Bokor Hill Station (South Cambodia) - Motorycle Trip Report

[belgarathc]

Hi,

This trip was taken during the wet season in South Cambodia and it's just a short 2 day ride. Hope you like the photos.

Route: Phnom Penh -> Bokor Hill Station -> Phnom Penh
Distance: ~300km
Reference: Lonely Planet Cambodia
Bike: Honda Degree from Lucky! Lucky! at US$6 per day
Comments: Bokor hill station is very eerie, with all the abandoned buildings and mist. Very fun ride up the hill, a scrambler is a must.
More Details: Click -> Bokor Hill Station (South Cambodia) trip report

Map of Cambodia and route taken

Highway 3 - Road to Kampot

Narrow road up Bokor Hill

Something behind the mist?

Bokor Casino

And the cold wind blows..

Not the best path for a motorcycle

Abandoned church on Bokor Hill

 

[sargent]

Hi Bel, How's the track or road up Bokor hill was in a very bad state about 2 years ago, there was some post on the forum about upgrading the road up Bokor would apperciate any input.

 

[belgarathc]

Sorry sargent, I also took this trip 2 years ago. I did a quick search and it seems that they are widening the roads and rebuilding the hotel. One guy reported that the road is open during public holidays.

 

[sargent]

Hi Bel,
Thank You for the update and your reply was superfast.

 

[cdrw]

belgarathc wrote: ... I also took this trip 2 years ago.

...'2-years ago'...well that explains it

Bokor has been _closed_ to tourists all year, with the one exception that I'm aware of - they opened the road and allowed Khmer's (only) on the mountain during Khmer New Year, last April.

I rode up Bokor about 5-6 years ago and spent the night, as the fog became so bad I couldn't find the road down. Visibility was less that 50-feet! The park ranger and his family were the only others atop the mountain. Candles were available to light the dormitory area; the ranger had a small elecctric generator which only lighted his home. A very mysterious place and an unforgettable visit.

They are widening and paving the once horrid road, which has been decaying for decades. They are building an upscale hotel (maybe a few?), a casino and sights for tourists. There was a rumor that they may also have a tram going up the mountain, but that's only rumor. I think it's the Japanese that are doing the project??? Bokor will never be the same!

 

[bill]

cdrw wrote: [quote quote=belgarathc]... I also took this trip 2 years ago.

...'2-years ago'...well that explains it

Bokor has been _closed_ to tourists all year, with the one exception that I'm aware of - they opened the road and allowed Khmer's (only) on the mountain during Khmer New Year, last April.

I rode up Bokor about 5-6 years ago and spent the night, as the fog became so bad I couldn't find the road down. Visibility was less that 50-feet! The park ranger and his family were the only others atop the mountain. Candles were available to light the dormitory area; the ranger had a small elecctric generator which only lighted his home. A very mysterious place and an unforgettable visit.

They are widening and paving the once horrid road, which has been decaying for decades. They are building an upscale hotel (maybe a few?), a casino and sights for tourists. There was a rumor that they may also have a tram going up the mountain, but that's only rumor. I think it's the Japanese that are doing the project??? Bokor will never be the same!
Sok Kong (Hun Sen buddy) is doing it through his Sokimex/Sokha hotels company

A Cambodian business conglomerate called the Sokimex Group recently announced its intention to repair the neglected road and renovate the hilltop casino and hotel at Bokor

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_ ... 5Ae01.html

They're also building a golf course at the base of the mountain

Sokha Hotels Co., Ltd has appointed Arnold Palmer Design Company in Orlando, United States of America, as the official designer and architectural consultant for the Golf & Country Club at the base of Bokor Mountain

http://www.elephantguide.com/cambodia-t ... d-p-2.html