Yes, a tuk-tuk can take you up Bokor, and on a clear morning it's one of the best rides in Cambodia: slow, cool and wide open to the views. It's also a long day of six to seven hours, the top is often wrapped in fog, and it's noticeably colder than Kampot. Here's what to expect, what to bring and when a car or scooter makes more sense.
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Can a tuk-tuk really make it up Bokor?
It can. Tuk-tuks make the trip regularly, and several Kampot drivers and tour companies sell Bokor by tuk-tuk. The road up, NR32, is well paved but winding, with around seven hairpin bends and no street lighting. A tuk-tuk climbs it steadily rather than quickly, and that's part of the appeal: you sit in an open carriage, the jungle closes in, and you feel the air cool as you gain height.
Is it comfortable? In dry weather, yes. It's a long ride, though, and if heavy rain is forecast, or someone in your group really dislikes winding roads, a closed car is quicker and drier. We'd rather tell you that now than have you find out halfway up.
How far is it and how long does it take?
- Kampot to the park turn-off: about 8 km west along National Road 3.
- Turn-off to the plateau: roughly 30 km uphill. From the foothill gate it's 21 km to the Lok Yeay Mao statue and 30 km to the Thansur Bokor resort area.
- In total: about 37–40 km from Kampot to the plateau.
- Time up: about an hour by car. By tuk-tuk, allow roughly an hour to an hour and a half from Kampot, as the climb itself takes about an hour.
- The whole day: six to seven hours with stops. Plan to be off the mountain well before dark.
There is no entrance fee
Bokor (officially Preah Monivong National Park) has had no entrance fee since 15 October 2017, when the government ended toll collection on the road. The gate and the booth are still there, which confuses people, but nobody will charge you. Tours that list "entrance fee included" aren't including anything. Your only costs on the mountain are food, drinks and a small charge for the toilets at the Lok Yeay Mao statue.
The main stops
The French built Bokor as a cool-weather hill station in the 1920s, and today the plateau mixes those old buildings with temples, viewpoints and large new developments (our history of Bokor tells the full story). The main stops:
- Lok Yeay Mao statue. A 29-metre statue of the revered guardian figure, on the way up, with wide views over the coast when the clouds allow.
- The old Catholic church. A weathered 1920s French church on the edge of the plateau. You can go inside.
- Le Bokor Palace. Built in 1925 as the hill station's grand hotel and casino, it has been restored and is now a luxury hotel again. Only hotel guests can go inside, but you can admire the building and the setting from outside.
- The Black Palace. King Sihanouk's former residence, now an empty shell with a fine view and plenty of history to hear about.
- Wat Sampov Pram. The "five boats" pagoda, named after five boat-shaped rocks around it. Remove your shoes and cover shoulders and knees.
- Popokvil waterfall. A two-tier waterfall that's at its best in the rainy season and often just a trickle in the dry months.
- Thansur Bokor Highland Resort. The large hotel-and-casino complex on the plateau today. Not a sight as such, but you'll pass it.
Weather, fog and the best season
The plateau sits at about 1,000–1,080 m and is usually 6–7 °C cooler than the coast. It's often foggy, windy and damp at any time of year, and the views can disappear and reappear within minutes. As a rule, views are clearest on dry-season mornings.
| Season | On Bokor |
|---|---|
| Dry season (about November/December to April) | Best chance of clear views, especially December to February, the driest months. The waterfall is weak. |
| Green season (about May to October) | Popokvil flows properly and the jungle is lush, but expect more fog and rain. Rainfall around Kampot peaks in August, and October is still very wet. |
Whatever the season, start early. Mornings are clearer, you avoid driving down in the dusk, and you have time to wait for the fog to lift.
What to bring
- A jacket or rain jacket, all year round. People laugh about this in Kampot's heat, then shiver at the top.
- Long trousers or a warm layer, especially in an open tuk-tuk.
- Closed shoes with some grip; paths and steps can be wet.
- Sunscreen and a hat: when the sun breaks through at altitude, it's strong.
- Cash in small notes for food, drinks and toilets.
- Water and snacks.
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for the pagoda.
- A plastic bag or cover for your phone and camera.
Tuk-tuk, car or scooter? An honest comparison
| Tuk-tuk | Car or SUV | Scooter (self-drive) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time up from Kampot | About 1–1.5 h | About 1 h | Depends on rider and bike |
| Typical price | Private roughly $30–45 per tuk-tuk; shared $25–29 per person | Around $43–55 per small group | Rental from about $5 a day, plus fuel |
| Best for | Views, fresh air, photos, stopping wherever you like | Heavy rain, anyone who dislikes long winding rides, tight schedules | Confident, experienced riders |
| Downsides | Slower; cold and damp in fog or rain | Less atmosphere; you see it through glass | Hairpins, no street lights, cold and wet; small scooters struggle, especially with two people |
Our honest view: in dry weather the tuk-tuk is the best way up, because the ride is half the experience. In a downpour, take a car. Only go by scooter if you're an experienced rider on a decent bike, and never plan to come down in the dark.
A typical Bokor day by tuk-tuk
- Around 8:00: pickup in Kampot, then west along National Road 3 to the turn-off.
- The climb: about an hour of hairpins and jungle, with a stop at Lok Yeay Mao.
- The plateau: the old church, Le Bokor Palace from outside, the Black Palace and Wat Sampov Pram.
- Lunch at the top, or a picnic.
- Popokvil waterfall, if it's flowing.
- Mid-afternoon: head down, and you're back in Kampot well before dark.
Ride with Seth
Seth was born in Kampot, has guided for 12 years and is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor from 19 reviews. His Bokor Mountain Day is private, six to seven hours, at your pace, with the history the signs leave out. If the forecast looks grim, ask him whether it's worth swapping days; you might do the countryside tour first and save Bokor for a clearer morning. Message Seth for a fixed quote on WhatsApp at +855 96 694 6137. For other fares around town, see Kampot tuk-tuk prices.
FAQ
Is there an entrance fee for Bokor National Park?
No. Toll collection ended on 15 October 2017. The gate and booth remain, but entry is free.
How long does it take to get up Bokor by tuk-tuk?
Allow roughly an hour to an hour and a half from Kampot to the plateau, about 37–40 km. The whole day with stops takes six to seven hours.
How cold is it on Bokor?
Usually 6–7 °C cooler than Kampot, and it often feels colder because of wind and fog. Bring a jacket whatever the season.
Can you go inside Le Bokor Palace?
Only if you're staying there. It's a working luxury hotel again, so non-guests see it from outside.
Is Popokvil waterfall worth it in the dry season?
It's often a trickle in the dry season, roughly December to April. It's at its best in the rainy season, roughly May to October.
