Preah Monivong Bokor National Park

Description

Perched at over 1,000 meters above sea level, Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is a mysterious mountain escape that’ll transport you back in time. I first visited this haunting place on a misty morning in 2024, and let me tell you – the atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else in Cambodia. The abandoned French colonial buildings, slowly being reclaimed by nature, create an eerie yet captivating scene that’ll stick with you long after you leave.

Key Features

• The iconic abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel & Casino – a ghostly reminder of Cambodia’s French colonial past that somehow manages to be both beautiful and slightly creepy
• Wat Sampov Pram – a stunning Buddhist temple complex where you can watch monks go about their daily rituals
• The Old Catholic Church – honestly one of the most photographable spots I’ve seen, especially when the fog rolls in
• King’s Mother Cave – a natural formation with cultural significance that most tourists totally miss
• The new Thansur Bokor Highland Resort – a stark modern contrast to the old ruins
• Several hidden waterfalls that come alive during rainy season (trust me, they’re worth seeking out)
• Multiple viewpoints offering spectacular vistas across the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding jungle
• Ancient forest trails where you might spot some of the park’s wild gibbons or hornbills

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, December through February offers the most reliable weather for exploring Bokor. The skies are usually clear, and temperatures up here are refreshingly cool compared to the lowlands. But ya know what? If you’re after those moody, misty photos that make this place famous, try visiting during the early morning hours of the rainy season (May to October). Just bring a raincoat!

The park gets pretty crowded on Cambodian holidays and weekends, so I’d suggest visiting on weekdays if possible. Early mornings are magical – you’ll often have the old buildings all to yourself, and the sunrise views are absolutely worth the early wake-up call.

How to Get There

Getting to Bokor National Park is half the adventure! The most common starting point is Kampot town. You’ve got several options:

By motorbike, it’s about an hour’s ride up a well-maintained but super twisty mountain road. Honestly, this is my favorite way to visit – the freedom to stop whenever you want is priceless. You can rent a bike in Kampot for around $5-8 per day.

If you’re not comfortable on two wheels, grab a tuk-tuk or join a guided tour from Kampot. Most guesthouses and hotels can arrange this for you. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours each way. Some tours include stops at a pepper farm or the Secret Lake, which makes for a full day of exploration.

For the more independent travelers, you can also hire a private taxi. It’s pricier but gives you the flexibility to create your own schedule. Just make sure to negotiate the waiting time and price beforehand.

Tips for Visiting

After multiple visits, I’ve learned a few tricks that’ll help make your trip smoother. First off, bring layers! The temperature up here can be surprisingly chilly, especially in the early morning or when it’s cloudy. I made the mistake of wearing shorts and a t-shirt my first time – never again!

Pack some snacks and plenty of water. While there are a few restaurants near the new casino, they’re pretty expensive, and the options are limited. Plus, you might want to spend hours exploring the old buildings without having to head back to the main area.

The fog can roll in quickly, sometimes reducing visibility to just a few meters. Keep this in mind when you’re driving or hiking. And speaking of hiking, wear proper shoes – the old buildings can be slippery, and some of the best viewpoints require a bit of scrambling.

Don’t forget your camera! The lighting here changes dramatically throughout the day, creating different moods. If you’re into photography, consider bringing a tripod for those moody shots inside the abandoned buildings.

One last thing – respect the site’s history and don’t venture into areas that are clearly marked as off-limits. Some of the old structures aren’t entirely stable, and while it might be tempting to explore every nook and cranny, safety should come first.

Also, the entrance fee is worth every cent, but keep some extra cash handy for parking if you’re driving. And if you’re planning to stay until sunset (which I highly recommend), make sure you’ve got transport arranged for the return journey – it gets dark quickly up here!

Location

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