Phnom Bokor National Park, Cambodia

Rhododendron at Phnom Bokor National Park, Cambodia


Phnom Bokor National Park is a national park in Cambodia. Also called the Preah Monivong National Park, it was established during French colonial rule of Cambodia in the 1920's. It covers 1,400 sq km (540 sq mi) and reaches a height of 1,000 meters above sea level. It is part of the Elephant Mountains range, which is a continuation of the Kravan Mountain Range.

In the 1920's, the French established a hill station at Phnom Bokor, as a retreat for the French colonial administrators. Today the building is still standing, although in a dilapidated state. The locals have also built a Theravada Buddhist temple on the hill. the architecture is modern, and similar in style to modern Cambodian Buddhist temples.

There are scenic spots on Phnom Bokor National Park where you can catch views of the Gulf of Thailand below. The national park is rich in wildlife and is also the hope of wild elephants and tigers.

Although unlikely to encounter the wildlife, particularly the large mammals, visitors to Phnom Bokor National Park can enjoy the cool air as one ascends from the lowlands. The vegetation also changes. Perhaps due to the poor soil of the highlands, there is a profusion of carnivorous plants such as the Nepenthes (monkey cup). Other flora at Phnom Bokor National Park includes the Melastoma malabathricum (often called Singapore Rhododendron), rhododendron and wild orchids.

Visiting Phnom Bokor National Park

Phnom Bokor National Park is located nearest to the town of Kampot, on the Gulf of Thailand.

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