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Bokor Hill Station: A Colonial Ghost Town in the Clouds

Explore a French colonial ghost town amidst breathtaking views in Bokor National Park, Cambodia. A unique blend of history and nature.

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Perched atop Bokor Mountain in Preah Monivong National Park, Bokor Hill Station is a haunting reminder of Cambodia's colonial past. Built by the French in the 1920s as a retreat from the heat, it now stands as a collection of abandoned buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era amidst stunning natural scenery.

A brief summary to Bokor Hill Station

  • J2CG+XPW, Phumi Pôpôk Vil, KH

Local tips

  • Dress in layers, as temperatures on Bokor Mountain can be cooler than in the lowlands.
  • Visit during the dry season (November to March) for the best weather and clear views.
  • Exercise caution on the winding roads leading to the summit.
  • Be aware of the monkeys along the road; avoid feeding them.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Kampot, the most direct way to reach Bokor Hill Station is by taxi or ride-share. Negotiate the fare beforehand, with a typical cost ranging from $15 to $18 for the one-way trip. The journey takes approximately one hour, ascending the winding road to the summit. The taxi will drop you off directly at the main attractions within Bokor Hill Station.

  • Motorbike

    Adventurous travelers can rent a motorbike in Kampot for an affordable and flexible way to reach Bokor Hill Station. Rental rates typically range from $5 to $10 per day, excluding gasoline. The ride to the summit takes about one hour, following the well-maintained road. An entrance fee of approximately $0.50 (2000 Riel) is charged for motorbikes entering Bokor National Park. Ensure you wear a helmet and have a valid license.

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Discover more about Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station, located within the Preah Monivong National Park in Kampot Province, is a unique destination that blends history, mystery, and natural beauty. Constructed by the French colonial administration in the early 20th century, the hill station served as a cool escape from the Cambodian lowlands. The area's consistently pleasant temperatures, ranging between 15-25°C (59-77°F), made it an ideal location for a mountain retreat. The centerpiece of the resort was the grand Bokor Palace Hotel, inaugurated in 1925. It was complemented by villas, a post office, and a Catholic church. The resort was abandoned by the French in the late 1940s during the First Indochina War. In 1962, a casino was established in the new hotels near the lake. The Bokor mountain was abandoned again in 1972, as Khmer Rouge took over the area. During the Vietnamese invasion in 1979, Khmer Rouge entrenched themselves and held on tightly for months. In the early 1990s Bokor Hill was still one of the last strongholds of Khmer Rouge. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the Old Catholic Church, Le Bokor Palace (now a hotel and casino), Damnak Sla Khmao (the Black Palace), and the Popokvil Waterfalls. The Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, also known as the Bokor Palace Casino & Resort, is perhaps the most iconic colonial building at Bokor Hill Station. The Church of Bokor Hill Station, also known as the Black Palace or the Old Catholic Church, is another prominent colonial-era building at the hill station. The best time to visit Bokor Hill Station is during the dry season, from November to March.

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