Chevrotain (Kra-jong, Bokor Temple, Cambodia)

Chevrotain at Bokor Temple, Cambodia: A Travel Experience with mr.hotsia

If you have been following my work, mr.hotsia, you probably know that I enjoy traveling to places that are not widely talked about. Cambodia is one of the countries I am deeply fascinated by, especially in Kampot Province, which is not far from Phnom Penh and offers many intriguing places to explore. One of these is Bokor Temple on the Bokor Mountains, where I had the chance to experience the atmosphere and see the chevrotain, a small and adorable animal found in this area.

Bokor Temple is located on the summit of Bokor Mountain. This place was once a resort town during the French colonial era, built in 1921 as a retreat for Europeans to escape the heat, similar to Sapa in Vietnam. However, it has its own unique charm because, besides the cool atmosphere nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, it also offers views of the sea near the Gulf of Cambodia from the mountain peak.

Traveling to Bokor Temple is not as difficult as you might think. I drove from Kampot town, ascending the mountain along a road built during the French era that is still in decent condition. Although some sections are steep curves with thick fog, this added excitement and charm to the journey. Upon reaching the top, I encountered the atmosphere of old temples and abandoned buildings mixed with ongoing resort and casino development projects.

While exploring around Bokor Temple, I heard small rustling sounds from under the grass. Those were the chevrotains, small mammals resembling tiny deer that I had never seen in real life before. They are shy and adorably clumsy creatures. I sat quietly, closely observing their behavior, feeling as if I was truly experiencing nature not far from a big city.

At that moment, I recalled a previous trip to Takaew Province, which is not far from Kampot. This province is another interesting border crossing point for travelers who enjoy boat trips along the lower Mekong River.Traveling to Takaew ProvinceAt that time, I did not stay long, but this visit to Kampot made me want to return and explore Takaew again because the lifestyle there remains simple and traditionally charming.

After walking around and taking plenty of photos of the chevrotains, I headed to the market in Kampot town to find local food that I really like, especially fresh seafood. Kampot is famous for its excellent and affordable seafood. I stopped by the Kampot morning market, which offers large oysters and a variety of shrimp and fish.Seafood at Kampot Morning MarketHere, I tried dry Khmer noodles with a rich and balanced flavor, which I have written about in a previous article.Dry Khmer Noodles, Kampot ProvinceThis is the charm of traveling with mr.hotsia—not just sightseeing but truly absorbing the lifestyle and culture through food and nature.

If you are someone who loves nature and small wildlife like the chevrotain, this place is definitely a destination not to be missed. Especially if you watch the video I recorded.Chevrotain (Kra-jong, Bokor Temple, Cambodia)You can see that this is a small paradise for travelers who want to experience peace and the beauty of nature in a way different from typical resorts.

Moreover, the Bokor Mountains have a rich history and many interesting stories. It was once the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and has ancient ruins to explore. Standing on the mountain peak, looking down at the sea and drifting mist, it feels like this world is vast and full of endless stories to discover.

For anyone planning to travel to Cambodia, don’t forget to visit Bokor Temple and explore Kampot Province. Here, you will find not only nature and history but also local markets full of delicious food and impressive lifestyles.Backpacking Southern Cambodia 17/41: Kampot Market with large, cheap oysters and abundant seafood. This place is very rich in resources.This is another perspective I want to recommend everyone to experience.

Finally, mr.hotsia invites everyone to open their hearts and embark on a journey to experience the beauty of Cambodia from a different perspective. The best travels are those where you encounter the unexpected and discover a new world through your own eyes and heart.