Bokor Hill Station Guide: Scenic Peaks, French Architecture, And More

Located in southern Cambodia, Bokor Hill Station is a historical mountain retreat offering a cool climate, mist-laden scenery, and remnants of French colonial architecture. As part of Bokor National Park, the area provides an alternative experience from crowded urban centres where visitors can find tranquil settings, fresh air, and an opportunity to connect with nature.

Introduction To Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station is an interesting historic site located on Bokor Mountain, within the Preah Monivong National Park, located in southern Cambodia. Bokor Hill Station was constructed by French colonialists during the early 1920s. A luxury resort, it served as a retreat from the sweltering heat of the lowlands. Bokor Hill Station featured an impressive Bokor Palace Hotel, an elegant church, and other buildings. Presently, the remnants of these buildings sit majestically against the backdrop of cloudy hills and the forest.

A trip to Bokor Hill Station offers far more than insight into the colonial history of Cambodia, and this combination of history, nature, and adventure, all found in one place, makes Bokor Hill Station a destination that must not be missed. The cool temperatures and scenic drive to the station make the trip itself an adventure, and the contrast provided by the abandoned buildings and reconstruction underway adds to the allure, providing a fascinating mix of the past and present that, along with the natural attractions found close at hand, puts Bokor Hill Station high on the list of destinations for adventure and culture seekers enjoying Cambodia tours.

History Of Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station may not be old, but it has had an interesting history unfolding before its grand establishments. Constructed back in 1917 by French engineer Marius François Baudouin, Bokor Hill Station was initially intended to become a hill station and a retreat for French colonists who wanted to escape from the summer heat of Phnom Penh. However, only until 1925 that the famous Bokor Palace and other colonial architectural buildings were constructed to make this retreat a luxurious refuge, especially for French wealthy families and later on for Cambodia’s royal families. Bokor Hill Station initially suffered from being abandoned when a local rebellion took place until the restoration of this site finally made it a captivating destination in the 1920s.

Throughout the years, Bokor Hill Station underwent several phases of abandonment. In the late 1940s, during the First Indochina War, many structures were either razed or allowed to deteriorate. After the coup in 1970 that toppled Prince Norodom Sihanouk’s reign, Bokor Hill Station was again abandoned and soon became a fortress of the Khmer Rouge fighters against their adversary, Vietnamese soldiers, until they relinquished control of it in 1990.

After Cambodian independence, Hill Station was renovated by King Norodom Sihanouk, culminating in yet another opening of its city in 1962. Bokor Hill Station underwent its latest development project in 2014 to maintain its unique blend of ruins, colonial structures, and natural wonders that continue to fascinate tourists today.

Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Bokor Hill Station

One of the finest examples of colonial and post-colonial architecture in Cambodia, the Bokor Hill Station is a wonderful place to visit, both for the scenic beauty of the hills and the many different historical buildings that have been preserved.

Damnak Sla Khmao (Black Palace)

King Sihanouk’s Royal Palace (Damnak Sla Khmao or “Black Palace”) was built in 1936 as a royal residence, and it still retains many of its original features today. The exterior of Damnak Sla Khmao combines brick and black wood to create an uncommon appearance amongst Bokor Hill’s other historic structures. Unfortunately, most of Damnak Sla Khmao is in ruins, but it remains an excellent place for photographers because of the great views available from the top, along with the beautiful mountains and valleys surrounding it.

The ruins also offer visitors to Damnak Sla Khmao a feeling of the history and importance of this place, as well as its quiet environment and cooling climate due to its height above sea level. There is no question that this combination of History, Architecture, and Natural Scenery creates an unforgettable experience when visiting Bokor Hill.

Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino

The next step in developing the area around Bokor Hill Station was to restore the French Colonial-style, historical building, which dates back over 100 years. The original palace was designed as an elegant, opulent structure that would attract tourists with its stylish architecture. As of now, it has been restored and serves as a 5-star hotel and casino, incorporating modern conveniences yet retaining its historical beauty.

The hotel provides guests with the ability to enjoy the fusion of contemporary luxury with traditional architecture from the early 1900s, as well as sweeping views of the beautiful countryside surrounding the property. In addition to the beauty of the hotel, there is also increased development in the surrounding area, with additional hotels, golf courses, and improved roads making it easy for visitors to explore and access Bokor Hill Station while enjoying all that Colonial has to offer.

Bokor Catholic Church

Constructed in 1928, Bokor Catholic Church is an exemplary Gothic-style structure under the influence of French Colonial architecture. Although it was built many years ago, partial restoration work has been carried out to conserve some of the church’s original features, including its beautiful stained glass windows and stone arches. Tourists can walk around the church grounds and take in all of the gorgeous features of the structure as well as have a place to meditate in a tranquil environment.

