Bokor Mountain National Park in Cambodia

  Bokor Mountain

For the ride, for the scenery, for the cool mountain air, for the adventure, for relaxation.  All good reasons to travel the the top of Bokor Mountain. (note: there are many difficulties getting up the mountain while road construction is going on.  This should end in 2011.  You should call ahead to one of the hotels or guide services in Kampot in advance, to check if the road is even open) 

  

                                Bokor Hill Station

32 kilometers and 1,101 meters up from road 3 near Kampot, is the Bokor Mountain Hill Station, in Bokor National Park..  Originally a small resort town, it is now an abandoned ghost town and National Park (except for the many tourist and Park personnel).  Most famous for the abandoned Casino at the top of the mountain, there is also a church, buildings for the former king, and either a view of fog or a view of Southern Cambodia and Vietnam's island Phu Quoc.
There is currently construction, both on the road going up the mountain, and on top, to turn this area into a resort.  Usually, the road will be closed to tourist, but you can only find this out while you are in Kampot or by calling ahead to one of the tour services or guesthouses.  Stay tuned for Bokor Resort, Bokor Fantasyland, Bungee jumping, Buddha Religion Land, Bokor Golf Course, Bokor Casino and many more Bokor facilities in the coming years.
There are stories of wild animals on the mountain, including lions and tigers and bears, and elephants, but if you actually see them, please let us know.

Getting up to Bokor National Park

From Kampot, take the road towards route 4 about 8 kilometers.  On the right side, you will see a large plaque welcoming you to Bokor National Park.  Just up the road is the Bokor ranger station where they collect a $5 entrance fee.
You can take a dirt bike (or a 100cc small bike, not recommended) up to the top.  Drive slow, (especially coming back down).  If you don't have your own bike, big dirt bikes can be rented in Kampot for less than $12/day.  The drive up is not smooth or fast, but quite nice.  You may want to bring some warm clothes as the temperatures, especially at night are much cooler, and there often fog or rain at the top.
You can also get a ride in a pickup truck (either inside or in the back) for a day trip, including lunch for $12 to $25. Most tours leave from downtown Kampot.
Walking is sometimes an option, but plan for a few day trip, with lots of gear.  You'll need to check at the ranger station at the bottom of the mountain, to see if they'll let you walk.
There are some sights to see on the way up, such as the waterfalls, and the old King's "staff" accommodations, so you might want to take a few rest breaks along the way.  You should also bring something to eat and drink, which is really helpful if your vehicle breaks down.
Once on top, there are some hotels for about $5, or you can stay for free if you make your own hotel.
Most people stay in hotels in Kampot, Cambodia, and take the day tour up the mountain.  You can also get the trip from Kep, Cambodia, but it's about 90 minutes more travel time, round trip.





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