Bokor Hill Station — Hotel in Kampot

We were in two minds as to whether or not to visit Bokor. We'd heard the redevelopment was hideous (it is), we didn't want to hire motorbikes and we weren't keen to do a tour with a group. In the end we hired a tuktuk (3 wheel Indian style aka more engine power) to take us up for $30 between 2 and we were glad we did. While the new ruined hotel is gone (it's now avery Wes Anderson new build), the Wat Sampov Pram is stunning, colourful and has excellent views down to the coast. Leave early, you'll beat the crowds and the mist arrives late morning obscuring the view. The Church is also worth a look, as is the ruined building past the renovated hotel, avoid the casino because it is a true eyesore and if you've the time take the back route via the 500 Rice Paddies and the Sacred Waterfall (pleasant enough in dry season - lovely in wet) then take your time there rather than rushing to the top. I think if you go in expecting a nice view and a few pretty buildings/cool ruins then you'll enjoy it, but don't expect the Ghost Town vibe - it's increasingly commercial and you're setting yourself up for a fall. It's also a long drive, however you decide to go expect 50 mins from Kampot each way, take water (there aren't many vendors if you're avoiding the developed bits) so you need at least half a day. It gets cold when the mist...

I had a crazy night's sleep here! I had such a bizarre experience that it even made me think that there might be something beyond what we see in reality. I'd wandered around the grounds all afternoon with my then girlfriend. It was especially gloomy and misty with very little visibility. We spent some time in the main building, church and even wandered off on our own to really soak up the atmosphere. It does make you feel a bit jumpy in the corridors of the main building if you're by yourself. We slept in the infirmary. I woke up in the middle of the night and it felt as though I levitating above the bed. It then felt as though various parts of my body were being touched. Whilst my girlfriend was fast asleep, her arm shot up totally erect and whacked me forcefully twice in the face. She remained asleep during this. I didn't then wake up and remained awake. Weirdest experience I've ever had. I put it down to sleep paralysis but who knows. Interested to hear if anyone else experienced anything strange whilst here. Visited...

Bokor Mountain is one of the National Parks in Cambodia which is very well-known to western people as it was defined as a relaxation resort during French Colonization. Until today, Bokor moutain is a conservation area. Full of nature, fresh air, and foggy weather during the morning time (am). It is not my first time to visit Bokor mountain, but it was my very first time to take a road trip by motorbike up to the peak. (available for rent in town with 4-5$/day).

It was almost the end of rainy season. I left from the bottom at around 9am to ensure that foggy is still visible. The trip spent almost 1hr for either way. Luckily, it was a cold day and weather is foretasted for raining in around noon time. Along the way it was very cold and fresh air. There are many attractions on the hill. Waterfall is just one of them. There was many drizzling along the way when I came down from the hill. So from my recommendation, reserve yourself a raincoat and make it back as soon as it still bright.

Highly recommended for...