MONDULKIRI
7 DESTINATIONS YOU MUST CHECK IN MONDULKIRI
Mondulkiri is an eastern province of Cambodia, which is the most sparsely populated province in the whole country although being the largest province in Cambodia. The province is chock full of natural beauty, with thickly forested mountains, powerful waterfalls and the lush green rolling hills of the western side.
Despite the growing deforestation, especially due to the valuable minerals remaining in the deep red, fertile ground, Mondulkiri has still one of the biggest successional woodlands of Cambodia. Except being in Sen Monorom, you’ll find deep pure jungle, with a huge variety of flora and fauna. You may also find gigantic and beautiful waterfalls, where you can take an empowering shower, such as the impressive Bou Sraa.
Sen Monorom is the provincial capital and doesn’t show up as a typical Cambodian town, while it is the only town the province has to speak of. With approx. 7500 inhabitants, 20 guesthouses, 12 restaurants, 3 bars and no post office it is often compared to American Wild West frontier towns. Concerning the quietness and beauty of Sen Monorom people from other parts of the country move here and therefore the land price doubled from 2006 to 2007.
The town of Sen Monorom is the best base camp for travellers who want to explore the surrounding areas. A quiet but beautiful town nestled into the hills; it has a lot of potential to develop into a centre for non-intrusive eco-tourism.
1. BOU SRA WATERFALL
Busra waterfall is located in Pich Chenda district about 43 kilometers northeast of Mondulkiri provincial town, Sen Monorom. Busra is considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in Mondulkiri. The waterfall is divided into three stages
The double-drop waterfall is very popular with the locals who use it as a bathing and picnic spot. Its top level is around 10m in height, and the lower level drops down 25m to the gorge. It is in a scenic and pristine setting and offers great photo ops. Nearby is the ethnic Phnong village called Pichinda which has a small guesthouse. Some snacks are available at the falls, but bring food if you would like something more substantial.
2. LAK POK BRAS WATERFALL
The Lak Pok Bras Waterfall is located in Romanea Commune, Sen Monorom District; 13 km from the provincial town. It can be reached by path. There are more than 569 families living in the Lak Pok Bras area, whose main occupations are farming.
During the rainy season, the waterfall is 8 meters in height and 39 meters in diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall is 10 meters in height and 20 meters in diameter. At its base, there is a big water reservoir in which tourists can swim happily. Besides, there are many big trees providing cool shade for them. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air.
Its presents eye catching natural beauty, with the waterfall surrounded by forest and mountain. This natural wonder picturesque were hidden its charm under the huge trees giving the shade in which visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch and swimming in the open areas of the clear water basin then flowering along channel.
Next to Lak Pok Bras waterfall is the home indigenous ethnic group people living for centuries and remains a center for cultural diversity in this region. This minority such as Phnong, Stieng, Kuoy, Tum Poun and Charay people continue to depend on the natural resources of Mondulkiri province for their survival.
3.PHNOM NAM LEAR SANCTURY
Phnom Nam Lear Sanctury is 80 km (4h) From Provincial Town. Description: Natures & Wildlife PreservesLocation: Pichinda District Border of Daklak Provinece (Vient Nam) Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary, Mondulkiri is known for the beautiful scenic beauty and idyllic surroundings. The sanctuary is one of the main wild life reserves in the province. The idyllic environment and the wide variety of flora and fauna make Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary, Mondulkiri very popular to both local people and foreign tourists.
4.PAHLUNG VILLAGE
Pahlung Village, Mondulkiri is one of the well known tourist attractions in Mondulkiri. It is just an hour? drive from the main town center. The scenic rustic setting of Pahlung Village, Mondulkiri along with diverse regional culture draws thousands of tourists and travelers. Pahlung Village in Mondulkiri is also one of the popular centers of excursion in Cambodia. Travelers can undertake an elephant trekking trip to the village. The village is on the route to the Bousra Waterfalls. The route is wonderful and takes place through winding tracks, sprawling rainforests and idyllic waterfalls. The village is located in the northern part of Senmonorom.
There are various ways to go to Pahlung Village. Apart from elephant treks, travelers can also hire shuttle cars and taxis to the village. The small village is full of scenic spots. Travelers can have a feel of the local rustic setting in the village. They can see the local huts and houses which are wonderfully designed. The forests which surround the village are also home to different varieties of flora and fauna.
5.POU LUNG VILLAGE
The Pou Lung Village and Pahlung Village in Mondulkiri Province are considered as two typical tourist attractions in Mondulkiri Province which is visited by plenty of tourists. While Pou Lung Village is known for the rich historical tradition and culture, Pahlung Village is especially popular with trekkers.
