Phnom Bokor National Park
Kampot [Kâmpôt]
Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, located in southern Cambodia's Kampot Province, spans over 1,544 square kilometers within the Dâmrei Mountains, part of the Cardamom Mountain range. Established in 1993 and recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003, it features diverse forest types including dipterocarp, deciduous, tropical evergreen, and mangrove ecosystems. The park is home to threatened species like Burretiodendron hsienmu and wildlife such as Asian elephants, pileated gibbons, gaur, banteng, and Asian black bears, alongside notable bird species like the chestnut-headed partridge and green peafowl. The park's centerpiece is Phnom Bokor, the highest peak at 1,081 meters. Historically, it hosts the abandoned Bokor Hill Station, a French colonial settlement built in 1921, including a rare Catholic church from 1928. The park is named after King Sisowath Monivong, who frequently visited and died here in 1941; he commissioned a Buddhist temple in 1924. Modern developments include the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort and the towering 29-meter statue of Lok Yeay Mao, a mythic Buddhist heroine believed to protect travelers. The park combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical intrigue, making it a unique destination for eco-tourism and exploration.
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Tip: The best time to visit Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is during the dry season when weather conditions are favorable for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance where possible and to check opening hours as some areas may have restricted access. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Prepare for varying temperatures at higher elevations and bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities. Booking accommodations like the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort ahead of time is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Zajímavosti
- •Preah Monivong National Park was designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003, one of only two in Cambodia.
- •The abandoned Bokor Hill Station includes a rare Catholic church built in 1928, unusual in Cambodia.
- •A 29-meter statue of Lok Yeay Mao, a protective mythic heroine from Cambodian Buddhism, stands within the park, the tallest of its kind in the country.
- •The park contains diverse forest types, including threatened species like Burretiodendron hsienmu.
- •Wildlife includes rare and endangered species such as Asian elephants, banteng, and Asian black bears.
Historie
The Dâmrei Mountains, now home to Preah Monivong National Park, were once controlled by the Khmer Rouge before the park's establishment in 1993.
The French colonial administration developed the Bokor Hill Station in 1921 as a mountain retreat, including a Catholic church built in 1928.
King Sisowath Monivong, who died in the area in 1941, ordered the construction of a Buddhist temple in 1924.
Since then, the park has evolved into a protected area and an ASEAN Heritage Park, with recent developments aimed at balancing tourism and conservation.
Průvodce po místě
Bokor Hill Station1921
An abandoned French colonial settlement built in 1921, featuring historic buildings and a Catholic church from 1928. It offers a glimpse into colonial history amidst mountain scenery.
Lok Yeay Mao Statue2010
A 29-meter tall statue representing a mythic Buddhist heroine who protects travelers, hunters, and fishermen. It is the tallest statue of Yeay Mao in Cambodia.
Phnom Bokor Peak
The highest peak in the park at 1,081 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Cardamom Mountains and coastal plains.