Once a colonial retreat built in the 1920s, the mountain became a strategic military position during Cambodia's turbulent history. Today it offers some of the most accessible highland hiking in the country.

1,581 km²0–1,080mEst. 1993$5 for foreigners, free for Cambodians

Highlights

✦Abandoned Bokor Hill Station — haunting 1920s colonial ruins
✦Popokvil Waterfall — twin cascade surrounded by jungle
✦Five Boats Viewpoint — dramatic cliffside panorama
✦Lok Yeay Mao shrine — sacred Black Lady statue
✦Cool temperatures — 10–15°C cooler than lowlands
✦Thansur Bokor Highland Resort — luxury on the mountaintop

Trails & Routes

Easy30 min1 km

Popokvil Falls Trail

Short walk from the road to the impressive twin waterfall. Steps can be slippery in wet season.

Easy1–2 hours3 km

Old Hill Station Loop

Walk among the abandoned colonial buildings, church, casino, and royal residence.

Moderate3–4 hours8 km

Summit Ridge Trail

Follow the ridgeline through cloud forest with views of the coast and interior highlands.

Wildlife

Species you may encounter in Bokor National Park:

Asian elephantMalayan sun bearPileated gibbonSlow lorisAsian black bearLeopard catHornbillsVarious butterfly species

Best Time to Visit

Best months: November, December, January, February, March

Getting There

Nearest city: Kampot

From Kampot, the paved road to the summit takes about 45 minutes by car or motorbike. Tuk-tuks can also make the journey. The 32 km road winds through thick jungle with steep switchbacks.

Where to Stay

Thansur Bokor Highland Resort$80–200/night

The only accommodation on the plateau, offering modern rooms with spectacular mountain views.

Kampot town guesthouses$8–30/night

Most visitors stay in nearby Kampot and do a day trip up the mountain.

Safety Warnings

Roads can be foggy — drive carefully, especially in wet season

Bring warm layers — temperatures drop significantly at the summit

Some ruins have unstable structures — don't enter collapsed buildings

Limited phone signal on parts of the mountain

Nearby Attractions

Kampot Kep National Park Kampot Pepper Farms

FAQ

How long does it take to visit Bokor National Park?

A half-day trip (4–5 hours) covers the main highlights including Popokvil Falls, the old hill station, and viewpoints. A full day allows for more hiking and exploration.

Can I ride a motorbike to the top of Bokor?

Is Bokor National Park worth visiting?

What is the entry fee for Bokor National Park?

Explore Other Parks

Kirirom National Park Virachey National Park Ream National Park Botum Sakor National Park Phnom Kulen National Park Kep National Park Cardamom Mountains Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve

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