Mondulkiri is one of Cambodge's regions with much to offer travelers seeking to discover the country. Located in the northeast, nature lovers will be nothing short of captivated by the beauty of its landscapes. This province boasts other significant appeal off the beaten path that will make your stay in Khmer land unforgettable.

Activities for every taste in Mondulkiri

This eco-tourism region in Cambodge will delight outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, animal admirers, curious travelers, and those seeking to escape mass tourism. Visitors can discover Bousra Waterfall, where swimming is possible and even zip-lining with spectacular views of forest and mountain. It's in this jungle that daily trekking departures are organized. Higher in the mountains, exploration continues through indigenous Khmer villages whose primary activity is agriculture. You can explore pepper and coffee plantations around Sen Monorom, the province's capital. Mondulkiri is also renowned for its commitment to elephant protection, exemplified by Mondulkiri Project. We visited the sanctuary to learn more about this initiative launched several years ago.

Mondulkiri Project: A sanctuary for elephant protection

What is Mondulkiri Project?

The man behind Mondulkiri Project, Mr. Three, has been passionate about elephants since childhood, describing them as "gentle and intelligent" animals. He created the sanctuary to rescue mistreated elephants and protect the forest. Each year, the purchase of an elephant is made through fundraising and thanks to visits offered by Mondulkiri Project over one or two days. Today, Mr. Three has also set himself another considerable mission of symbolic value: enabling the natural birth of a baby elephant within the sanctuary. This goal is all the more important given that it hasn't occurred in Cambodge for nearly 30 years. Several reasons have prevented this event until now. On one hand, elephant owners don't want females to give birth because they use them daily in their work, which would mean over a year without working for the elephant during the gestation period and birth of the calf. On the other hand, certain animist traditions require a marriage ceremony between elephants, which is very costly to arrange. Another belief views the birth of a baby elephant unfavorably, requiring the sacrifice of other animals to avert bad luck. Despite these beliefs, Mr. Three remains optimistic and wishes to realize this dream above all else.

Visiting Mondulkiri Project

Two options are available depending on your expectations and length of stay in Mondulkiri. If you wish simply to see the elephants, feed them, and wash them in a waterfall, opt for the "1 day tour" option. If you prefer to trek through Mondulkiri and see the elephants, choose the "2 days tour" package instead. Both options allow you to travel in a small group and dine within the sanctuary or even stay overnight for the two-day excursion.