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Phnom Bokor The 1040 metres high Bokor mountain and the Bokor national park is located at the southern tip of the Elephant mountains near the Cambodian-Vietnamese border. It was first accessed in 1916 and developed later as a popular altitude resort during the French protectorate and during the regime of prince Norodom in the nineteen sixties. In its history, this hill resort has been abandoned twice, first when Vietnam overran the place in the late forties while fighting the French and next in 1972 when it was controlled by the Khmer Rouge. The Bokor national park was founded in 1993 and it consists of untouched jungle, waterfalls, rivers and unspoiled nature. Recently, the park has received funding to focus on protection and monitoring of wildlife and on community outreach programmes. Since this programme began, poaching of endangered wildlife and illegal logging has strongly diminished. The hill has been open for tourism since 1997. There is so much to be seen, such as an old abandoned catholic church, the derelict French colonial style hotel and casino, Holiday Villa and a Buddhist monastery that is built on the verge of the mountain. Enjoy the fabulous view over Cambodian and Vietnamese coast and islands from the top, 1081 metres above sea level. How to get there: It takes a one-hour drive from Kampot town and is located at the base of the mountain range. When you arrive there you will notice there not only the sights but also a zoo that contains many species of Cambodian wildlife. Leave Phnom Penh no later than 6 o'clock. A four-wheel drive is necessary to reach the top.  You can also book a guided tour from Kampot. You then might consider  staying overnight in Kampot for one night and visit the waterfalls and a pepper farm the next day. The area is a considerable tourist attraction, especial during the national, traditional and international festivals. Near the Kamchay waterfall at the peak of the mountain, there is a little pagoda, called Wat Samphoeu Pram or the Pagoda of the Five Sailing Boats. The pagoda was built by King Sisowath Monivongs in 1924 while the country was a French protectorate and is small but exquisite, with its tiny temple and stupa forming its entrance. The pagoda is especially striking for its setting next to five amazing huge, flat rocks, 10 meters long by 10 meters high sheets. These natural formations stand like the sails of huge boats, giving the temple its name. A legend explains how those rocks came to be here.