Mondulkiri Project
Mondulkiri Project
5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The Mondulkiri Project is an Elephant Sanctuary with elephants who have been rescued and retired from working. We are a registered Cambodian NGO. We also protect a forested valley from logging and providing local employment opportunities for local Bunong hill tribes. Our one and two day elephant and jungle trek tours operate daily from 8.30am. You can walk with, feed, swim with and wash elephants at a waterfall in our protected forest. No elephant riding. Learn about Bunong hill tribe customs from our guides.
Sen Monorom, Cambodia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Mondulkiri Project
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
747 reviews
Excellent
662
Very good
58
Average
19
Poor
5
Terrible
3
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Finn
6 contributions
June 2023 • Couples
A unique experience to get that close to the elephants and even swim with them!
The guides are outstandingly caring with the tourists and the elephants.
We can recommend to do the 2-day-option to get deeper into the jungle, see a lot of other animals and waterfalls and learn about the indigenous people from Bunong.
Especially the indigenous guide Lun who lead us on the second day through the jungle was most friendly and informative.
It was worth every penny and your spend money serves a good deed for the animals. So don't hesitate to book the tour, it is a must-see!
The guides are outstandingly caring with the tourists and the elephants.
We can recommend to do the 2-day-option to get deeper into the jungle, see a lot of other animals and waterfalls and learn about the indigenous people from Bunong.
Especially the indigenous guide Lun who lead us on the second day through the jungle was most friendly and informative.
It was worth every penny and your spend money serves a good deed for the animals. So don't hesitate to book the tour, it is a must-see!
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for writing a wonderful review of your visit to the Mondulkiri Project. We are very happy that you had an amazing experience visiting us. Our two day tour is our most popular, giving you a day at our elephant sanctuary, and overnight stay in our Jungle Lodge and an 18k guided Jungle Trek. It might become the highlight of your visit to Cambodia.
Loyin is a wonderful friendly guide from the nearby village of Putang. He started being one of our mahouts and then asked us to become a jungle guide as he became more confident with his english language skills.
Written 2 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucas Pavez
7 contributions
Dec 2022
The most important is that you can really see the good condition of the 4 elephants. The confident way how the elephants behave allows to see that the team is taking care of them. The guide explains clear the basis of the Mondulkiri project and how they work for the wellness of the elephants. Unforgetable experience for my wife and I.
As a recommendation, I consider that they should ban people to smoke in the sanctuary. Even though is open space, I think that is not good to have people smoking around these beautiful animals.
Also, our group was of just 8 persons, and everything worked perfectly. Nevertheless, we stayed there one night and we saw that the group of the next day was of around 20-25 persons, and I wonder if is it possible for the elephants to feel comfortable with so large groups.
As a recommendation, I consider that they should ban people to smoke in the sanctuary. Even though is open space, I think that is not good to have people smoking around these beautiful animals.
Also, our group was of just 8 persons, and everything worked perfectly. Nevertheless, we stayed there one night and we saw that the group of the next day was of around 20-25 persons, and I wonder if is it possible for the elephants to feel comfortable with so large groups.
Written 19 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for writing us a 5* review of your visit to the Mondulkiri Project.
We are very happy that you had a great experience visiting us.
Our staff ask people not to smoke at the sanctuary but the smokers often ignore our staff's instructions.
Our maximum group size in 20. Some of that group would have been doing the jungle trek, not visiting our elephants. If our elephants were ever feeling uncomfortable, they are free to walk away from our guests to somewhere quieter.
Written 13 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
delilah
London, UK11 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
I had the most amazing experience with this project. I highly recommend the 2 day tour as you get to stay the night in the jungle in hammocks and cook bamboo soup over the fire, eat on the floor and play card games, fall asleep to the sound of the river and crickets, it’s just so peaceful and relaxing especially after the 6 hour hike which is a bit difficult but very rewarding and the guide was lovely. The elephants are very well taken care of and all rescued from bad industries. We get to feed them bananas and wash them in the river and they are so cute and funny. Highly highly recommend!!
Written 26 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for writing a wonderful review of your visit to the Mondulkiri Project.
We are very happy that you had an amazing experience visit us.
A great summary of our very popular two day elephant and jungle trek tour.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your visit to Cambodia.
Written 6 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ethical traveller
Sydney, Australia64 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I was thinking about my experience from the perspective of the elephant and I realised I had done the wrong thing by partaking in feeding and bathing the elephants.
When our guide told us the elephants were free to roam around wherever they want I thought that was great. But then I started to question why are they so easy to find etc.
it seemed a bit staged.
There was even one situation where a French young man (maybe 21) was trying to touch “Happy” and she clearly was stressed and backing up for at least 5 meter or so until I said something pointing out how stressed the elephant was. He just wanted a selfie at the cost of the elephants stress and the guide didn’t even stop him.
