Yeay Mao Monument, Bokor Mountain

What the monument is

Yeay Mao is a legendary figure in Khmer folklore, and this monument is dedicated to her. The main statue is 29 metres tall and dominates the summit of Bokor Mountain, which rises to 1,075 metres.

The site is more than a single figure. Smaller statues and shrines stand around the main one, so it works as a place of worship as well as a viewpoint. Visitors, Cambodian and foreign, come here for both reasons.

What to do when you get there

• Climb the stairs. A staircase leads up the monument, and the reward is a wide outlook over the surrounding mountains and countryside.
• Look at the shrines. The smaller statues and shrines around the base are part of the site, so take a few minutes to walk around them rather than only photographing the large statue.
• Walk the area. The terrain around the monument is used for hiking and nature walks. The old description mentions a range of plants and animals, including rare orchids and colourful birds, so it suits anyone who likes to look closely at nature.

Planning your visit

The monument is on the summit of Bokor, so you reach it as part of a trip up the mountain from Kampot. Because it sits at altitude, the view is the main reason to go; a clear day makes a real difference.

Use the Google Maps link on this page to pin the exact spot before you set off. It is easy to combine with other places on the plateau, such as the old buildings, the lake and the waterfall, which have their own pages on this site.

Treat the shrines with the usual respect shown at Cambodian religious sites: dress modestly and keep your voice down near people who are praying.