Bokor Mountain Station visit, Kampot
Introducing the joys, or otherwise, of visiting Bokor Mountain Station
October 2026:
A selection of old ruins awaits those who venture up to Bokor Hill Station. Leftovers from the 1920s, when French colonials established a settlement for their military personnel to be stationed, hoping to escape the oppressive heat and humidity of Kampot town.
Amongst the remains, there is a hotel and a Catholic Church. The original post office building no longer exists. You can visit the Royal Black Palace, the old Sampov Pram Buddhist temple, a Chinese temple, and the Lok Yeay Mao monument. More recent additions include a casino, hotel, and a long line of “out of place” apartments.
Lush vegetation, lakes, waterfalls and camping facilities with plenty of scope for trekking to complete an interesting visit and perhaps whet the appetite for further exploration.
Although the road to the top is a well-kept sealed blacktop, one should exercise considerable care along its many twists and sharp bends. Local drivers will, of course, be familiar with stopping places for good views to add to many once at the top. No shortage of mist drifting around to spoil that snap of the church.
You will not find 7-Eleven or KFC, but there are coffee shops and local food. As it can turn chilly, take a jacket and wear good walking shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended.
I paid $20 for a tuk-tuk and spent around 5 hours, including travel up and back, viewing the better-known sites. Obviously, paying more will allow a more detailed inspection of the park.
OK, let’s get underway
Mid October 2026: Bokor Mountain visit, first stop, Lok Yeay Mao
From Kampot town, take Road NR3 over the new bridge and then NR32 for the 30 Km journey, taking about 50 minutes to arrive at the monument.
I had a tuk-tuk from the Tourist Office, and luckily there was no rain.
A short distance before the monument, on your left, there is a large restaurant with an excellent viewing platform affording panoramic vistas.
The statue of Lok Yeay Mao is 29 meters tall. The base of the monument is predominantly blue. As with many such historic places, no shortage of theories and speculation as to its origin, but whatever, it makes for a pleasant rest on the way through Bokor National Park to Bokor Hill Station.
With memorable views, strains of traditional music played by local musicians, and people praying and making offerings at the base of the monument, it makes for a relaxing place to rest and take photos before taking the next leg of your journey through the park.
Have the bananas ready for the monkeys! Tip: Keep your bags, purses, hats, and phones secure. “Monkeys are faster than bag snatchers on motorbikes”
Are you ready for the second leg?
Continuing my journey from Lok Yeay Mao through Bokor National Park
However, before I set off on NR32, just across the road from Lok Yeay Mao, you can visit what remains of the Royal Black Palace.
Built of brick and blackwood some 90 years ago for King Sihanouk. Sadly, however, long abandoned and in ruins, showing no signs of its former glory. Only the shell remains. Windows, doors and all other fittings conspicuous by their absence.
The local graffiti artists have also been rather busy.
I have read that it affords some interesting views, but I found it so overgrown that it would likely be of more interest to botanists. Nonetheless, it is an important part of local history, so go take a look before it crumbles into total obscurity.
Continuing on NR32 from the Royal Black Palace
Passing a few buildings, including the Thansur Sokha Hotel, Sokimix Mart, and a Buddhist temple, brings you to a “junction/roundabout.” From here, you can take the minor road heading north for a couple of kms to the picturesque Bokor Mountain Lake. Looks like you can camp on the lake’s beach. There is a coffee shop where you can make enquiries, and there are toilets nearby. Looks to be a good base for trekkers.
Otherwise, after visiting the Chinese Temple, head south on the minor road, going past what appear to be many terraced apartments, boreys, under Sokha Real Estate Company, with whom all enquiries should be made.
Next stop: Wat Sampov Pram
About one km further, you will arrive at the Buddhist Temple named Wat Sampov Pram, and then it’s a short walk to the Buddhist statue carved from mountain rock.
To be continued, step by step