Bokor National Park, Cambodia: 2025 Travel Tips

Bokor National Park, Cambodia: 2025 Travel Tips

Tucked away in the misty mountains of southern Cambodia, Bokor National Park offers a unique blend of history, nature, and mystery. Located in Kampot Province, this national park is one of Cambodia’s most intriguing destinations, and in 2025, it's more accessible and exciting than ever. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, exploring abandoned French colonial ruins, or just seeking cooler mountain air, here's your ultimate 2025 travel guide to Bokor National Park.

🗺️ Why Visit Bokor National Park in 2025?

In 2025, Bokor National Park is experiencing a quiet transformation. While new developments continue, sometimes stirring controversy, the park still preserves vast stretches of unspoiled natural beauty. Visitors are drawn by its cool mountain climate, offering a refreshing escape from Cambodia’s lowland heat. The area is steeped in history, with hauntingly beautiful French colonial ruins like the iconic Bokor Hill Station.

Panoramic viewpoints overlook the Gulf of Thailand, and the dense rainforest shelters diverse wildlife, including gibbons, hornbills, and other rare species. What truly sets Bokor apart, though, is its mystical atmosphere, fog-draped landscapes and eerie, abandoned buildings that make every visit feel like stepping into another world.

🚗 How to Get There (2025 Update)

You can reach Bokor National Park by first getting from Phnom Penh to Kampot, then arranging a private taxi up the mountain. One good option is taking the Kimseng Express bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot.

Tickets start around US$6–8 for a standard seat. The journey takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic and departure time. Once you arrive in Kampot, you can hire a private taxi or car to drive you up the road into Bokor National Park. The mountain road is winding and steeper past Kampot, so this last leg can add time and cost, but it gives you flexibility in departure times and stops.

If you like, I can also estimate how much the private taxi from Kampot up to Bokor usually costs, so you can budget better.

🏛️ Top Attractions in Bokor National Park

​​ Bokor National Park is packed with incredible sights that showcase its natural beauty and rich history. From mist-covered mountains and cascading waterfalls to eerie colonial ruins, there’s something for every traveller. Here are the must-visit attractions you shouldn’t miss during your 2025 visit.

Bokor Hill Station:

Bokor Hill Station is undoubtedly the highlight of Bokor National Park and a must-visit for anyone travelling to this part of Cambodia. Established in the 1920s by French colonists as a mountain retreat, the hill station was designed as a luxurious escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands.

Today, the remnants of the old colonial buildings, including the iconic Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, a Catholic church, and various villas, stand as haunting yet captivating relics of the past, draped in mist and surrounded by lush forest.

The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else in Cambodia: a blend of eerie abandonment and breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors are drawn not only by the historical significance but also by the spectacular panoramic views overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding landscapes.

The cool mountain climate provides a refreshing break from the heat below, making it a popular spot for hiking, photography, and simply soaking in the tranquil environment. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or photographer, Bokor Hill Station offers an unforgettable experience steeped in mystery and charm. Bokor Hill Station

Would you like me to expand on other Bokor National Park attractions?

The Old Bokor Palace Hotel:

The Old Bokor Palace Hotel is one of the most iconic landmarks within Bokor Hill Station and a symbol of the park’s fascinating colonial history. Built in the late 1920s by the French, this grand hotel was intended as a luxurious getaway for colonial officials and wealthy visitors escaping the tropical heat. Its impressive architecture, featuring elegant facades and expansive verandas, reflects the opulence of the era.

Today, the hotel stands in a state of evocative ruin, weathered by decades of abandonment and the elements, yet it continues to captivate visitors with its ghostly charm. Walking through the crumbling halls and empty rooms, you can almost imagine the lavish parties and gatherings that once took place here. The hotel’s location atop Bokor Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and coastline, making it a favourite spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

Restoration efforts have been discussed, but for now, the Old Bokor Palace Hotel remains a hauntingly beautiful testament to Cambodia’s colonial past and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Bokor National Park.

Would you like me to write about more attractions or perhaps a visitor’s guide to the hotel?