Bokor Catholic Church continues to be an active place of worship for people in the surrounding area, and gives visitors insight into how modern religious customs are followed against the stunning backdrop of the overgrown slopes of Bokor Hill. It combines the elements of history, faith, and visual beauty, making it a must-see on any visit to Bokor Hill.

Popokvil Waterfalls

The Popokvil Waterfall is one of the most picturesque natural attractions of the Bokor Hill Station, located only two kilometers from the main site. The falling streams of water that flow down through the dense forest create a calming atmosphere and are perfect for having picnics, trekking, or taking photos. If you visit during the rainy season, the waterfall will have even more dramatic views with mist rising all around as it cascades down, making for an unforgettable visual experience.

There are trails near the waterfall to walk along and find other small streams or pools of water, which is why this area is such a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. There is nothing better than taking a dip in the refreshing waters or relaxing on the big rocks. It is the perfect way to cool off after spending time visiting all of the historical areas on the hillside!

Bokor National Park

Located within Bokor National Park, Bokor Hill has a huge variety of wildlife and plants that are unique only to this area. When hiking through the park, many visitors will come across animals such as wild cows and gibbons, as well as leopards and the rare Asian elephant. While trekking the numerous trails throughout the park, hikers will also be able to see breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, Kampot Bay, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

In addition to all this wildlife, the park is also filled with old colonial-style buildings that are still standing, which add a layer of historical significance to the natural beauty surrounding them. The combination of all these factors makes this a truly unique environment worth experiencing.

5 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Bokor Hill Station has something for every kind of traveler, making this one of the must-visit places in Cambodia. Whether it’s the ruins of colonial architecture, natural attractions, or adventure, there exists something for each kind of traveler. Here’s what you cannot afford to miss when visiting the place.

Explore the Abandoned Bokor Palace

The Bokor Palace, which used to serve as a lavish retreat for the French colonists and the Cambodian royalty, remains the highlight of Bokor Hill Station to date. While taking a stroll through the deserted corridors and decaying ballrooms, one can almost hear the whispers of the lavish and high-profile events that used to occur here. Interestingly, the design takes cues from both French colonial and Gothic architecture, featuring ornate stonework, arched windows, and extensive staircases that recount the tales of the long-lost days.

Photographers would go into ecstasies while capturing the picture-perfect images of the palace against the mountains, engulfed in the morning or evening fog, further imbuing the setting with a sense of mysticism. A visit to the palace not only entails sightseeing but also a trip down the corridors of the past, providing an apt understanding of the colonial history of Cambodia and an experience like no other.

Visit the Old Catholic Church

The Bokor Hill Catholic Church, still relatively intact today in spite of being partially ruined, is an awe-inspiring sight that dates back to the 1920s. Its Gothic architecture, stone walls, and multicolored stained glass window panels are clear examples of the intricate influence of the French colonization of Cambodia. Stepping inside, visitors can admire the simplicity and grandeur of this artistic monument.

Other than being an artistic and historical feat, this church is an exemplary sight to behold as it presents a perfect spot to reflect, contrasting with the stunning country views of Kampot in the background. Those interested in cultural, photography, and historical tours would not want to miss this place when stopping by Kampot.

Witness Panoramic Views from the Hilltops

Bokor Hill Station is also renowned for its beautiful panoramic views that stretch across Kampot Province, the Gulf of Thailand, and paddy fields in the distance. For those who enjoy trekking or driving to the top of the hills, the views offer varying natural settings depending on the time of year, from misty early mornings to colorful sunsets.

Nature lovers will also get to enjoy sightings of birds and small animals as one hikes through the forested paths. Many people choose to spend time at Bokor Hill Station to meditate, capture images, or simply enjoy the invigorating air that the hills have to offer. Watching the sunset is also an experience, as the sky displays a kaleidoscope of orange, pink, and purple colors, all of which are reflected off distant water bodies.

Experience the Throng of Abandoned Buildings

In addition to the palace and the church, Bokor Hill itself features a lot of other abandoned structures, including old hotel buildings, villas, and government offices. Discovering these ruins adds to the excitement and adventure of the trip, with the sense that one gets to explore the secrets left behind.

Additionally, each one of the structures that exists here, like the others, has a story to offer, ranging from luxurious and specially fitted rooms for the colonial administrators to the drab, no-nonsense government offices used by the local officers. This part of Bokor Hill Station also interests photographers and historians who are eager to capture the texture and essence that results from the peeling paint and the decaying structures that are left behind.