Pou Lung Village in Mondulkiri is located near the town center of Senmonorom. It is around 10 km from the town centre and takes around 15 minutes by car. The village is located along the mouth’s valley which features many natural attractions such as mountains, grass fields, and wildlife.
Travelers can hire cars or take taxis or buses to reach the village.
The village consists of ancient sites and historical specimens. There are also many local buildings and traditional houses which are wonderfully designed and decorated by using old-style methods. Pou Lung Village is a wonderful example of local rustic setting and culture. The Pou Lung villagers are predominantly indigenous groups such as Phnong, Krueng, and Stieng where their way of life is in agriculture.
Travelers who visit the village have a feel of the diverse culture of the rural areas in Mondulkiri. Travelers can also buy local artifacts and handicrafts from the village and taste local mouth watering delicacies in the village.
The village is also popular among travelers as an excursion spot. Various tours are undertaken to Pou Lung Village, Mondulkiri.
6.MARKET LIFE OF HILL TRIBE
Market Life of Hill Tribe People Mornings are the best time of the day to hit the town market and stroll about. This is when many people from the various area hill tribe communities come to the market to sell their wares and purchase supplies. It’s a good environment in which to unobtrusively observe their attire and with their permission; possibly get snapshots of them going about their normal business at the market.
7.MENANG GOLD MINES AREA
One of the popular tourist attractions in Mondulkiri, the Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. The place is known for its beautiful scenic beauties. Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri is also a popular spot for excursions.
The Memang Gold Mines Area in Mondulkiri is around 45 kms from the main town center of Senmonorom and takes around 3 hours by car. The journey is beautiful and the trip takes place through winding tracks and sprawling forests. Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri is a wildlife reserve and is home to wide variety of flora and fauna. The reserve is located in O’Clor Village.
Memang Gold Mines Area is also a well known spot for excursions. Lots of adventure lovers and nature lovers undertake excursion trips to the wild life reserve. Elephant trekking tours can also be undertaken to the place. The forest in Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri consists of diverse species of local plants and animals. There are also provisions for camping in the place.Travelers can get useful information on the Memang Gold Mines Area from the local tourist office or various travel agents. There are single day tours as well as half day
ALL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO MONDULKIRI
THE BEST THINGS TO SEE & DO
Bordering the provinces of Kratié to the west, Stung Treng to the northwest, Ratanakiri to the north and the country of Vietnam to the east and south, Mondulkiri is the most sparsely populated province in Cambodia despite being the largest in land area. The province was created in 1961 from the eastern part of Kratié Province. The capital is the town of Senmonorom. There are so many ways to experience Mondulkiri! Most tourists travel here for trekking, camping and outdoor adventures. Some choose to visit local conservation and Eco-tourism projects for some fun and volunteer work. Whether you’re in for just enjoying the high altitude and views, an easy going hiker, looking for a close-up elephant experience, or a death highway motocross biker… – Visit some of waterfalls – Go to Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary – Plantation of Pine trees – Visit Pou Lung Village or Pahlung Village – Join a Market Life of Hill Tribe People – Memang Gold Mines Area – Fishing
Considering the modest amount of visitors Sihanoukville has, the town features more than ample hotels, restaurants and bars. With its 5 beaches and 3 islands to relax on, Sihanoukville provides a peaceful counterpoint to Thailand’s sometimes crowded beaches.
MONDULKIRI HISTORY
In 1960 Mondulkiri was created out of Kratié Province by order of King Norodom Sihanouk. Saen Monorom was set up as the capital in 1962. During the Vietnam War in the late 1960s, Mondulkiri was home to three bases of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam which resulted in numerous incursions and bombings by US forces. About 1970 the area fell under Khmer Rouge domination. Subsequently, much of the populace was forcibly removed to Koh Nhek (Kaoh Nheaek) district to provide labor for rice growing. Schools, hospitals, even entire villages were destroyed. As many as half of the people in the province died during the forced relocation in the 1970s.
The Bunong people appear to have lived in the provincial area for about 2000 years, but there is little documentation until France colonized Cambodia in 1864. Like other people in the province, the Bunong were displaced in the 1970s and only allowed to return to their traditional homeland in the 1980s.
MONDULKIRI GEOGRAPHY
Mondulkiri province is situated on the South – East plateau (approx. altitude around 200-1000 metres), it’s capital Sen Monorom is about 375 Km from Phnom Penh. It is bordering Vietnam to the East and South, Ratanakiri to the North, and Kratie province to the West. Beside a bunch of smaller rivers, which grow quite big during the rainy season, there are two bigger rivers crossing the province ( the Preaek Chhbaar and the Preaek Te River ). The total area of Mondulkiri is about 14,288 square kilometres.
