“A collection of abandoned French colonial architectural buildings on a high mountain summit, set amidst the beautiful views of the sea and forest, and filled with intense political and historical narratives.”
Bokor Hill Station is a group of historical buildings constructed in the early 1920s by the French, intended as a luxury resort for the elite and colonial officials seeking an escape from the lowland heat. The most prominent building is Le Bokor Palace, which once served as a grand casino and hotel. It has now been renovated and reopened as a luxury hotel. Although many buildings have been developed, the charm of the ruins still attracts history enthusiasts and photographers.
This place holds significant historical importance as it was abandoned several times, beginning during the First Indochina War, and was occupied by the Khmer Rouge in the early 1970s. This history has given the site a reputation for being eerie and having a mysterious atmosphere, known as the "Haunted Ghost Town" or the "City on the Mist." Other important buildings like the Old Catholic Church and the former Post Office are essential stops for tourists.
Bokor is situated on the summit of Phnom Bokor, which is part of the Preah Monivong Bokor National Park. The temperature on the mountain top is cooler than the lowlands and is often covered in fog, especially in the early morning and after rain, which creates a mesmerizing and intriguing atmosphere. Tourists can also visit sacred sites like Wat Sampov Pram and Popokvil Waterfall in the vicinity.
How to Get There
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Private or Rented Car/Motorbike: Drive up Bokor Mountain from National Road 3 near Kampot City. The road up to the summit is well-paved and is approximately 32 kilometers long.
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Day Trip Tour: You can book a day tour from Kampot City, which usually includes a van or taxi with a driver, often including lunch and visits to various key locations.
Travel Tips
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Clothing and Weather: As it is on a high mountain and often foggy, you should wear warm clothing and bring a raincoat. The temperature can drop lower than in the lowlands.
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Photography: Be prepared for taking photos with a mysterious and hazy atmosphere of the abandoned buildings covered in mist.
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Visiting Time: It is best to start the journey early in the morning to have enough time to fully explore the site and experience the morning fog.
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Food and Services: Although there are some shops and services, you should bring drinking water and snacks with you, as the Hill Station itself is located far from populated areas.
Admission Fee:
- Generally, there is No admission Fee to Preah Monivong National Park (Bokor National Park), but information may change. Please verify again.
Opening Hours:
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General: The site is generally open for visiting from early morning until evening (approximately 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM), but extra caution is advised if visiting during non-daylight hours.