5-Day The Hidden Charms of Eastern Cambodia

Depart from Phnom Penh this morning for a scenic 6.5-hour drive to Mondulkiri, covering approximately 370 km, with a lunch stop along the way. As you travel, admire the picturesque rice fields, buffaloes being washed, the land being plowed, and the daily life of local villages, along with rubber plantations. Feel free to stop for photos at any time!

Sen Monorom, the hub of the remote and intriguing Mondulkiri province, is near the stunning Bou Sra Waterfalls, various ethnic minority villages, the heartwarming Elephant Valley Project, and opportunities for forest hiking and gibbon watching.

Upon arrival in Sen Monorom, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight at a hotel in Mondulkiri

The Elephant Valley Project (ELIE) offers a unique opportunity to trek into the natural jungle habitat of elephants and observe their behavior in a stress-free environment. There are no rides, tricks, or shows—just hours spent walking with these magnificent animals and learning about their individual stories. If you are passionate about elephant welfare and their future, ELIE is the ideal destination.

At 7:30 a.m., you’ll embark on a 30-minute drive to ELIE, a sanctuary within a 1,500-hectare reserve where elephants roam freely and rediscover their semi-wild instincts. Spend the day hiking through the Cambodian jungle, observing two different herds as they graze, play, and explore their forest home. In the afternoon, you may choose to volunteer on various projects, such as planting trees, building bridges, or preparing food for the elephants. Enjoy the buffet lunch in the base camp at midday. Return to your hotel at 5.00 p.m.

*Note: ELIE is open to visitors Monday through Friday. On weekends, the elephants are moved to a remote location to relax and feed on bamboo, and visits are not permitted.

Overnight at a hotel in Mondulkiri

Begin your day early with a visit to a local market, then travel to Pou Lung village, home to the Phnong indigenous community. A local Phnong guide will share insights into their culture and way of life, facilitating interactions with the community. Continue your journey to Bou Sra Waterfall, Cambodia’s most scenic two-tiered waterfall, with a 10m cascade on the first tier and 25m on the second. This popular spot offers opportunities for a refreshing swim or a thrilling zipline ride through Bousra Ecopark, providing stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding jungle.

After a swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall, enjoy a simple local picnic lunch with beautiful views.

In the afternoon, visit a coffee plantation to taste freshly brewed coffee and learn about coffee cultivation. Next, head to a hilltop offering breathtaking views of Samot Cheur, also known as the “Sea Forest,” where the emerald forest appears like rolling waves.

Conclude your day with a sunset view from Wat Phnom Doh Kromom, which offers the best sunset vista in Mondulkiri. From the wooden platform, you can enjoy panoramic views over Sen Monorom.

Overnight at a hotel in Mondulkiri

After breakfast, drive to Kratie Province (216 km, 4 hours), renowned for its rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. Don’t miss trying the local delicacy, bamboo sticky rice known as “Kralan”. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kratie.

Following lunch, travel to the village of Sambo to visit Wat Sorsor Mouy Roy, also called the 100 Pillars Pagoda, which is known for its legendary tale of a princess and a crocodile. Then, head to Kampi village, one of the best spots for viewing the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins. Board a local boat and cruise through their preferred habitats. When dolphins are spotted, the boat engine will be turned off, allowing for a peaceful 1 to 1.5-hour observation.

In the early evening, drive to the charming riverside town of Chhlong (52 km, 1 hour) for an overnight stay. Chhlong features some French colonial houses, including the boutique hotel Relais de Chhlong.

Overnight at a hotel in in Chhlong, Kratie

After breakfast, take a brief stroll around town, including a visit to the bustling morning market if you wish.

Next, travel to Kampong Cham (82 km, 1.5 hours) and visit Nokor Bachey Temple. This unique and captivating temple features beautiful wall paintings within a modern Buddhist pagoda set on the grounds of an Angkor-era temple. It is the only temple of its kind in Cambodia. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kampong Cham.

• Option 1: Continue to Phnom Penh (125 km, 3 hours).
• Option 2: Travel to Kampong Thom Province (105 km, 2 hours) for an overnight stay. Explore Sambor Prei Kuk, an archaeological site of Ancient Ishanapura, before heading to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor.
• Option 3: Drive directly to Siem Reap (256 km, 5 hours).