Visit the Popokvil Waterfall

What makes Popokvil Waterfall so refreshing is its proximity to the hill station. This waterfall boasts of its location amidst a tropical forest and the chilly environment of Bokor Hill. Moreover, trekkers can indulge in fun-filled nature treks through shaded trails that lead to Popokvil Waterfall. The sound of gushing water and chirping of birds will entertain the trekkers throughout their nature walk to Popokvil Waterfall.

Moreover, those who are not fond of exploring waterfalls can indulge in summer picnics during rainy seasons, while others can spend their time experiencing short nature treks through Popokvil Waterfalls during summer seasons. This place will provide nature lovers with an opportunity to indulge in nature explorations profusely since various species of wildlife and tropical plants can be found here. Popokvil Waterfalls serve as an excellent point to refresh oneself after a historical tour of Bokor Hill.

Entrance Fee

Yes, guests visiting Bokor National Park (including the surrounding area of Bokor Hill Station) have to pay to enter the park. Visitors usually pay for entry by vehicle (e.g., motorcycles or cars), rather than by a person walking into the park. The entry fee is typically between 5 and 10 USD per vehicle, depending on the time of year in Kampot, and the fee may also cover some costs associated with maintaining the environment and roadways in the park.

Those who join an outfit for a tour group, or who arrange full packages including transportation and accommodation, may experience different pricing based on the services included with their package price. It is always advisable to verify current rates before your arrival, as fees will vary throughout the year.

Opening Hours

Bokor National Park is open every day from 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM, and the best time to travel there will be during the dry month period, which is typically November to March. At that time, because temperatures are lower and visibility is improved, visitors can see beautiful views of all the mountains, valleys.

Also, the dry months will allow for more comfortable trekking, touring, and photography, because of less rain or the possibility of being restricted from certain areas due to bad weather conditions, as well as having the biggest chances to experience amazing sights on the grounds of the park. If you’re looking for a more peaceful visit, try being here during the weekdays because there tend to be more local users who will be here on Saturday and Sunday.

How To Get To Bokor Hill Station

Accessing Bokor Hill Station is simple, although the winding mountain roads of Bokor Hill Station will require you to plan ahead since they have quite a steep grade. The easiest way to get to the station from Kampot is by car, taxi, or motorbike. Tuk-tuks are generally not advised due to their inability to make it up the steep grades.

Another option would be driving up to the station in your own vehicle or taking one of the many guided day tours available in Kampot. This method of travel will provide the most comfort, flexibility, and speed, since it takes approximately 1 hour to reach Bokor Hill Station. If you are looking for a low-cost option or a more local way to reach Bokor Hill Station, visiting by bus from Phnom Penh is also an option. Buses traveling to Bokor Hill Station frequently go through uncharted areas and have a lot of beautiful views of Cambodia’s villages and rural landscape along the way.

If you’re an adventure lover, riding a motorcycle is very popular among a lot of people. If you’re in Kampot, you can easily rent a motorcycle to give yourself the freedom to go where you want and take your time stopping at the different scenic stops you want. The roads along the route are generally very good, but you must be able to ride at an advanced level because there are many hairpin curves and varied weather.

Things To Know Before Traveling To Bokor Hill Station

Before going to Bokor Hill Station, you should prepare ahead of time because you can maximize your visit by knowing things like how to get there, the weather, etc.

Plan about how you will be getting there ahead of time. Make sure that, whether you are driving, traveling by motorbike, or taking a tour, you have checked the road conditions, as well as whether your vehicle is appropriate for winding mountain roads.
You should bring cash along. While this is the only form of payment you will be able to use at most of the vendors and entry points, it is recommended that you bring along the local currency and some American dollars.
Wear accordingly. You can wear light and comfortable clothing that keeps you cool while you are discovering the place, and a light jacket for the colder atmosphere of the mountains.
Wear proper footwear. Hiking or trekking shoes are required for trekking or exploring the ruins.
It is advisable to check the weather conditions before embarking on the journey. The hill station should ideally be visited during the dry season of November to March to avoid the paths being extremely slippery because of rainy conditions.
Respect the local practices as you are the visitor, and you may not have the opportunity to visit some historical monuments or religious sites due to restricted entry.

Final Thoughts: Is Bokor Hill Station Worth Visiting?

Bokor Hill Station is a destination that has the elements of history, nature, and adventure intertwined in a beautiful way, giving the tourist an experience of the fascinating hill stations, the misty surroundings, and the mysterious French ruins. As a destination for a tourist planning to visit, Bokor Hill Station is an ideal location that must definitely be visited in order to capture the adventure as well as the culture of this destination through pictures.

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