Mondulkiri: A region in Cambodia worth visiting

Mondulkiri is one of the regions in Cambodia that has a lot to offer travelers coming to discover the country. Located in the northeast, nature lovers will be in awe of the beauty of the landscapes. This province also has other significant assets off the beaten path, making your stay in Khmer land unforgettable.

Activities for every desire in Mondulkiri

This eco-touristic region of Cambodia will delight outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, animal lovers, the curious, and travelers wanting to stray from mass tourism. Visitors can explore the Bousra waterfall, where swimming is possible, and even experience zip-lining with a spectacular view of the forest and mountains. Daily trekking departures are organized in this jungle. Higher up in the mountains, the region can also be explored through indigenous Khmer villages, where agriculture is the main activity. You can also explore pepper and coffee plantations around Sen Monorom, the provincial capital. Mondulkiri is also known for its commitment to elephant protection, such as the Mondulkiri Project. We visited the sanctuary to learn more about this project that was launched several years ago.

Mondulkiri Project: An elephant protection sanctuary

What is Mondulkiri Project?

The man behind Mondulkiri Project, Mr. Three, has been passionate about elephants since a young age, describing them as “gentle and intelligent” animals. He created the sanctuary with the aim of saving mistreated elephants and protecting the forest. Every year, the purchase of an elephant is carried out by collecting funds, as well as through visits offered by Mondulkiri Project. Today, Mr. Three has also set himself another significant mission with symbolic value: to give birth to a baby elephant naturally within the sanctuary. This goal is even more important as it hasn’t happened in Cambodia for nearly 30 years. Several reasons have prevented such an event from occurring until now. On one hand, elephant owners do not want females to give birth as they are used daily in work. This would mean over a year of not working for the elephant between gestation and the baby’s birth. On the other hand, some animist traditions require an elephant marriage, which is very expensive to organize. Another belief sees the birth of a baby elephant in a negative light, requiring the sacrifice of other animals to ward off bad luck. Despite these beliefs, Mr. Three remains optimistic and wishes to make this dream come true more than anything.

Visiting Mondulkiri Project

Two options are available based on your preferences and the duration of your stay in Mondulkiri. If you only want to see the elephants, feed them, and bathe them in a waterfall, opt for the "1-day tour." However, if you want to trek in Mondulkiri and see the elephants, choose the "2-day tour" option. Both options allow small group departures, with meals at the sanctuary or even overnight stays for the two-day excursion.