Bokor Hill Station
32 kilometers and 1,101 meters up from road 3 near Kampot, is the Bokor Mountain Hill Station, in Bokor National Park.. Originally a small resort town, it is now an abandoned ghost town and National Park (except for the many tourist and Park personnel). Most famous for the abandoned Casino at the top of the mountain, there is also a church, buildings for the former king, and either a view of fog or a view of Southern Cambodia and Vietnam's island Phu Quoc.
There is currently construction, both on the road going up the mountain, and on top, to turn this area into a resort. Stay tuned for Bokor Resort, Bokor Fantasyland, Bungee jumping, Buddha Religion Land, Bokor Golf Course, Bokor Casino and many more Bokor facilities in the coming years.
There are stories of wild animals on the mountain, including lions and tigers and bears, and elephants, but if you actually see them, please let us know.
Getting up to Bokor National Park
From Kampot, take the road towards route 4 about 8 kilometers. On the right side, you will see a large plaque welcoming you to Bokor National Park. Just up the road is the Bokor ranger station where they collect a $5 entrance fee.
You can take a motorcycle or car up to the top. If you don't have your own bike, big dirt bikes can be rented in Kampot for less than $12/day and 100cc motos for $4 - $5. (you'll probably want to get a 125cc instead of a 100cc motorcyle, which might cost $1 or $2 more) Gas is $1.25 a liter. The drive up is now smooth and quite nice. You may want to bring some warm clothes as the temperatures, especially at night are much cooler, and there is often fog or rain at the top.
You can also get a ride in a pickup truck (either inside or in the back) for a day trip, including lunch for $18 to $25. Most tours leave from downtown Kampot.
Walking is sometimes an option, but plan for a few day trip, with lots of gear. You'll need to check at the ranger station at the bottom of the mountain, to see if they'll let you walk. If you get far off the beaten path, beware of wild animals (and illegal poachers). You can hire the rangers to give you a tour, and the price is whatever they can charge. $10+ per day. (plus the $5 entrance fee). There are walking trails on top from a couple hour walk to a full day.
There are some sights to see on the way up, such as the waterfalls, and the old King's "staff" accommodations, so you might want to take a few rest breaks along the way. You should also bring something to eat and drink, which is really helpful if your vehicle breaks down.
Once on top, there are some hotels for about $5, or you can stay for free if you make your own hotel. You can cook in your room, but will probably want to bring your own food.
Most people stay in hotels in Kampot, Cambodia, and take the day tour up the mountain. You can also get the trip from Kep, Cambodia, but it's about 90 minutes more travel time, round trip.
