Mondulkiri | មណ្ឌលគិរី

Well known for its coffee, elephants and mountains, Mondulkiri brings you rolling green hills and dense jungle. It’s also a little cooler in the mountains, making it a welcome escape from the heat elsewhere in Cambodia.

Although quite a long drive, it is easily accessible by bus and fits really well into a number of itineraries, including adding it to Ratanakiri or pairing it with a few days in Kracheh (Kratie). We certainly thought the journey was worth it, especially if you enjoy nature.

Mondulkiri is the most sparsely populated of the provinces, and most people make the capital, Sen Monorom, their base. From here you can book trips to see the gibbons at Jahoo, elephants at Elephant Valley Project or go hiking with the local Bunong people.

From Sen Monorom, you can visit Phnom Doh Kromom for views over the town, stop by the elephant statue made from reclaimed chainsaws or taste coffee in the nearby plantations. You can check out the sunset at the kitsch but fun Sea of the Forest or learn about local customs at the Bunong market.

Nearby Sen Monorom is Nam Lear, an ancient volcanic basalt dome with sweeping views across Mondulkiri and towards Vietnam. Not far away is Bousra Waterfall, one of Cambodia’s largest waterfalls, making it easy to visit both in the same day.

Whether you’re spending a few days exploring waterfalls, hiking through the forests or simply enjoying the cooler climate, Mondulkiri feels quite different from much of Cambodia. It takes a little more effort to reach than most places, but we found that to be part of its appeal. If you’re interested in nature, escaping the hustle and bustle or simply slowing down for a few days, we’d recommend adding it to your itinerary.