Popokvil Waterfall on Bokor Mountain

What you will see

The water drops over a series of rocky ledges in two stages. Between the upper and lower tiers there is a shallow pool, and another pool collects the water at the bottom. The surroundings are dense tropical forest.

The flow changes a lot with the season. At the end of the rainy season, in October, the view from the lower bank shows the falls at a healthy volume. Outside that period the flow is lighter, though the site still draws visitors.

Getting there and the walk

Popokvil lies roughly 7.5 km north-east of the old Hill Station area at the top of Bokor. Most people come as one stop on a day trip to the mountain rather than making a separate journey.

The last stretch is on foot, along a well-marked forest trail. It is an easy walk of around 5-10 minutes, so you do not need special gear, although shoes with some grip help on damp ground near the water.

Swimming, picnics and facilities

The pool below the falls is clear and suitable for a swim, which is a welcome break from the heat after the drive up. The ground around the water also works for a picnic or a quiet hour in the shade.

• Restrooms
• Changing rooms
• A small cafe selling refreshments

Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to get in the water.

Wildlife and background

The waterfall is in the middle of Preah Monivong National Park, where monkeys, birds and reptiles live. Keep noise down and do not feed animals.

During the French colonial period the falls were already a destination for colonists who came up to Bokor to escape the lowland heat. Today the area has visitor facilities, and the development has drawn concern about its effect on the environment. The old site says efforts have been made to carry it out responsibly.