Also there was one situation where we were bathing the elephant when the guide swam to the water fall and smacked his hands onto the water. The elephant immediately dove under water and swam to him. We asked how he did that? He said the elephant thought he was at risk of drowning so went to help him. For one thing this would have been stressful and in a way “demonstrates” wanting to entertain the tourist and not for the well being of the elephants.
Initially it does come across like they are doing a good job and I am sure the elephants are happier then being ridden on. However they are still being used as entertainment.
If the organisation removed the bathing and hand feeding by tourists and maybe only let us watch them from a distance then the elephants would be less stressed.
When our guide told us the elephants were free to roam around wherever they want I thought that was great. But then I started to question why are they so easy to find etc.
it seemed a bit staged.
There was even one situation where a French young man (maybe 21) was trying to touch “Happy” and she clearly was stressed and backing up for at least 5 meter or so until I said something pointing out how stressed the elephant was. He just wanted a selfie at the cost of the elephants stress and the guide didn’t even stop him.
Also there was one situation where we were bathing the elephant when the guide swam to the water fall and smacked his hands onto the water. The elephant immediately dove under water and swam to him. We asked how he did that? He said the elephant thought he was at risk of drowning so went to help him. For one thing this would have been stressful and in a way “demonstrates” wanting to entertain the tourist and not for the well being of the elephants.
Initially it does come across like they are doing a good job and I am sure the elephants are happier then being ridden on. However they are still being used as entertainment.
If the organisation removed the bathing and hand feeding by tourists and maybe only let us watch them from a distance then the elephants would be less stressed.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our elephants are not stressed. They are happy and healthy.
You booked on a tour with elephant feeding and washing and then complain about these activities.
We try our best to get the balance right for our ecotourism project so that out guests enjoy their visit without doing any harm to our elephants.
In the past 10 years we are the only elephant sanctuary in Mondulkiri that has made a continued effort to keep elephants in our province by buying or renting them long term. Each year too many of the remaining elephants in Mondulkiri Province are being bought by businesses in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and moved away from their forest homes.
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanderer13147359289
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I did the 2-day hike and had an amazing time. The first day you get to know the elephant's and then you can feed them. In the afternoon we went into the river and we where able to wash them. The jungle trekking wasn’t too hard so if you aren’t scared of some insects, this is a really nice add on. Considering you get 4 meals, lot of bananas for the elephants, an overnight stay in a hammock, a guide the entire time and you are able to support them in keeping this project alive, I feel their price is very fair!
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henrik K
6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A fantastic experience for both young and old. The guide was proficient in English and had time to answer (many) questions from our children. We had a beautiful and experiential trip around the jungle, and got to see the elephants up close, touch them, feed them and bathe with them.
We had 3 children with us (9, 7 and 2 years old). The youngest child was close to 3 years old, for him it was a physically hard trip, and it was necessary for us to carry him, part of the trip, both on the basis of the temperature, the terrain and the many impressions - but despite that, we would still recommend taking smaller children as it was a great experience.
We had 3 children with us (9, 7 and 2 years old). The youngest child was close to 3 years old, for him it was a physically hard trip, and it was necessary for us to carry him, part of the trip, both on the basis of the temperature, the terrain and the many impressions - but despite that, we would still recommend taking smaller children as it was a great experience.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe W
London, UK19 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My fiancé and I visited the project and did the two day tour. It was my second visit to the project and my fiancé’s first and put simply it was better than ever and absolutely mind blowing. The level of care for the elephants is second to none and the guides are fantastic. The two day trek was hard going for us inexperienced trekkers (18km in one day) but we had four meals provided, stopped to see three waterfalls and our guide mr Duong even cooked traditional Bunong soup for us inside a bamboo cane and even found some delicious fruits for us to eat from the jungle. Totally authentic and the most perfect experience you’ll have. 100% will visit again and would recommend as a must see in Cambodia.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for writing us a wonderful review Joe. It was a pleasure meeting you and your fiance. Mr Duong is a wonderful guide. We hope you enjoy the remainder of your visit to Cambodia. We look forward to your next visit.
Written 30 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Francesca A
Dällikon, Switzerland14 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We spent 1.5 days in the forest with 4 children ( 16,12 and 7 years old twins).
On the first day we have fed and swam with the elephants: we loved it! The guide was great and we had a lot of fun.
We met the forest guide and spent the night in the hammocks.
It was a unique experience for our children and, despite we slept a bit less than usual, we all loved it.
The second day we did a 8 km hike. Our guide was really knowledgeable and explained us many interesting things regarding trees and nature in the jungle.
The trek was also ok. However there is a long stretch outside the jungle and it is very hot.
We will definitely recommend the tour and the experience of spending one night on the jungle also for families with young children!
On the first day we have fed and swam with the elephants: we loved it! The guide was great and we had a lot of fun.
We met the forest guide and spent the night in the hammocks.
It was a unique experience for our children and, despite we slept a bit less than usual, we all loved it.
