Also available in: Deutsch
The Phnom Bokor, as Bokor Hill is called in Khmer, is a popular excursion destination in the Kampot area. It lies only 20 kilometers from the city, so you can reach it on your own or with organized tours. Tours from Sihanoukville are also offered, which include about a 3-hour drive.
Excursion To Bokor Hill
The Bokor Hill Station was built during the French colonial period between 1921 and 1924, as the climate on the mountain is much milder. Nowadays, you can visit abandoned buildings, a casino, a waterfall, or even temples there.
How to Get To Bokor Hill
Since there is no airport near Bokor Hill, you have to fly via Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville, which are served from many destinations in Asia. Times, prices, and more information can be found on Skyscanner.
The further journey, for example from Kampot, can then be arranged with a booked tour, or you can take a bus from Phnom Penh, which brings you to the mountain in about 4 hours. Many hotels in Sihanoukville and Kampot also offer transfers, so you can inquire there. You can find more information on buses at 12go.asia.
Accommodation On Bokor Hill
If you don’t want to do a day trip and would rather spend more time on Bokor Hill: The Le Bokor Palace was only opened in December 2017 in the formerly abandoned Grand Palace building. It’s currently one of the few hotels directly on the mountain. In addition to the beautiful view, Le Bokor Palace impresses with dreamy rooms offering all the amenities, an extensive breakfast buffet, and free bicycle rental for exploring Bokor Hill.
You can find more hotels in the area best in Kampot, which is a great starting point. You can find an overview here.
1. Wat Sampov Pram
The Wat Sampov Pram Temple lies almost at the top of Bokor Hill and is still active today. It was commissioned in the 1920s during the French colonial period by the then king to honor Buddhism.
The name Wat Sampov Pram means Temple of the Five Sailing Boats and comes from a Khmer myth in the story of Preah Thorng and Neang Neak. The Khmer prince and the Naga princess used these boats to bring items and servants from the Naga world to the human world to build a city.
On the grounds of Wat Sampov Pram, you can also discover a large golden Buddha and, behind the temple buildings, a wonderful view of the vastness of the sea and the green jungle.
2. Lok Yeay Mao Monument
Since 2012, the 29-meter-high Yeay Mao statue has stood on Bokor Hill and has become one of the highlights for visitors. It’s located at an elevation of 1075 meters and overlooks the coastal area. Yeay Mao is the Protector Goddess, watching over the coastal and forest area around Bokor Hill.
Many locals come here to pray, and tourists come to see the wonderful statue and the view over the Kampot province. A nice stop on a tour to Bokor Hill.
3. Abandoned Church
The Bokor Church is an abandoned church. It’s not a top sight, but on most tours, there’s a short stop here. This mystical ruin dates back to the French colonial era. Inside, there is still an old altar, but the interior has been destroyed by graffiti, etc. At least it’s a nice photo spot from the outside.
A small tip: If you walk past the church and take the path on the left up the hill, you’ll get a great view of the surroundings. The sad history of the church, used by the Khmer Rouge for executions, justifies a short stay if you’re interested in the history.
4. Grand Palace
The Grand Palace was the centerpiece of the Bokor Hill Resort, built during the French colonial era. Its inauguration took place in 1925, and alongside a post office and the now-abandoned church, the Grand Palace was an important place for colonial powers to relax.
At the end of the 1940s, however, Bokor Hill was abandoned due to Khmer uprisings, and all buildings weathered over the years since they were no longer used.
Since December 2017, the Grand Palace, which for a long time was a destination for many tours, has been shining in new splendor as Le Bokor Palace, a 6-star hotel! With a magnificent location and a view of Cambodia’s coast, plus plenty of luxury, you can now stay at the once-abandoned Grand Palace.
5. Popokvil Waterfall
The Popokvil Waterfall is a two-tier waterfall that is especially beautiful in the rainy season when it carries a lot of water. To get there, you have to hike about two kilometers into the jungle. A local guide is recommended.
Between the two levels of the waterfall, there is a shallow natural pool where you can go swimming. But keep in mind: On Bokor Hill, it can already be quite cool. The name of the Popokvil Waterfall means something like “swirling clouds” and is a natural highlight on Bokor Hill. With a bit of luck on the way there, you can also spot some wild animals like monkeys in the jungle.
Have you already been to Bokor Hill? How did you like it, and do you have any more tips for Bokor Hill? Give us your feedback in the comments.
Photos: photo 4 (Lok Yeay Mao Monument): mundosemfim/shutterstock.com, photo 5 (abandoned church): alionabirukova/shutterstock.com, photo 6 (Grand Palace): Svetlana Eremina/shutterstock.com
