Bokor Mountain is situated about 180km from Phnom Penh. From Kampot, take the road towards route 4 about 8 kilometers.
The Bokor National Park is originally a small resort town; it is now an abandoned ghost town. It was built by the French in the 20's and then expanded much later (evidenced by some sleek and modern architecture). More over, it was abandoned due to the civil war in the 70's and was used as a hold out for the Khmer Rouge for a while. There are several other buildings including a
catholic church, a casino, some homes, buildings for the former king, and either a view of fog or a view of Southern Cambodia and Vietnam's island Phu Quoc. At around 1000 meters and an hour drive up the mountain road; you can see there are some sights to see on the way up, such as the waterfalls, wild banana trees and other trees as well. Monkeys are everywhere along the way up to the peak, and the old King's "staff" accommodations, so you might want to take a few rest breaks along the way. The route is so nice and wide after 2 years reconstruction by Sokha Resort and Hotel. The road is not as slippery as you could imagine. You can also bring something to eat and drink since there is no restaurants or somewhere you can eat on the top of the mountain. The old ruined palace was abandoned, like the rest of the site, at the beginning of the Second World War. The old Casino occupies a commanding position on the mountain. With shattered windows pock-marked with bullet holes; it bears the scars of recent battles. It was the scene of a ferocious fight between the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese in the early 1980s after liberation of Kampuchea by the Vietnamese Army.However, you will pay 10$ for the entrance fee during holiday in Cambodia. You can also get a ride in a pickup truck (either inside or in the back) for a day trip, including lunch for $12 to $25. Most tours leave from downtown Kampot, or sometime you can take a dirt bike (or a 100cc small bike, not recommended) up to the top. Drive slow, especially coming back down. If you don't have your own bike, big dirt bikes can be rented in Kampot for less than $12/day. You may want to bring some warm clothes as the temperatures, especially at night are much cooler, and there often fog or rain at the top. There are some simple rooms for rent on the mountain, it is just about 10$ to 15$ per night, and will double the price during the holiday. Or u can rent a cheaper room within Kampot city for only 5$/night. Kampot Province is famous of fresh seafood, so if you are interested in delicious seafood, nice beach and scenery, you can not miss out for any reasons to visit kampot what so ever.
For the safe ride, for the nice scenery, for the cool mountain air, for the adventure, for relaxation all are good reasons to travel the the top of Bokor Mountain. There is currently construction, both the road going up the mountain, and on top, to turn this area into a new, modern and glamorous resort.
