Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, often referred to simply as “Bokor”, a scenic region in Kampot province, is undergoing a transformation, thanks to the ambitions of Sok Kong, head of the Sokha Hotel Group and Sokha Real Estate. 

Since he was granted a 99-year economic land concession in 2007, Kong has embarked on a billion-dollar development project that aims to turn Bokor Mountain into a premier tourist and residential destination. 

His endeavours, however, have earned both praise and criticism, highlighting the challenges of balancing large-scale investment with environmental and social considerations.

Kong's investment in Bokor Mountain began almost two decades ago, driven by his vision of creating a modern and sustainable tourist hub. 

"In short, we have built a lot of roads and installed electricity and water supplies, at a cost of about 700-800 million [dollars], but the profit is not there, only loss," Kong told reporters during a Bokor Mountain promotional trip on 28-30 May. 

He explained that developing the mountain was challenging. Initially, a Korean development company spent just two or three million dollars and charged people $5 per person to visit the mountain for three or four hours.

He added that he believed he could do better, and intends to develop the mountain into a successful tourist area through an economic concession with the government. 

"For almost 20 years, we have been confronting complex challenges,” said Kong.

“Normally, the government is responsible for the construction of roads and the installation of an electricity supply because we pay taxes to the state. But we have had to do everything ourselves to build the roads around Bokor Mountain,” he added.

Successfully completed projects

The construction of a 32-kilometer road to the peak of Bokor Mountain, completed in 2011 at a cost of $21 million, paralleled the development of the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort, luxury residential areas, and various infrastructure enhancements. 

Kong's commitment to his vision is evident in the scale and scope of the projects undertaken.

The Thansur Bokor Highland Resort, a centerpiece of the development, aims to offer world-class amenities and attract tourists from around the globe. 

Despite the resort's allure, critics have raised concerns about its environmental impact and the transparency of land use decisions. 

Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a challenge for Kong and his team.

Another key element of the Bokor Mountain project is the restoration of Le Bokor Palace. Built in 1925 during the French colonial era, the historic hotel had fallen into disrepair due to harsh weather conditions. 

Kong's investment in restoring the hotel to its original grandeur is part of his broader efforts to blend historical preservation with modern development. 

Once the latest renovations are completed, the hotel will offer guests a unique experience, combining historical elegance with contemporary luxury.

Additional agricultural projects include establishing areas for farming that are integrated within the resort and residential zones, potentially including high-value crops and eco-friendly farming practices​.

Current tasks underway

One of the most ambitious projects under Sok Kong's leadership is the construction of a 108-metre Buddha statue. 

Set to be one of the tallest in Southeast Asia, the statue aims to become a major religious and tourist attraction. 

Designed in the Bayon style of the Jayavarman VII era, the statue will be a seated Maravijaya Buddha, symbolizing victory over Mara, the demon of temptation.

The project, estimated to cost around $30 million, involves local specialists and foreign experts. It is expected to draw millions of visitors annually, boosting cultural tourism and promoting Cambodia’s Buddhist heritage. 

For Kong, the statue is not just an investment but a commitment to preserving and celebrating the country's rich cultural history.

“The statue will be one of the largest religious tourist destinations in the world, and we have included a lot of areas where visitors will be able to meditate,” said Kong.

In addition to the restoration of historic landmarks, Kong's vision includes creating modern living spaces. Sokha Real Estate has announced three major projects in the region: Amret Thansur, Morokot Thansur, and Crown Estates. 

These developments feature contemporary three-storey flat houses, exclusive residential areas and luxury villas. 

Taken together, they represent Kong's commitment to offering premier living spaces in Cambodia.

Enhancing accessibility

Kong's investment also includes significant infrastructure developments, designed to improve accessibility to Bokor Mountain.   

A new 61-kilometre road, managed by the Sokha Hotel Group and overseen by Sokha Real Estate Co., Ltd, will feature two car lanes, dedicated motorcycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides. 

The road is expected to improve connectivity and access to the scenic areas of Bokor Mountain, boosting tourism and local economic growth.

Svay Vuthy, director of public relations for Sokha Hotel Group, noted that the clearing process for the Bokor Mountain project has been fully completed, but that concrete has only been poured for about two kilometres of the road, which is slower than expected. 

He attributed the delay in construction to the global economic crisis, which has impacted the company's investment capabilities. 

Despite economic challenges, Vuthy said the company will continue to push for additional construction.

"As the current economic crisis affects our investment, we are having to match our ambitions with the current market,” he explained.

He said that they are unable to determine an exact completion time for the project.

“If the economy improves, then we can speed up construction, but in the current economic situation, we are taking gradual steps,” he added.

Vuthy also highlighted how once completed, the new road will be an important link for local travel in the foothills of Kamchay. It will especially benefit areas such as Kampong Seila, Sre Ampil and Prey Nob, by providing better access to Bokor Mountain.

A ‘smart city’ by 2035

The Bokor Mountain Smart City project is perhaps the most ambitious aspect of Kong's vision. Spanning 9,000 hectares within the national park, this development aims to transform the area into a high-end tourist destination by 2035. 

The project emphasises eco-friendly, sustainable practices, balancing tourism development with environmental preservation.

The Smart City plan includes residential, commercial, multi-purpose, and green spaces, along with technical infrastructure such as sewage and wastewater treatment plants. 

Attractions will include cultural and religious tourism sites, an organic agricultural farm, natural tourism spots, cable cars and a rope bridge. 

A comprehensive approach aims to create a "city in the clouds" that offers a unique and sustainable living environment.

Challenges and future prospects

While addressing journalists at the "Large-scale dissemination of the potential of the development of Bokor," three-day event, held from May 28 to 30, Kong expressed his confidence that the Smart City plan will achieve its goals.

Kong acknowledged that the success of the project hinges on a wider economic recovery. 

“Once the economy recovers, this development is possible, but without it, it will not be,” he said.

He remained committed to the project, hoping that future generations will continue his vision and not abandon the investment that has been made so far.

As the project is just 12 years into the 99-year lease, he was confident that his descendants, the successors to his business empire, would not give up on his vision.

As the project continues to require capital without generating income, he said, “Their father or grandfather will have spent a lot of capital, so they will not give up on this investment”.