Lok Yeay Mao Monument

Standing tall and watchful along the road to Bokor Hill Station, the Lok Yeay Mao Monument is one of the most recognisable spiritual landmarks in Bokor National Park. At 29 meters high, this giant seated statue honours Lok Yeay Mao, a legendary guardian spirit widely revered in Cambodian folklore, especially among travellers, fishermen, and those seeking protection on long journeys.

Painted in vibrant colours and perched on a large platform overlooking the forested hills, the monument commands attention and invites reflection. Many locals stop here to pay respects, burn incense, and make offerings before continuing their journey into the mountains. For visitors, the site offers not only cultural insight but also a panoramic viewpoint of the surrounding park and coastline.

The presence of Lok Yeay Mao reflects the deep spiritual connection Cambodians have with the land, blending myth, religion, and nature. Whether you visit for the history, the view, or the peaceful atmosphere, the monument is a meaningful stop on your way through Bokor.

Popokvil Waterfall

Tucked away in the lush greenery of Bokor National Park, Popokvil Waterfall is one of the area’s most refreshing and scenic natural attractions. The name “Popokvil” means “swirling clouds,” a fitting description for this multi-tiered waterfall often surrounded by mist and mountain fog, especially in the rainy season. With its two gentle cascades flowing over smooth rocks and into natural pools, the waterfall offers a peaceful escape from the more rugged and eerie sights of Bokor Hill Station.

Popokvil is a great spot for a quiet break during your visit to the park, perfect for picnicking, relaxing, or taking photos. During the rainy season (May to October), the falls are at their most impressive, with strong water flow and lush green surroundings. In the dry season, the falls are calmer, but the area remains a cool, serene retreat from the heat.

There’s a small bridge and pathway leading to the main viewing area, and basic facilities are available nearby, including local vendors selling snacks and drinks. Whether you’re looking to cool off, connect with nature, or just enjoy the scenery, Popokvil Waterfall is a must-visit stop in Bokor National Park.

🛑 Things to Know Before You Go to Bokor Mountain

Before heading up to Bokor Mountain, it’s a good idea to be prepared, as weather, altitude, and remoteness can catch some travellers off guard. First, keep in mind that the weather at the top is much cooler than in the lowlands. Even on hot days in Kampot, Bokor can be misty, windy, and surprisingly chilly, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Bring a light jacket or sweater, and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking over uneven terrain.

The road up the mountain is in good condition and paved, but it’s steep and winding. If you’re driving a motorbike or scooter, make sure it’s in good shape and that you’re confident handling mountain roads. Alternatively, private cars, taxis, or guided tours are safer and more relaxing options for the climb.

Mobile reception can be spotty in some areas, so it’s wise to download maps or key information in advance. And while there are a few vendors and small restaurants near some attractions, it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks with you, especially if you plan to explore more remote spots like Popokvil Waterfall or some of the abandoned buildings.

Finally, while there’s no entrance fee for the national park itself, some sites (like the waterfall) may have small parking or access charges. Bring a bit of cash just in case. Respect the spiritual sites, local customs, and natural environment. Bokor is not only a tourist destination but also a place of cultural and religious importance to many Cambodians.

Would you like this turned into a quick bullet-point version as well for easy reading?

🌄 Final Thoughts on Bokor Mountain, Cambodia

Bokor Mountain is more than just a scenic highland escape; it's a place where nature, history, and mystery converge. From its misty cliffs and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand to the haunting remains of French colonial buildings and the eerie Bokor Hill Station, the mountain evokes a unique blend of tranquillity and nostalgia.

What makes Bokor truly unforgettable is this contrast: the serenity of its pine forests and waterfalls against the backdrop of abandoned churches, ghost towns, and modern casinos. Whether you're there for the cool climate, a break from the heat of Kampot, or to explore its past, Bokor offers a reflective, almost surreal experience.

As tourism continues to develop, the mountain walks a fine line between preservation and modernisation. Still, for many, it remains a quiet place to pause, look out over the vast landscapes, and feel the weight of history in the fog.