Phnom Namlear Sanctuary offers a truly authentic wilderness experience, where tourists can camp in the heart of nature and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Post staff
Nestled in the northeast corner of Cambodia, Mondulkiri province is rich in natural beauty, wildlife and indigenous culture.
It is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to cascading waterfalls, dense forests and diverse animal life.
Despite its vast potential, the province remains relatively underexplored, with more than a hundred almost-undiscovered eco-tourism sites waiting to be explored.
“In addition to the cool climate, which is popular with tourists, Mondulkiri has 106 individual tourism attractions, as well as indigenous cultures,” said Ngin Sovimean, deputy provincial governor.
Known for its pristine nature, Mondulkiri boasts a series of breathtaking waterfalls, including Bou Sra, Sen Monorom, Romanear and Leng Khin, which attract nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Phnom Doh Kromom (Hill of the Girls) is a sacred hill which offers panoramic views of Mondulkiri. Post staff
The province is also renowned for its commitment to eco-tourism, with a growing number of wildlife sanctuaries, including Phnom Prich and Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, that provide a haven for both local wildlife and eco-conscious travellers.
With these untouched natural wonders, Mondulkiri offers the perfect opportunity for sustainable tourism.
The province’s remote beauty has yet to be fully developed, leaving plenty of room for eco-tourism ventures that protect its fragile environment while supporting the local economy.
“Of the more than 100 sites, only one resort, Bousra waterfall, is being developed, and all businesses are run by Cambodians,” said Sovimean.
Mondulkiri is located in the northeast region and covers 14,288 square kilometres, divided into one town, four districts, 17 communes and 92 villages, with a total population of more than 100,000.
The province also has five wildlife sanctuaries, with the potential to develop eco-tourism, as well as gold and bauxite resources, noted the deputy governor.
Bou Sra Waterfall is the largest and most well-known waterfall in Mondulkiri, with two stunning tiers. Post staff
It is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Bunong, Kuy and Charay, whose unique traditions and customs remain largely intact.
Visitors have the chance to immerse themselves in the traditional lifestyles of these communities by visiting villages such as Pou Lung and Dak Dam, where the indigenous people continue to live off the land, sharing their history, craftsmanship and customs with their guests.
For those seeking adventure, Mondulkiri offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including jungle trekking, camping and exploration of its many waterfalls.
The government is committed to opening up to eco-friendly tourism, emphasising the importance of small-scale projects that respect the environment and local culture.
“There are 15 eco-tourism projects already under development, each occupying less than 10 hectares,” noted Sovimean.
These projects are designed to offer eco-conscious tourists the chance to experience the province’s natural beauty without causing harm to its delicate ecosystems.
The Andong Kraleung Community Ecotourism Area has already attracted attention, offering visitors the chance to observe local wildlife, including monkeys, and visit an elephant camp with eight elephants that have become a major draw for international visitors.
The factors that led to the increase in tourists before the global pandemic, the deputy provincial governor said, were the installation of lighting, the construction of upper and lower dams, the development of parks, as well as the promotion of several other tourist areas, especially the 24-hectare Namlear Mountain.
He said that the vast majority of tourists were domestic Cambodians, with more than 400,000 in 2024, while foreign tourists only just topped 6,000.
However, he claimed that tourism in Mondulkiri province had increased by more than 70 percent over the pre-pandemic 2019 figures.
With more than 2,000 accommodation services in place, Mondulkiri is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for eco-tourism.
However, there is still work to be done, especially during peak festival periods when services are limited.
He also noted that some Chinese had come to stay at resorts in Mondulkiri, but he did not know whether they were just here for recreation or to invest in the province.
In addition, two foreign companies are currently involved in developing airports in Mondulkiri, with the new air connections expected to bring still more visitors.