The second day we did a 8 km hike. Our guide was really knowledgeable and explained us many interesting things regarding trees and nature in the jungle.
The trek was also ok. However there is a long stretch outside the jungle and it is very hot.
We will definitely recommend the tour and the experience of spending one night on the jungle also for families with young children!
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Romain M
Le Mans City, France41 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Beautiful 2 day program in the jungle!
The first day is dedicated to the encounter with elephants, in their natural environment. What a joy to be able to approach them so closely, to feed and water them!
We were a small group of 5 people, with our own guide. We shared a traditional meal all together and spent the night in hammocks enjoying the spectacle of Nature. All necessary amenities are available on site (WC, shower...).
The second day is more sporty, with an 18km trek, through the landscapes of the region (jungle, woods, rice fields, cassava fields...). Spectacular!
We highly recommend this activity and thank the entire Mondulkiri Project team.
The first day is dedicated to the encounter with elephants, in their natural environment. What a joy to be able to approach them so closely, to feed and water them!
We were a small group of 5 people, with our own guide. We shared a traditional meal all together and spent the night in hammocks enjoying the spectacle of Nature. All necessary amenities are available on site (WC, shower...).
The second day is more sporty, with an 18km trek, through the landscapes of the region (jungle, woods, rice fields, cassava fields...). Spectacular!
We highly recommend this activity and thank the entire Mondulkiri Project team.
Automatically translated
Written 27 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonas M
Silkeborg, Denmark7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Amazing experience! The people involved are extremely friendly and it is clear that they care avoit what they are doing. The elephants clearly have a good life and the project prides itself in helping the local people. I am happy to have contributed just a little bit to this.
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for writing a wonderful review of your visit to the Mondulkiri Project.
We are very happy that you had an amazing experience visiting us.
Written 13 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hola Ramon, gracias por tu comentario, estoy planeando ir hasta alla desde siem rep por dos días para tener la experiencia, queria saber que recomendaciones podrias regalarnos, gracias de verdad por la atencion
Written 14 January 2020
Thinking of doing a self guide holiday in Cambodia. Mondulkiri is high on the list of things to do. Average fitness for my age but will be 60 by the time we go. Is average fitness for that age sufficient for the hike?
Another thought is what do you do with the luggage you don't need to take into the jungle? Is it a case of leaving it at the booking office? Are there lockers anywhere, like the bus station, where luggage can be left or would you simply have to book a hotel for several nights and just not stay there whilst when on the trek?
Written 24 November 2019
Are you asking about one day tour or two day tour?
One day tour fine for 60 year old but might be very hard in rainy season because track is muddy and slippery.
For two day tour, 18km jungle trek might be difficult for 60 year old if you have not trekked that far before.
We have a locked storeroom to keep any luggage you don't want to take on the tour.
Any more questions, please email via Mondulkiri Project website
Written 24 November 2019
Hello,
I would like to know how to reserve for a day visit.
Thanks
Written 22 May 2019
Hi, you were going to have an absolutely wonderful time visiting this vital project! The best way to reserve the place is to email Mr Tree via the
Mondulkiri Project website.
Click on Contact Us and Book Now then away you go.
Enjoy your trip - the Mondulkiri Project is magical and tell Mr Tree and the team that Ruth says hi!
Written 22 May 2019
Hello,
How can we book a one day ticket for two person please?
Thanks in advance,
Have a good day,
Written 18 February 2019
Hello
You should go on the official website, you could read all informations you need and book the tour as you want
Just need to write Mondulkiri project on google, first website
I wish you will enjoy
Yohan
Written 19 February 2019
Hi . What is the price of two days tour?
Written 18 February 2019
Two day tour is $80. One day tour is $50.
Written 19 February 2019
Hi Natalie,
How fit do I need to be to do this trek and how "dangerous" is the hiking please?
Does anyone (guides) help, if you feel you need help on the slippery hills etc?
The only reason I ask is that I am recovering from a fall in Feb 2018 (fell off a horse) and have only just finished physio etc and wary of having another fall.
Thank you. Charmaine
Written 14 January 2019
Our walk is slippery in the rainy season May - October.
It is easy to slip over at any time, not just when you are walking up a hill.
Our two day tour has an 18km jungle trek so you need to be fit.
Written 15 January 2019
Hello! I would like to book in advance, but so far I have sent two E-Mails and gotten no reply. Whom should I contact?!
Written 28 November 2018
Hello Georgi,
I answer the emails for bookings at the Mondulkiri Project.
I have not received any emails from you.
Please try again via our website.
Thanks!
Written 29 November 2018
Ciao!
da dove e a che ora si parte per raggiungere la località?
Written 3 November 2018
I nostri tour partono dalla città di Sen Monorom ogni mattina alle 8.30am.
Written 4 November 2018
Mondulkiri Project is very popular and sometimes the tours are fully booked. You need to book their tours in advance .
Written 31 October 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.