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Bokor Hill Station: A Misty Mountain Escape

Explore Bokor Hill Station: a historic French retreat with stunning views, abandoned colonial buildings, and natural beauty in Cambodia's Bokor National Park.

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Bokor Hill Station, a former French colonial retreat in Cambodia's Preah Monivong National Park, offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Explore its abandoned buildings, including a church and hotel, and enjoy panoramic views. It's a unique destination with a rich, turbulent past.

A brief summary to Bokor Hill Station

  • J2CG+XPW, Phumi Pôpôk Vil, KH

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (December to April) for clear skies and unobstructed views.
  • Bring warm clothing as the temperature on Bokor Mountain can be cooler than the lowlands.
  • Hire a local guide for insights into the history and significance of the hill station.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Kampot, head west on National Route 3. Turn onto the road leading to Bokor National Park, approximately 8 kilometers from Kampot. The drive up the mountain takes about an hour. Be prepared for winding roads and cooler temperatures. There is an entrance fee of 2,5 USD for cars entering the Bokor National Park.

  • Motorbike

    Rent a motorbike in Kampot and follow National Route 3 west. Turn onto the road to Bokor National Park. The ride takes about one hour. Exercise caution on the winding roads. An entrance fee of approximately $0.50 (2,000 Riel) is charged for motorbikes entering the Bokor National Park.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Kampot to Thansur Bokor Highland Resort. Buses depart in the morning and evening. Alternatively, book a day tour from Kampot, which typically includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch. Prices range from $8 to $20 per person.

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Discover more about Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station, located in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, stands as a testament to Cambodia's colonial past and turbulent history. Built in the early 1920s by the French as a retreat from the heat, the station quickly became a luxurious resort town. The centerpiece was the grand Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, complemented by villas, a church, and a post office. However, the construction of this resort came at a great human cost, with approximately 900 lives lost during the construction period. The hill station was abandoned several times, first in the late 1940s during the First Indochina War due to local insurrections. It was resettled in 1962, with new hotels and casinos adding to its appeal. However, this was short-lived, as the Khmer Rouge took over the area in 1972, leading to another abandonment. The Khmer Rouge used the church as a barracks until they were driven out in 1993. Today, the Bokor Hill Station is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Key attractions include the Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, now a refurbished hotel, the abandoned Catholic Church, Damnak Sla Khmao (the Black Palace), and the Popokvil Waterfalls. The hill station provides panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding countryside.

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