Experiencing Bokor National Park, Cambodia: My Honest Review
A Little Bit About Bokor National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Kampot in Cambodia, you might be considering visiting Bokor National Park! Located just 45 minutes away from Kampot, it’s a close and affordable day trip. Read on to see my personal opinions after visiting the park and see whether it’s worth a visit!
Bokor National Park is a protected area located in the southern region of Cambodia, covering over 1,500 square kilometers. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Indochinese tiger, Asian elephant, and clouded leopard.
Over the years, the park has undergone several changes, including significant developments in the early 20th century. During the French colonial period, Bokor Hill Station was built, serving as a retreat for French colonizers. The hill station featured a hotel, casino, and other amenities, but it was abandoned during the Khmer Rouge regime and fell into disrepair.
Recent History
More recently, the park has undergone a revival, with significant developments aimed at promoting tourism and preserving the park’s natural beauty. In 2008, the Sokha Hotel group built a massive casino and hotel complex on the park’s edge. The development sparked criticism from environmentalists, who argued that it would have a negative impact on the park’s ecosystem.
However, the Cambodian government has since taken steps to address these concerns, implementing new regulations and initiatives aimed at sustainable tourism development. The government has also invested in infrastructure, including new roads and visitor centers, to improve accessibility to the park.
Despite the developments, Bokor National Park remains a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and exploring the park’s historic sites. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the park’s highest peak, which stands at over 1,000 meters above sea level.
Getting to Bokor National Park
The road to Bokor is a bit long and winding, but don’t worry, you’ll be surrounded by trees and the road is nice to drive on. You might even see a few monkeys along the way, so keep your eyes peeled!
There are some places to pull over and admire the view, so make sure to take advantage of them. The scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll get a glimpse of the park’s natural beauty.
I would highly recommend renting a moped and driving there yourself. It’s super affordable, with moped hire costing just $5 per day, and the drive is so easy. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the park at your own pace.
Big Buddha in Bokor National Park
Your first stop in the park will likely be the big Buddha on the mountain. This majestic statue stands tall at the peak and is a sight to behold. You can even climb up to the top to get a panoramic view of the park.
After that, you can explore the rest of the park on your moped. There are many scenic spots to visit, including waterfalls, viewpoints, and historic buildings like the Bokor Hill Station. You can also go on a hike and get up close and personal with the park’s flora and fauna.
The Church of Mount Bokor
It is the second-oldest standing Roman Catholic church in the Kingdom of Cambodia. This eerie abandoned church is fun to explore and we managed to get some cool drone shots of it while the mist and clouds were low!
You can check out our Bokor National Park experience in our Kampot, Cambodia vlog below!
Popokvil Waterfall
I’m sure this waterfall would be wonderful in the wet season, but we went in the dry season so there wasn’t any water there! We paid around £1 each to enter (including a free mini water bottle). We walked a short distance to where the waterfall would have been and took some pictures on top of the big boulders there.
My Personal Experience at Bokor National Park
Driving through the park, for me, was the highlight of the day. The winding roads, lush greenery and wildlife were so lovely to see. I have to say though, that I was quite disappointed by the abandoned and half-finished buildings. They are an eyesore against such a beautiful landscape. While we were there in April 2023, there was a great deal of construction underway. Hopefully, this funding and renovation will return the National Park to its former glory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bokor National Park is a unique destination in Cambodia, offering a blend of natural beauty and rich history. It’s easy to get to, affordable and offers stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for adventure. While recent developments have sparked controversy, the park remains an essential part of the country’s tourism landscape, and with proper management, it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out my other Cambodia Blogs here! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email: tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.
