Preah Monivong Bokor National Park Travel Guide for Nature Lovers

Located in southern Cambodia in the highlands, Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is a magnificent natural paradise. It offers a pleasant climate with cool temperatures year-round, mist-covered mountains, the historical Bokor Hill Station, and a variety of wildlife. It is a perfect combination of natural beauty and history, allowing you to see and experience all that nature has to offer!

Introduction To Preah Monivong Bokor National Park

The Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is a major conservation area in the southern region of the Kampot Province of Cambodia. It began in 1993 when the area became protected under the National Park System of Cambodia. It covers an area of about 1,400 square kilometers and contains a wide variety of ecosystems, including dense forests, rugged mountain peaks, and flat grasslands. The Park is located in the southern part of the Elephant Mountain Range and the larger Cardamom Mountain Range.

Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is a popular destination for visitors who are interested in the diversity of wildlife and natural scenery, as well as the history and culture of the area. The park has a wide variety of plant and animal life, with many unique plant species and birds that are not found anywhere else in the world. In addition to the beautiful scenery and wildlife, the park contains the former Bokor Hill Station, which has many remnants from its colonial past. The park also has waterfalls, such as Popokvil Falls, and hiking trails that provide a unique combination of adventure and tranquillity in the midst of nature.

History Of Preah Monivong Bokor National Park

Preah Monivong Bokor National Park lies in the Dâmrei Mountains. This area was formerly under Khmer Rouge control until Cambodia began to restore stability in 1990. On 6 March 1993, the official inauguration of Preah Monivong Bokor National Park took place as part of a nationwide initiative to protect the natural landscape of Cambodia, and it is now recognised as one of the two ASEAN Heritage Parks of Cambodia. The establishment of the park represents an important milestone in the conservation of rich biodiversity and the historical significance of this region.

Bokor Hill Station underwent several phases of abandonment

Bokor Hill Station, resulting from the French colonialist establishment of a resort area for highland relaxation away from the hot, humid lowlands in 1921, was the primary attraction for Bokor National Park. It had several important buildings built during that time, such as a Catholic Church built in 1928 and the temple of Lord Buddha that was ordered by King Sisowath Monivong in 1924. The name Bokor was later chosen to honor the late King Sisowath because of his frequent visits to the hill station and his death in Bokor in 1941.

In recent decades, Bokor has again been developed with the establishment of the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort in 2012 and the construction of the 29-meter statue of Lok Yeay Mao, the protector of travelers. In 2019, a master development plan was announced to encourage the park’s development into a major cultural and tourism center while maintaining conservation efforts.

Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Preah Monivong Bokor National Park

From colonial buildings to cloud-covered waterfalls to sacred shrines, each has a unique and separate representation of Cambodia’s vibrant past and beautiful nature. Each stop reveals something different about why Bokor is known to be one of the best places in Cambodia to experience the highlands.

Bokor Royal Palace (Le Bokor Palace)

The Bokor Royal Palace was constructed in 1925 by the French colonial government, originally conceived as a branded, luxurious escape for colonialists in exile from the oppressive heat of the lowlands. After decades of abandonment and conflict, the Palace has been restored to its former glory and reintroduced to the world as a luxurious hotel since 2018. The palace also reflects the evolution of Bokor, transitioning from a desolate, abandoned structure to becoming a tourist hotspot.

Popokvil Waterfall

One of the highlights of the park is Popokvil Waterfall (name means ‘swirling clouds’), which is one of the most picturesque spots. This two-tiered waterfall is usually surrounded by a cool mist during the rainy season, making it a place to unwind, take pictures, and marvel at the beautiful forest surrounding it.

Black Palace (Damnak Sla Khmao)

The Black Palace was formerly a royal residence occupied by King Sihanouk during the 1950s and 1960s. Unlike the beautifully restored Bokor Palace, the Black Palace is not in great condition, but still allows you to view the history of Cambodia’s monarchy and colonization while enjoying breathtaking views from the surrounding mountains.

Yeay Mao Statue

As one of the highest statue of Buddhism in Cambodia at 29 meters, Yeay Mao is one of the most significant spirits to worship by residents and many tourists who travel through this area, both as a way to honor those who have passed or provide themselves with safe travels, and to see the beautiful vistas of this area from the surrounding plateaus.

Bokor Catholic Church

Bokor Catholic Church was built in 1928 and is one of the very few colonial churches in Cambodia to survive the Khmer Rouge period. It is situated on a misty hill surrounded by thick vegetation and looks as if it were taken out of an eerie setting. The church is one of the most atmospheric places to visit at Bokor Hill Station.

6 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Located in southern Cambodia, Preah Monivong Bokor National Park contains an exceptional combination of natural beauty, a historical colonial past, and many spiritual attractions. Much more than just an easy mountain drive, Bokor should be viewed as an authentic experience that embodies the essence of the true spirit of Bokor.

Spot Monkeys Along the Scenic Mountain Road

The scenic road to reach Bokor National Park is an experience in its own right, with steep, winding sections and beautiful views of Kampot and Kep beaches and their distance along the coastline. Many times, you will see groups of monkeys resting on the roadside walls, happily climbing trees, or just hanging out in the middle of the road. They are quite comfortable around people, don’t rush, and act like they own the road, so slow driving is highly recommended while you drive through the area.

The opportunities to observe these creatures in their own environment add a level of vibrancy and authenticity to the scenic road and provide a gentle introduction to the wildlife you will encounter in the national park on your ascent.

