Bokor National Park
National Park Abandoned French hill station with coastal views
Bokor National Park crowns a granite plateau above Kampot, home to a ruined French hill station, cooler air, Popokvil waterfall and sea vistas; visitors drive the winding road for views and short hikes.
Bokor Hill Station is a French colonial-era hill station and abandoned resort on the Phnom Bokor plateau in Kampot province, Cambodia, siting at over 1,000 metres elevation. It was established by the French as a cool retreat and contains derelict hotels, a casino and other colonial structures.
Today the site combines ruined colonial buildings, a small church and newer developments inside Bokor National Park; visitors come for the historic structures, sweeping sea and coastal plain views and cooler mountain climate. The plateau is often misty and offers short walks and viewpoints.
Construction and use date to the early 20th century when the French developed the site as a hill station; it declined during mid-20th-century conflicts and much of the original complex was abandoned before conservation and limited redevelopment in recent decades.
Bokor Hill Station sits on the Phnom Bokor plateau within Bokor National Park in southern Cambodia’s Kampot province, rising above the coastal plain and accessible by road from Kampot town.
- Climate: The plateau is often shrouded in mist and is considerably cooler than the coastal lowlands, making it a popular day trip from Kampot.
- Access: Access is by a winding road up the mountain; allow time for slow-moving traffic on busy days and sections of unsealed road.
What to See #
- Old Bokor Hill Station complex: The ruined French-era hotel and casino complex, notable for its 1920s architecture and dramatic coastal views from the plateau.
- Hilltop church and buildings: A small colonial-era Catholic church and a few other restored buildings that sit amid the plateau's foggy landscape.
How to Get to Bokor National Park #
Bokor Hill Station sits in Bokor National Park above Kampot. From Kampot town drive up the sealed Bokor mountain road (the summit road branches off the main coastal/highway approach) - the mountain road is a paved climb used by cars and buses and takes roughly 45-60 minutes from Kampot depending on traffic and stops. There is parking at the summit area and short walks link the old hotel, casino and viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Bokor National Park #
- Time your visit to Bokor Hill Station for late afternoon/sunset when the clouds and coastal mist create the atmospheric views the place is famous for, but be ready for rapidly changing visibility.
- Expect limited services on the plateau outside peak times - arrange transport from Kampot (private car or organized transfer) rather than relying on public buses.
- Explore the abandoned casino, church and colonial ruins around the old station while you can, and if you want waterfalls (Popokvil), visit after recent rains when they're most impressive.
Best Time to Visit Bokor National Park #
Bokor Hill Station is most enjoyable in the dry, cooler months (November-February) when cooler temperatures and clearer skies offer the best views and walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Bokor National Park #
Bokor National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (2463 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 20 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (262 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (320 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (395 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (377 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (375 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (279 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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