Collection of Available Guides for Preah Monivong Bokor National Park in Kampot Province

Cambodia's mountain sanctuary with colonial history andASEAN Heritage status

Preah Monivong Bokor National Park

Preah Monivong Bokor National Park occupies a significant position in Cambodia's protected area network, representing the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage while balancing development pressures. Located in the Dâmrei Mountains of Kampot Province, the park encompasses approximately 1,545 square kilometers of mountainous terrain that forms part of the broader Cardamom Mountains ecosystem, one of mainland Southeast Asia's most important biodiversity corridors. The park's elevation profile, with most areas at around 1,000 meters above sea level and the peak of Phnom Bokor at 1,081 meters, creates distinct microclimates and habitat zones that support remarkable ecological diversity. The naming of the park after King Sisowath Monivong, who frequented the area and died there in 1941, reflects the deep historical connection between Cambodian royalty and this mountainous landscape. The park's designation as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003 elevated its conservation profile and reinforced Cambodia's obligations to maintain its ecological integrity as part of the broader ASEAN environmental network. Recent development pressures, including the 2019 Master Plan for Bokor City Development Project that envisions development on nearly 19,000 hectares of the park, highlight the ongoing tension between conservation and development in Cambodia's rapidly modernizing society.