Bokor National Park
Bokor National Park is in Cambodia.
Overview
The main attraction in Bokor National Park is the old French hill station at 1000m which can be visited as a day trip from Kampot or Sihanoukville.
History
Bokor hill station was built by the French in the 1920s to be used as a retreat from the heat of the plains, a pre-air conditionning strategy familiar in all of Asia.
Climate
Nice cool mountain air during the day but it can get cold at night so bring warm clothes when staying overnight.
- CLOSED *** As of February 2008 the road up the hill is closed to traffic, possibly for 2 - 3 years, while a new road is constructed and a casino resort is built. 2 day treks up & down with an overnight stay can be arranged. Despite this, not only has the road now improved, access is still often available especially on or near major Khmer festivals.The only way to find out, is to ask in Kampot, as the situation can change from day to day.
Getting There
The turn off to the park is located 8km from Kampot and 95km from Sihanoukville on National Route #3. The main entrance and park headquarters are about 1 km from the main road. From there it is another 32km uphill to reach the summit.
As of October 2008, the road to Bokor is officially closed due to ongoing reconstruction (or construction). Therefore independent access seems to be impossible. However, it is still possible to arrange a trip through local travel agents. Apparently there is some bribery of local officials involved. This is also the reason for a sharp increase in prices of such trips to ca. 40 USD per person (for a one-day trip in a 4WD).
Fees/Permits
20,000 riel (USD5) per person, payable at the park headquarters.
If you book through a tour agent it will now cost US$40, not US$10 as quoted by Lonely Planet and other guides. This is due to a recent sharp increase in the entrance fee for the park
Getting Around
The road up to the hill station is in terrible shape so prepare for a bumpy ride. It is possible to do the trip on a 125cc motor scooter but this is quite a back-breaking option. Large dirt bikes are also available for rent in Kampot which would be the better option for people that have experience riding them.
Alternatively rent a car or scooter with a driver. The locals know the road very well and will manage the trip to the top in about 2 hours.
Places To See
Ruins of The Black Palace, Church, and Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino
Waterfall (only in the rainy season)
Fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Activities
There are several walking tracks ranging in duration from 2 hours to 8 hours. Beware though that none of the tracks are currently maintained so it is best to hire a ranger for your own safety.
There is the visit to the Popokvil waterfalls. You can get there by car, followed by a short walk. While generally they tend not to have much water, this situation is augmented shortly after rain and during the monsoon.
A website on Bokor Mountain can be found at The Bokor Website
Eating
Behind the Bokor Palace hotel, there is some stall set up that offer basic food and cold drink during the days.
Inside the Ranger Station, you are allow to cook some simple meal as long as you pay for the US$5 lodging. Do remember to bring your own food as buying from the ranger store offer limited and expensive option.
Accommodation
The Ranger Station offer some simple dorm room for a price at US$5 per person. There is however 1 double bed room also.
Safety
Mines are not common but it is still advised you stay on existing paths.
Tigers are very rare but still avoid trekking into the bush at dusk and at night when they are most active.
Poachers hunt deep in the park, hire a ranger when trekking in these areas.
The park is huge with many trails which are not marked or maintained. Hire a ranger if you have any doubts about your route.
