Bokor Hill Station, Kampot | 2-Day Trip

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After a long wait, I finally found three fellow travelers to explore Bokor Hill Station in Kampot. This city is famously known for its haunted reputation, but we decided to focus on the breathtaking views and cool weather instead. I visited this stunning location on August 8, 2024, and I can’t wait to share my experience with you!

Why the Delay?

The main reason I hesitated to join my tourmates was the cost from my city. Plus, the rough, 40-minute road leading to Bokor isn’t ideal for solo travelers. I considered driving my car, but the thought of tackling those bumpy roads made me rethink. Instead, I opted to rent an Alphard car, which offered a comfortable ride—exactly what we needed for this long journey.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Morning: Sihanouk to Kampot
We set off at 6 a.m. and reached Kampot after a three-hour drive. Our first stop? Bokor Hill Station!

Midday: Exploring Bokor Hill
After a scenic hour-long drive up to Bokor Hill Station, we planned to visit a nearby waterfall, provided the weather was on our side.

Attractive view of Bokor Hill

Afternoon: Lunch and Hotel Check-In
We returned to Kampot for lunch and checked into our hotel. A refreshing dip in the swimming pool was just what we needed before heading out for the evening.

Evening: Night Market Adventure
In the evening, we explored the vibrant Night Market in Kampot and enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, we returned to the hotel to relax by the pool, savoring snacks and drinks under the stars before calling it a night.

Day 2

Morning: Waterfall Visit
We woke up at 8 a.m. and headed to the nearest waterfall. Afterward, we returned to the hotel to check out by noon.

Noon: Lunch and Departure
After checking out, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before heading back to our starting point.

Packing Essentials

When packing for the trip, we brought along warm clothes in addition to our casual outfits, as Bokor Hill can get quite chilly. However, it wasn’t as cold as Kirirom National Park during my previous visit. It’s wise to pack some warm layers just in case!

Hotel Booking

We booked our accommodation at Bokor Hill Station through Booking.com and recommend reserving at least one day in advance due to high demand. The hotel staff provided excellent service, and we paid upon arrival.

Must-Have Items

Portable Music Box: I brought my JBL PULSE 5, which was perfect for the trip.
Water Bottle
Comfortable Sandals: Great for walking around.
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Shampoo & Conditioner: Some hotels don’t provide conditioner, so bring your own if you’re picky about hair care.
Plastic Bag: Handy for carrying wet clothes on the way back.

Cost Breakdown

Car Rental: We rented an Alphard for $300 from Sihanouk Province, as I had just visited Koh Rong. It comfortably seated five and was booked for two days and one night.
Accommodation: We booked two rooms for three people at $55 per room. It was a fantastic choice, and we had a great time. If you’d like the name of the resort, drop your email in the comments, and I’ll share it!

Note: There are limited accommodation options on Bokor Hill, so it’s best to stay in Kampot and visit the nearby attractions, including Bokor Hill, which is about an hour away.

Dining Options

Food prices at Bokor Hill Station are quite reasonable, with generous portions that are delicious compared to other cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville.

Shopping Insights

If you’re hoping for a shopping spree, you might be disappointed as Kampot doesn’t have many shopping malls. There are only a few night markets, and the clothing quality is generally low. I didn’t find anything appealing.

Must-See Destinations

Bokor Hill Station: Standing at 3,543 feet, Bokor Hill offers stunning views that make you feel like you’re on top of a jungle. The sounds of wildlife, including monkeys, add to the enchanting experience.
Best Times to Visit: Morning and afternoon are ideal for your visit. If it rains, you may encounter the sweltering heat at noon, which isn’t great for your health.
Kep National Park: Located opposite Bokor in Kampot city, it’s another great spot to explore.
Kampot Night Market: A small market in the city center with various stalls selling low-quality clothes and small attractions, like boat swinging. We enjoyed a boat swing for $4 for four people.

Veal Puch Waterfall

Now, let’s take a moment to relive the experience at Veal Puch Waterfall. It was breathtaking and incredibly relaxing! We took a Tuk Tuk from our resort, a 30-minute ride, followed by a 1 km walk to the waterfall. The water temperature was just right—not too cold, not too hot—making it the perfect spot to unwind for a couple of hours. It was heavenly!