POPULATION 80 percent of the population in Mondulkiri is made up of ten tribal minorities, with the majority of them being the Chunchiet from the tribe of the Phnong. The remaining 20 percent are Khmer, Chinese and Muslim Cham. Most of the population lives off the land, planting rice, fruit trees and a variety of vegetables. Others grow, coffee, strawberries, rubber and cashew nuts.
Usually they make their living through traditional ways of cultivation (shifting agriculture), hunting and collecting fruits from the forest is a must. These old cultures believe in spirits, derived from their animism beliefs. The population density has a total of 44,913 inhabitants (22,890 male and 22,023 female). This is 3,14 inhabitants/sq km.
HOW TO GET MONDULKIRI
There is no airport in Mondulkiri, we can get there by bus/ minivan or private car.
From Phnom Penh – Mondulkiri
There are now two companies we can recommend who providing fast and comfortable 12 seat minivans from Phnom Penh to Sen Monorom.Virak Buntham and Rithya Mondulkiri Express. They generally take 5-6 hours to complete the journey. They have 1-2 short toilet stops along the way. You can now book your journey there online or get any guesthouse in Cambodia to book this trip for you.
From Siem Reap – Mondulkiri
A new service now travels between Siem Reap and Mondulkiri via Kompong Cham. It is called the Rithya Mondulkiri Express. Leaves at 7.45am and arrives in Sen Monorom around 4.00pm. Their bus stop is located on Road 6, 100 metres on the right past Borey Seang Nam (main Siem Reap bus station). The trip from town is around 20 minutes and will cost $3-$5 by tuk tuk. There is a local cafe next door selling breakfast.
MONDULKIRI CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO VISIT
The pleasant climate in Cambodia makes it a perfect country to visit throughout the year. Cambodia has a tropical climate that is warm and humid with an average temperature of 27°C; this can fall to a minimum temperature of about 16°C. The cool and comfortable time to travel on the Cambodia Package Holiday and explore the sights is December and January when the temperature is usually in the region of 20°C to 28°C. For those that prefer to avoid travelling in the rainy season; this can take place from May to October with a temperature range of 23°C to 30°C. If travelling in the rainy season, make sure to pack the extra supplies such as a light waterproof jacket. Also, the most intense heat is experienced during the month of April which should be avoided by those that prefer the cooler climate.
Mondulkiri’s average temperature throughout the year is definitely lower than in other areas of Cambodia (except Ratanakiri Province).
FOOD AND DRINKS IN MONDULKIRI
Because this is a small and little developed tourist destination, the restaurants don’t think about serving tourists. There just haven’t been many coming to Sen Monorom. And with the locals usually eating at home, the restaurants don’t stock much food. The procedure here is to go one our before to the restaurant you would like to eat and tell them what you would like to eat. You can leave then, while they go to the market to buy the ingredients and return to the restaurant to prepare the dishes. An alternative would be to stop by in the morning and tell them what you want for lunch or evening meal. It’s certainly not the norm at destinations around Cambodia, but here it seems to work out okay. Anyhow there are more restaurants opening during the last 2 years, which serve mostly Khmer or Vietnamese food. You might ask them to combine something for a more European style.
There are some regional food specialities unique to Mondulkiri Province too. A fruit called soursop has a citrus but creamy flavour and is only found in this part of Cambodia. The region also has wild Mondulkiri honey with an original flavour – it’s possible to buy it in Sen Monorom.
In Sen Monorom, the Cinnamon Café and Bakery is popular for breakfast and lunch, with great views of surrounding greenery from the deck. The Hefalump Café is one of the most popular places in town, great for coffee and cake.
Khmer dishes are available at the Khmer Kitchen and Sovannkiri, with the Khmer curry and fish amok particularly popular. There are also fried rice, chicken and vegetable dishes. For those missing international flavours, they also have a few alternative options on the menu. Mondulkiri Pizza is the place for those with pizza cravings. Given the proximity of Mondulkiri Province to the Vietnamese border, the food is also influenced by this, with the likes of pho and ban chao often found on the menu.
Chom Nor Mondulkiri restaurant is the biggest in town and serving asian and european foods.
Corner Restaurant.
There isn’t a name, but it’s easy to find. It’s a very simple place, but they do a good job concerning the food and they have drinks with ice. The prices are very reasonable. It’s right next to the centres round about (two buffalos).
Twin Restaurants.
There are two restaurants near the entrance area to the market. They double as community entertainment centers; local residents gather outside to gaze at videos on the TV screens inside. They can also serve the necessary karaoke hall function.
Bananas.
If you’re eager to have some real European food made by a European you’ll need to visit the Bananas. The wodden house next to a tiny creek is owned by a German woman named Tanja. She is a cook and cooks on request. The dishes are real good and quite reasonable. It’s situated down the hill from the centre and then left before you pass the bridge.
