Preah Monivong National Park
Park Cambodian national park protecting Cardamom Mountains forests
Preah Monivong (Bokor) National Park in Kampot province features a colonial hill station, Phnom Bokor summit, waterfalls and evergreen forest-visited for cooler climate hikes, abandoned colonial buildings and wildlife.
Preah Monivong National Park, commonly known as Bokor National Park, is a protected area in southern Cambodia in Kampot province that includes the Bokor Plateau and Phnom Bokor. It was established to conserve montane forests, wildlife and watershed values while also encompassing colonial-era hill station ruins.
The park contains evergreen and montane forest, rivers, waterfalls and cliffs, and includes the abandoned French-era Bokor Hill Station structures near the summit which draw visitors for history and scenery. Wildlife in the park includes forest mammals, birds and amphibians typical of the Cardamom-Phrathat range.
The park was designated in the late 20th century to protect the plateau and its biodiversity while also managing visitor access to culturally significant ruins. Conservation and tourism management aim to balance protection of habitats with visitor services along established roads and trails.
Preah Monivong National Park sits inland from the Gulf of Thailand in southern Cambodia, a short drive southwest of the provincial town of Kampot and rising to the Phnom Bokor summit, which provides cooler climate and views over lowland coastal plains.
- Highlights: The park includes a mix of evergreen and montane forests and contains colonial-era ruins on Phnom Bokor that are popular day-visit destinations from Kampot.
What to See #
- Bokor Hill Station: Bokor Hill Station, a cluster of French colonial-era buildings and ruins near the Phnom Bokor summit that include an old casino and abandoned hotel from the early 20th century.
- Popokvil Waterfall: A series of waterfalls and wetland features on the slopes of the massif that are accessible from park roads and short trails during the wet season.
- Phnom Bokor summit: The forested summit area of Phnom Bokor which provides high-elevation evergreen forest and panoramic views over coastal plains.
How to Get to Preah Monivong National Park #
Preah Monivong National Park (Bokor area) is reached by road from the coastal town of Kampot. From Kampot town take the paved winding Bokor Mountain Road up into the park; most visitors drive, hire a taxi/driver, or join a day tour from Kampot. There is no regular long‑distance public transport that goes directly into the park, so plan for a private transfer from Kampot.
Tips for Visiting Preah Monivong National Park #
- Go early in the morning on weekdays to catch clearer views on Bokor Mountain, cooler temperatures and far fewer tour groups than later in the day.
- Approach the park from Kampot and arrange transport (tuk‑tuk or private driver) in advance - public options are limited and the hill road can be slow, so prearranged pickup avoids long waits at the main gate.
- Don't just stop at the hill station ruins: continue a short way to Popokvil and other waterfalls and the less-visited forest tracks where birdlife and cooler microclimates are most noticeable.
Best Time to Visit Preah Monivong National Park #
Visit in the dry season (November-April) for the most comfortable hiking and best trail access.
Weather & Climate near Preah Monivong National Park #
Preah Monivong National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2473 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (259 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (321 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (421 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (401 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (388 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (272 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.