Overview
With its magnificent natural landscapes,
Mondulkiri is an ideal ecotourism destination. Still preserved from mass tourism, this province offers adventurers unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Its vast green expanses, like the Phnum Prech wildlife sanctuary, invite deep communion with nature. The fauna is exceptionally rich, from elephants to monkeys, making Mondulkiri a gem of Cambodian biodiversity.
Dubbed the "Cambodian Switzerland" for its hilly and green landscapes, it offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, far from the hustle and bustle of traditional tourist sites.
Top Attractions
Mondulkiri sanctuary, a place dedicated to promoting conservation ecotourism and community based projects
Mondulkiri offers an unforgettable experience with its unique blend of nature and culture. Here are some highlights:
Ethical Elephant Experiences
Get up close with majestic elephants in their natural environment at one of Mondulkiri's renowned sanctuaries. Your visit directly supports their protection and welfare.
Thrilling Jungle Treks
Embark on guided hikes through the province's dense jungles. You'll discover hidden waterfalls, unique plant life, and incredible wildlife.
Rich Cultural Immersion
Connect with Mondulkiri's indigenous communities. Learn about their daily lives and ancient traditions for a truly authentic experience.
Breathtaking Landscapes
Take in the stunning panoramic views that define Mondulkiri, from rolling green hills and deep valleys to meandering rivers.
See & Do
Bousra waterfalls,one of Cambodia's most famous tourist attractions
Mondulkiri is a true playground for adventurers.
As the capital of Mondulkiri province, Sen Monorom is a small town with 7,500 inhabitants and a peaceful atmosphere. It provides an ideal starting point to explore the wild and remote regions of the area.
Though modest, Sen Monorom is worth a stop. Its main street houses most amenities: guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. During the day, enjoy the town's buzz. Come evening, Sen Monorom returns to its calm, with nonexistent nightlife and scarce moto-taxis.
Don't miss the Kouprey roundabout, adorned with a statue of this wild bovid, once the national emblem of Cambodia and now sadly extinct.
You can also stroll along the two pristine lakes, where local fishermen and swimmers enliven the scenery. On the outskirts of the town, the Buddhist temple and Phnom Dos Kromom pagoda are worth a visit. This sacred place, surrounded by palm trees and golden statues, offers a breathtaking view of the region, especially at sunset, hence its nickname "Sunset Hill."
For intrepid traveklers, Bousra Adventure Park is a paradise for zipline-lovers!
Mondulkiri, known for its waterfalls, offers a multitude of natural sites to explore. Bou Sraa waterfall, an hour from Sen Monorom, is a must-see. This marvel of nature, in the heart of the jungle, even offers a 300-meter zipline for the more adventurous.
Other waterfalls, such as Dak Dam, more wild, or Monorom, more accessible and popular for swimming, will delight nature lovers. The Romanear waterfall, on the other hand, invites relaxation and swimming in its refreshing waters.
Mondulkiri is known for its elephant population, and many projects and sanctuaries are committed to their protection.
The Elephant Valley Project:
Managed by an NGO, this project offers the opportunity for day hikes or volunteering with elephants. It also supports their mahouts, dedicated caretakers, thus preserving a valuable tradition and way of life.
The Mondulkiri Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary:
Managed by another NGO, this sanctuary offers treks and ethical experiences with elephants. It also houses wild animals rescued from captivity or trafficking, such as monkeys, gibbons, civets, otters, porcupines, and leopard cats.
And finally, know that Mondulkiri is home to exceptional protected areas, true biodiversity havens.
The Seima Protection Forest is teeming with wild animals, such as elephants, bears, and big cats. Ecological excursions are offered to observe the fauna and flora, with the possibility of overnight stays in an idyllic jungle camp.
The Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary represents the largest protected area in the province. This 2,225 km² sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife. Elephants, tigers, water buffaloes, deer, and giant ibises live freely there. Guided tours are possible, as well as homestays in the village of Dei Ey, for an authentic immersion.
Go Green
Mr Linh's Adventures offers tailor-made tours to discover Mondulkiri's treasures:
Trekking and elephant encounters: Combine jungle hiking and meeting elephants in an ethical sanctuary, where you can observe them and contribute to their well-being.
Immersion in local culture: Meet minority ethnic communities, share their daily lives, and discover their ancient traditions.
Landscape discovery: Explore Mondulkiri's breathtaking landscapes, from lush hills to deep valleys and winding rivers.
Heritage
Mondulkiri offers you an authentic and captivating cultural experience
This Cambodian haven of peace is a melting pot of cultures, where minority ethnic communities like the Bunong, Kroeung, and Mnong coexist in perfect harmony.
With 80% of the population composed of indigenous tribes, mainly the Phnong, Mondulkiri offers you an authentic and captivating cultural experience. Immerse yourself in these ancestral lifestyles by participating in homestays or exploring traditional villages. Many communities engage in ecotourism, allowing you to discover their environment and culture with the utmost respect.
Interaction with these local populations is a truly enriching experience. Meet the Bunong, a warm and welcoming people, and learn about their centuries-old customs, traditional practices, and fascinating rituals. This dive into their dynamic culture also supports their economic development, thus valuing their heritage while preserving their way of life.
Near Sen Monorom, the village of Pou Lung is a must-visit stop where you can purchase local handicrafts and taste traditional dishes, providing direct support to the communities.
Be charmed by Mondulkiri's cultural richness, a true haven of peace where diversity and harmony gracefully coexist.
Food & Drinks
Some Khmer dishes cooked in bamboo
A must-try dish when visiting Sen Monorom is the grilled beef salad, also known as “num banh chok".
But first of all, Mondulkiri is a hub for cultural exploration, especially through its dominant Bunong ethnic group. Their close relationship with nature and the forest is vividly showcased in their culinary practices.
A prime example is "Samlor Prong," a traditional Bunong soup. Its name, derived from the Bunong word for bamboo, refers to the bamboo tube used in its preparation. This signature dish features ingredients like fish (or other meats), prahok, Thai eggplant, chilies, and a garlic-like herb. Unlike typical soups, Samlor Prong offers a distinctive preparation, texture, and taste that sets it apart.
Did you know ? Delicious coffee and native honey are great purchases whilst in Mondulkiri.
Directions
Location
Mondulkiri is located in the east of Cambodia, about 300 km from Phnom Penh.
How to get there
You can reach Mondulkiri by bus from Phnom Penh or other cities in Cambodia.
Ticket price: The bus ticket price varies depending on the company and distance, but on average, it ranges between 10 and 20 dollars.
Best season
The best time to visit Mondulkiri is from November to April, during the dry season, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is rare.