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Mount Bokor, known to the Vietnamese as Mount Ta Lon, is steeped in legendary tales. It lies within Kampot province, approximately 10km southwest of Kampot city in Cambodia.
Explore the rugged beauty of Mount Bokor in Cambodia – Untamed beauty, irresistible allure
In Khmer, Bokor means the hump of a cow, as this mountain resembles one from afar. Enduring historical upheavals led to Bokor's neglect, only to be awakened after a long period.
Today, Bokor is a prime destination for tourism in Cambodia, with thousands of visitors arriving daily from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and beyond.
In the early 1920s, during French colonization of Cambodia, the discovery of the Bokor Plateau with its ideal terrain and climate prompted the establishment of a resort here for soldiers and royalty.
Numerous cultural facilities and multifaceted entertainment systems were established, such as churches, post offices, schools, hotels, and casinos...
The 1950s - 1960s marked the golden era of Bokor. However, when the French withdrew, this place became desolate, almost completely shutting down for a long period.
In 1993, King Norodom Sihanouk initiated the construction of the National Park on this mountain, allowing entrepreneurs to invest in Bokor, transforming the pristine mountainous region into a captivating tourist destination, resort, and nature exploration hotspot.
From atop Bokor, on clear days, gazing over the azure sea, one can see the panoramic view of Phu Quoc Island. With an average temperature ranging from 16 - 22 degrees Celsius, the climate here remains cool throughout the year, likened to the Dalat of the Land of Pagodas.
Those who have visited Bokor know that the weather here is capricious, unpredictable. The morning sun quickly fades behind dense fog, enveloping the entire space in a mystical haze.
This route exudes pristine beauty, appealing to those who enjoy exploration, experiencing a close connection with nature.
Recently, a Vietnamese entrepreneur known as Mr. Six Storks has splendidly renovated the over 200km-long road leading to Bokor, making the forest road scenery less daunting.
It can be said that everywhere in Bokor holds mysterious spiritual stories. At the Peak Nil pass along this route stands a colossal statue of the goddess Veang Kh’mau, approximately 20m tall, facing the sea, where people often come to offer prayers and blessings.
If Veang Kh’mau is a statue of the goddess built by the people to express reverence for those who contributed to the enlightenment and development of this land, then the Stone Deity statue (a large stone slab resembling a human face) is a completely natural creation, revered by both locals and tourists on the way to Bokor.
Particularly, the diverse ecosystem makes Bokor stand out. In the area of hundreds of hectares, there are thousands of warm blanket trees thriving. The concentration of this plant species here is also a curious sight for visitors.
The stone forest with hundreds of thousands of black stones in various mysterious shapes. The Povokvil waterfall, consisting of two tiers, is a fascinating natural marvel bestowed upon the land of Bokor.
Surrounding the waterfall is a pristine, fresh landscape, with rock formations stacked among lush green vegetation. Each group of tourists can stop to admire the scenery, rest, and take commemorative photos.
Remnants of time in Bokor are abundant through its uniquely architectural structures. Some lay abandoned but evoke a myriad of emotions in visitors, reminiscing about the prosperous era of this land.
Among them is the ancient moss-colored church, standing solitary amidst the mystical mountainous landscape. Particularly striking is the vibrant red moss amidst the ethereal cloud and mountain space. The ancient temple Wat Sampov Pram, also known as the Five Boats Temple, built during the reign of King Monivong, always welcomes visitors from afar to pay their respects.
Then there's the incomplete Bokor Palace Hotel, a historic hotel-casino complex built by the French before their withdrawal from Cambodia, now preserved as a tourist attraction.
The most modern addition to Bokor is the completion of Thansur Bokor Highland - a contemporary entertainment complex comprising a casino, restaurants, and hotels. After a day of exploring the ancient wonders of Bokor, visitors can indulge in entertainment, dining, and relaxation services here.
According to Doanhnhansaigon.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide on Mytour
MytourSeptember 25, 2015
