Kampot: Bokor Mountain Classic or Sunset Tour

About This Crawl

Bokor Mountain sits an hour above Kampot by road and is the reason half the town exists as a tourist stop. This tour covers the French colonial ruins, the old casino, a waterfall, and the viewpoints where you can see as far as Vietnam on a clear day. At $28 with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and snacks included, it is straightforward value.

What to Expect

Your driver collects you from your hotel in Kampot and takes the winding road up Bokor National Park. The drive itself is part of the experience. Stops include the abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel (a French colonial relic from the 1920s), the Black Palace (former royal residence), Popokvil Waterfall, and several viewpoints over the coast. The sunset option times the visit so you are at the summit viewpoint as the light drops over the Gulf of Thailand. The guide doubles as the driver, which keeps the group small. Expect to share the van with 4 to 8 others. The pace is relaxed. You are not rushed between stops.

Who It's For

Anyone staying in Kampot for more than one night. The mountain is the main attraction here and doing it with transport and a guide saves the hassle of renting a motorbike for a road you do not know.

Tips

• The sunset option is worth the extra wait. The light at the summit is significantly better than from town.
• Bring a light jacket. The summit is noticeably cooler than sea level Kampot.
• Snacks are included but bring extra water. The mountain is dry.
• Wear shoes, not flip-flops. The colonial ruins involve uneven ground.

Verdict

Solid half-day out of Kampot at a fair price. The sunset version is the better option if your schedule allows it.