Bokor Palace | Hill Station

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In the early 1920s, the French built a hill station on the mountain as a retreat from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. The hill station included a casino, hotels and other amenities and quickly became a popular destination for French colonists and wealthy locals.

During the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, the hill station was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The buildings were looted and damaged and the jungle began to reclaim the land. In the years following the Khmer Rouge regime, the hill station remained largely abandoned, with only a few small villages and a handful of tourists visiting the area.

In the early 2000s, a group of investors led by Cambodian businessman Sok Kong began a massive renovation project to transform the hill station into a luxury hotel and resort. The project, which cost over $100 million, involved the restoration of several historic buildings, including the Bokor Palace Hotel and the casino, as well as the construction of new buildings, including a golf course and a luxury spa.

The result of the renovation project is the Le Bokor Palace, a luxury hotel and resort. The hotel features 36 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, a bar, a fitness center and a swimming pool. The hotel also offers a range of activities for guests, including golf, hiking and sightseeing tours of the surrounding area.

The transformation of the hill station into the Le Bokor Palace has been praised for its preservation of the historic buildings and the surrounding natural environment. The hotel has won several awards for its design and sustainability practices and has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a luxurious and unique experience in Cambodia.

The history of Bokor Mountain is a fascinating story of colonialism, war and transformation. The hill station, which was once a retreat for French colonists, fell into disrepair during the Khmer Rouge regime, but has been reborn as a luxury hotel and resort. The Le Bokor Palace is a testament to the resilience of the Cambodian people and the beauty of the natural environment and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Cambodia.