Established in 1993, Preah Monivong Bokor National Park covers over 1,400 square kilometers of lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and highland plateaus. 

Rising 1,075 meters above sea level, the park offers a cool climate, rich biodiversity, and a fascinating mix of colonial ruins, Khmer legends, and natural wonders. It is both a natural sanctuary and a cultural landmark, making it one of Cambodia’s most captivating destinations.

Historical & Cultural Significance

Bokor’s history is deeply layered. In 1922, the French built Bokor Hill Station as a mountain resort, featuring the Bokor Palace Hotel & Casino, an old Catholic church, and royal residences.

These haunting yet atmospheric ruins remain some of the park’s most iconic landmarks. During the 1970s–80s, the mountain became a stronghold and battleground during the Khmer Rouge era, leaving behind bullet-scarred structures that still whisper stories of conflict.

Beyond its colonial and wartime past, the park also holds spiritual importance. The massive Lok Yeay Mao monument honors a guardian spirit deeply respected by Cambodians, while small pagodas and stupas dot the mountaintop, blending religion with nature.

Natural Highlights

The park is equally famous for its natural beauty. Popokvil Waterfall is a serene multi-tiered cascade surrounded by jungle, making it an ideal spot for picnics and photography. The forests shelter rare wildlife such as gibbons, hornbills, clouded leopards, and a variety of orchids, making the park a recognized biodiversity hotspot. 

From its high points, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views over Kampot town, Kep beach, Preah Sihanouk, the Gulf of Thailand, and even Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on clear days.

Top Things to Do

Exploring Bokor Hill Station ruins is a must, where mist often rolls across the abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel & Casino and the Catholic church, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

A visit to Popokvil Waterfall offers tranquility and is especially striking during the rainy season when the cascade is at full strength. The park also invites nature lovers to enjoy hikes and jungle walks, where one can spot monkeys, hornbills, and rare orchids along shaded paths.

For those drawn to Cambodia’s spiritual side, paying respects at the Lok Yeay Mao statue or the smaller mountaintop shrines adds a cultural dimension to the journey. Finally, cliffside viewpoints provide some of the most breathtaking panoramas in southern Cambodia, perfect for both contemplation and photography.

Getting There

The park is about 1.5–2 hours from Kampot town by car or motorbike via a winding but well-maintained mountain road. For convenience, many local agencies in Kampot and Kep organize guided day trips that combine Bokor National Park with nearby attractions such as pepper farms, waterfalls, and coastal viewpoints