Background

Le Bokor Palace: A Century of History Atop Bokor Mountain

Experience the grandeur of a bygone era at Le Bokor Palace, a historic hotel offering luxury and breathtaking views atop Bokor Mountain in Kampot, Cambodia.

4.1

Perched high on Bokor Mountain in Kampot, Cambodia, Le Bokor Palace is a historic hotel that has been revived to its former glory. Originally built in the 1920s as a luxurious retreat for French colonial settlers, it offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Cambodia's past.

A brief summary to Le Bokor Palace Hotel

Local tips

  • The weather on Bokor Mountain can be significantly cooler than in Kampot, so bring warm clothes, especially if visiting in the evening.
  • Explore the other historical sites on Bokor Mountain, such as the Old Catholic Church and King Sihanouk's Black Palace.
  • Consider visiting during the rainy season to witness the numerous waterfalls along the road leading up to Bokor Mountain.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Kampot, head towards Sihanoukville on Route 3 for approximately 8 kilometers. Look for the large sign marking the entrance to Bokor National Park on the right. The Le Bokor Palace is located at the top of Bokor Mountain, about 32 kilometers from the park entrance. The drive up the mountain takes around 45 minutes on a well-paved road with numerous curves. There is no fee to enter the park. Gas is available at the top of Bokor Mountain, though it may be more expensive.

  • Motorcycle

    Rent a motorcycle in Kampot for $4-$5 per day. Follow Route 3 towards Sihanoukville for 8 kilometers until you see the Bokor National Park entrance on the right. The ride to Le Bokor Palace at the summit is 32 kilometers and takes approximately 40 minutes. Gas costs about $1 per hour of drive time. Helmets are required. Be cautious of the many curves and potential fog, especially during the rainy season.

  • Tuk-Tuk

    Hire a tuk-tuk for a day trip to Bokor Mountain from Kampot. Negotiate the price beforehand, typically ranging from $20 to $50 for the day. The tuk-tuk will take you along Route 3 towards Sihanoukville, then up the winding road to Le Bokor Palace. The journey takes about an hour each way. Ensure the tuk-tuk has a roof, as the weather on the mountain can be unpredictable.

Unlock the Best of Le Bokor Palace Hotel

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Le Bokor Palace Hotel

Le Bokor Palace, a majestic structure atop Bokor Mountain, stands as a testament to Cambodia's rich and turbulent history. Constructed in the early 1920s and inaugurated on Valentine's Day 1925, the hotel was initially conceived as a luxurious escape for French colonial elites seeking respite from the heat and humidity of Phnom Penh. The hotel quickly gained prominence, hosting royalty and the wealthy, offering stunning views of what was then known as the Opal Coast. The palace's elegance was interrupted by the First Indochina War in 1946, leading to its abandonment and subsequent use as a military hospital. The Khmer Issarak, also known as “The Black Dragon”, ravaged the palace, leaving it in disrepair. In the early 1960s, King Norodom Sihanouk revived the hotel, adding a casino and restoring its former grandeur, making it a popular destination for affluent Cambodians. However, this revival was short-lived, as the rise of the Khmer Rouge in 1975 led to its abandonment once more, with the mountain becoming one of their last strongholds. For years, the abandoned palace stood as a haunting reminder of Cambodia's past, even serving as a filming location for the movie 'City of Ghosts'. In 2018, Le Bokor Palace was reborn after extensive renovations by the Sokimex Investment Group, preserving its original colonial features while incorporating modern amenities. Today, the hotel features 36 luxurious rooms and suites, two restaurants serving French and Khmer cuisine, and offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the remains of the colonial settlement, including a post office, church, and King Sihanouk's residence, all while enjoying the cool climate and picturesque landscape of Bokor Mountain.

Popular Experiences near Le Bokor Palace Hotel

Popular Hotels near Le Bokor Palace Hotel

Select Currency