Mondulkiri Province, eastern Cambodia · Cambodia
Rolling green hills, waterfalls and ethical elephant sanctuaries in Cambodia's eastern highlands.
Photo: Wikirictor · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mondulkiri is Cambodia's largest and least-populated province, a high plateau of rolling hills, forest and cooler air. The provincial capital, Sen Monorom, is a small town where Bunong indigenous communities and migrants live, and it serves as a base for waterfalls, forest walks and elephant visits.
The highlight for many is visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, where rescued elephants live in natural surroundings and visitors observe, feed and walk with them, without riding. Several waterfalls, such as Bou Sra, are within an easy drive. Treks go deeper into the forest, where wildlife is rare but birdlife is excellent.
The weather is cooler than the lowlands, and the pace is slow. Roads are partly rough, so travel takes time, but the hills and fresh air make it a restful and different side of Cambodia.
Why visit
Mondulkiri is Cambodia's hill country.
Ethical encounters.
Bou Sra and others.
Indigenous traditions.
Fresh air.
Green views.
Main attractions
Attractions are around Sen Monorom.
Observe rescued elephants.
Tip Choose ethical ones.
The largest waterfall in Cambodia.
Tip Visit after rains.
The hill town.
Tip Walk the market.
A small fall near town.
Tip Easy trip.
Visit with a guide.
Tip Be respectful.
Short hikes.
Tip Bring water.
Things to do
Slow, nature-based activities.
No riding.
Tip Book ahead.
Short walks.
Tip Wear sturdy shoes.
With a guide.
Tip Early start.
Cultural visit.
Tip Support local guides.
Through hills.
Tip Take care.
Local beans.
Tip Cafes.
Local food
Simple highland food.
Local style.
Where to try it Market.
Snack.
Where to try it Roadside.
Coconut curry.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Hill-grown.
Where to try it Cafes.
Avocados and bananas.
Where to try it Market.
Accommodation
Small guesthouses and lodges.
Transport
Mondulkiri is reached by road.
Motorbikes and 4x4s.
When to go
The dry season is best.
Cool and dry.
Warm.
Wet and green.
Cool nights.
Worth planning around: Heavy rain in August and September.
Itinerary
Hills and elephants.
Sen Monorom
Sanctuary
Bou Sra
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Yes for nature.
Choose no-riding places.
Two to three days.
November to April.
Cooler than the lowlands.
Yes.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Mondulkiri, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Kratie Province, north-east Cambodia, Cambodia
A riverside provincial town with Irrawaddy dolphins at Kampi, Koh Trong island, sunsets over the Mekong and French-era buildings.
Don't miss Watching Irrawaddy dolphins surface in the golden light of the Mekong.
Explore Destination — KratiePhnom Penh Municipality, Cambodia
A busy riverside capital with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Central Market, Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and a growing food scene.
Don't miss Watching the sun set over the river from a rooftop after a day of palaces and markets.
Explore Destination — Phnom PenhSiem Reap Province, Cambodia
A relaxed city with Pub Street, the Old Market, Phare circus, Royal Gardens and trips to the Tonle Sap floating villages.
Don't miss Eating fish amok in the old market after a day among temples.
Explore Destination — Siem Reap and Tonle SapRead next
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