At the foot of Doh Kramom mountain, in Pich Chenda district, Bousra Waterfall is one of Mondulkiri province's most iconic natural sites. Located approximately 40 km northeast of Sen Monorom, it cascades across several tiers deep within tropical forest and borders a village of the Bunong minority.

Why visit Bousra Waterfall

The waterfall combines three assets rarely found together on a single site in Mondulkiri: a set of spectacular multi-tiered falls, a 119-hectare ecological park dedicated to tropical forest, and the immediate proximity of the ethnic village of Pichinda. It's an opportunity to experience in one visit both a remarkable hydrological landscape and a traditional way of life still present in this remote northeastern region of Cambodia.

The site is ideal for swimming in the natural pools formed at the base of the accessible tiers, as well as for picnicking. It remains frequented by Mondulkiri residents seeking to cool off, making it a living place rather than a mere curiosity for foreign visitors.

What to see on site

The three tiers of the waterfall

The waterfall divides into three successive stages, connected by staircases and separated by pools.

• First tier: approximately 15 m wide and over 12 m high. During the dry season, the width reduces to around ten metres.
• Second tier: located 150 m from the first, it reaches 18 to 25 m in height and 13 m wide. During the rainy season, the sprayed area expands to 20 m.
• Third tier: more powerful and more enclosed, it remains inaccessible to visitors. The surrounding forest is dense and no infrastructure has been developed to reach it.

Bousra Ecological Park

Around the falls, a 119-hectare ecological park protects a sample of Mondulkiri's tropical forest. Marked trails allow for self-guided exploration through dense vegetation, characteristic of Cambodia's eastern highlands.

The Bunong village of Pichinda

Immediately adjacent to the falls, Pichinda village is inhabited by the Phnong (Bunong) minority, one of Mondulkiri's main indigenous groups. Traditional straw-built cabins constructed using time-honoured techniques are still visible here. Villagers offer local products and refreshments near the site entrance.

When to visit

The rainy season, from May to October, is when the falls are most powerful: water flows across the full width of the tiers and mist shrouds the surrounding vegetation. This is also when Mondulkiri residents come to cool off.

The dry season, from November to April, offers reduced water flow but easier access (navigable tracks, less slippery trails) and better visibility for swimming in the pools.

How to get there

From Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri's provincial capital, a red earth track of about thirty kilometres leads to the site. The journey is usually made by motorbike, tuk-tuk or 4x4 depending on the season. Two-wheeler rentals are available in Sen Monorom at modest rates; expect about 1 to 1.5 hours of travel depending on track conditions, which become slippery after rain.

Practical information

• Visit duration: allow 2 to 3 hours on site to explore the first two tiers and the ecological park.
• Entrance fee: a modest access fee is charged at the site entrance.
• What to bring: swimwear, towel, non-slip footwear (rocks are slippery), water and snacks.
• Safety note: swimming is done in the pools, never at the edge of the falls; water flow can be very strong during the rainy season.

Nearby attractions

The waterfall fits into a broader stay around Sen Monorom and Mondulkiri. To extend your Cambodia exploration, you can combine this stop with the country's major sites:

• Bayon Temple, famous for its face towers, at Angkor.
• Baphûon, an 11th-century temple mountain.
• Beng Mealea, a jungle-engulfed temple east of Angkor.
• Choeung Ek, a memorial to the "killing fields" near Phnom Penh.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Bousra Waterfall fits naturally into an itinerary focused on Mondulkiri and Cambodia's eastern landscapes. To build a bespoke journey including this destination, explore our Cambodia trips.