Visit the Abandoned Black Palace (Damnak Sla Khmao)

The Black Palace is located at the entrance of Bokor National Park and represents contemporary Cambodia’s royal past. Originally built during the mid-twentieth century, it served as a summer palace and home for King Norodom Sihanouk. Now it has fallen into disrepair with an eerie atmosphere, but its remaining rooms provide a glimpse of its former glory days that both entice people to discover more of what Bokor National Park has to offer and inspire future generations’ imaginations.

Stop at the Yeay Mao Statue

Located at the foot of the Black Palace, you’ll find the amazing statue of Yeay Mao standing at 29 meters tall, which is the tallest statue of its type (Yeay Mao) in Cambodia. Yeay Mao is a popular spirit of the Cambodian people, known for helping protect people who travel or hunt. The statue has become a favorite place for many local people and tour groups to go and pray or leave offerings, and to enjoy the view that the statue offers.

The site is organized, with ample parking areas available for ease of access. In addition, there are restroom facilities close to the site, which can be used for a small fee, making it an excellent activity to stop and refresh while on your Kampot journey.

Explore the Abandoned Bokor Hill Station Buildings

Exploring the ruins of abandoned buildings in Bokor National Park is a highlight. One highlight is Bokor Hill Station, which was a French colonial resort that was built to provide a cool place for rich people to go when they couldn’t take the lowland heat during the 1920s. While many of the structures are now off-limits, a walk through the ruins and other areas evokes a strong sense of mystery and nostalgia.

The Church, set in a lush, misty setting, is one of the few buildings you can still access, and it has additional significance because it is one of only a handful of churches in Cambodia to have survived the Khmer Rouge period.

Wander Around the Le Bokor Palace Hotel Grounds

Even though staying the night at Le Bokor Palace Hotel can be expensive, you can always walk around the hotel. Just looking at the outside of the building shows you how beautiful it was when it was built many years ago. On a clear day, you have the ability to see all of the trees, hills, beaches, and the ocean. Although you cannot go inside the hotel, the quietness of this location is enjoyable and offers photographers numerous opportunities for taking photos.

Entrance Fee

Visitors can access Preah Monivong Bokor National Park by paying an entrance fee of 8 USD/person, which includes lunch. This makes it simple for individuals to make a one-day trip to the Park. For those who are interested in a more active style of Tour, the mountain trekking Package costs between 18-20 USD/person, including lunch, and may include a local guide based on the tour Operator.

Opening Hours

Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is accessible each day between the hours of 09:00 AM and 5:30 PM to give tourists adequate time to see several sites throughout the park while they are open. To make the most of this opportunity, it would be wise to arrive as early in the morning as possible to benefit from cooler temperatures in the mountains, as well as avoid fog later in the day.

The dry season (November-April) in Kampot is considered the best time to visit the park due to its drier conditions and the ability to experience clear skies, as well as safer travel times and the opportunity to take in panoramic views of Kampot, the coastline, and the Gulf of Thailand.

How To Get To Preah Monivong Bokor National Park

Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is close in southern Cambodia, particularly in Kampot. The road to the park begins around eight kilometers from Kampot. Approximately one kilometer along the park road is the entrance and the Headquarters of the park. Following the entrance, the visitor arrives at the summit area or primary attraction by continuing for another 32 kilometers on a switchback mountain road.

Also, due to the steep slopes and sharp turns of the road, travelling in a car, taxi, or motorcycle is strongly advised. The road is very well-paved and has spectacular views while travelling. However, tuk-tuks are not a good option for driving up the hill. It is common for visitors to hire a car with a driver or take a day tour out of Kampot for convenience and safety.

Things To Know Before Traveling To Preah Monivong Bokor National Park

Your visit to Preah Monivong Bokor National Park would benefit from some pre-planning so that you can make the most of the cool climate, mountainous terrain, and remote attractions of the national park. The following practical tips should help you make your visit to Bokor as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Take along a light jacket or windbreaker because it is much cooler and foggier on Bokor Mountain than in Kampot, especially during the morning and evening hours.
Be sure to check the weather reports before your trip. Heavy rainfall can reduce visibility, create slippery roads, and prevent access to waterfalls and viewpoints.
To get to Bokor Mountain, travel by motorbike or hire a private car with an experienced driver because the mountain roads are steep and winding and may not be suitable for novice riders.
Plan to arrive at Bokor earlier in the day to avoid being caught in thick fog and to gain better views of the forest, ocean, and colonial-era sites.
You should be prepared to bring your own water and snacks due to the limited number of shops in the park.
Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for long walks and offer good support for any old buildings, trails, or waterfalls you may be visiting.
Do your part to respect local regulations and the environmental surroundings. Do not litter, stay out of restricted areas, and protect archaeological sites.
Get offline maps or navigation apps ready to use in advance, as the signal for a mobile device may be weak in some places within the park.

Final Thoughts: Is Preah Monivong Bokor National Park Worth Visiting?

Travelers who want an incredible combination of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and calmness are well-suited to visiting Preah Monivong Bokor National Park in southern Cambodia. With everything from beautiful mountains covered in mist and palm trees to colonial structures and stunning waterfalls all clustered together, there is no other place that can provide this diversity of experiences within one location. To simplify your experience at Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, consider contacting Seni World for assistance to make the most out of your trip to Cambodia.

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