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Bokor Hill Station: A Colonial Ghost Town in the Clouds

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Explore Bokor Hill Station: a historic French colonial resort with stunning views, colonial architecture, and natural beauty in Bokor National Park.

Perched atop Bokor Mountain in Preah Monivong National Park, Bokor Hill Station is a collection of French colonial buildings dating back to the 1920s. Once a luxurious retreat for French colonists seeking respite from the Cambodian heat, it now stands as a haunting reminder of a bygone era, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Bokor Hill Station

  • J2CG+XPW, Phumi Pôpôk Vil, KH

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather and clear views.
  • Bring warm clothing, as temperatures at the higher altitude can be cooler.
  • Rent a motorbike in Kampot for a scenic and flexible way to explore the area.
  • Be aware that the waterfalls are most impressive during the rainy season (May to October).
  • Consider a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Kampot, head west on National Route 3. The turnoff to Bokor National Park is located approximately 8 km from Kampot. Follow the road for about 32km uphill to reach Bokor Hill Station. The drive takes approximately one hour. There is an entrance fee to the national park of 10,000 riel (approximately $2.50 USD) per car.

  • Motorbike

    Rent a motorbike in Kampot and follow the same route as for cars. The ride takes about one hour from Kampot. Be sure to fill up the gas tank before leaving Kampot. There is an entrance fee to the national park of 2,000 riel (approximately $0.50 USD) per motorbike.

  • Public Transport

    Direct buses are available from Phnom Penh to Bokor Mountain. The bus trip takes approximately 4 hours and costs around $12 USD. Buses to Thansur Bokor Highland Resort also leave from the Kampot bus stand in the morning and evening.

Discover more about Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station, located 37 km west of Kampot in southern Cambodia, was established in the early 1920s as a mountain resort for French colonial residents. The hill station provided a cool escape from the heat of Phnom Penh. The centerpiece of the resort was the grand Bokor Palace Hotel, which opened in 1925, along with villas, a post office, and a Catholic church. The resort was abandoned by the French in the 1940s during the First Indochina War. It was resettled in 1962, with new hotels and casinos added. However, it was abandoned again in 1972 when the Khmer Rouge took over the area. The Khmer Rouge held the area until the Vietnamese invasion in 1979. In the early 1990s, it was still one of the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge. Today, Bokor Hill Station is being redeveloped. The Bokor Palace Hotel has been renovated into a 6-star hotel and casino. Visitors can explore the colonial-era architecture, including the Bokor Palace Hotel and the Old Catholic Church. Other attractions include the Damnak Sla Khmao (Black Palace), a former residence of King Sihanouk, and the Popokvil Waterfalls. The surrounding Bokor National Park offers hiking trails and scenic views.

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