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.
Also interesting is the variety of languages being used: Khmer, hill tribe languages, Vietnamese and Lao. 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.
More and more houses are built in the typical Khmer style. Visiting the hill tribes you still can find the traditional Phnong houses. In the houses you can find traditional gongs and big jars, whereby the last ones are said to be more than a thousand years old. There are various sorts of gongs used for different occasions. Jars and gongs are among the most valuable possessions in an indigenous community, whether in traditional, spiritual or material terms. During the Khmer Rouge Regime those objects were buried in hidden places in the jungle and in many cases they still wait in the ground.
What to see :
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.
Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary in Mondulkiri is a wildlife reserve and is home to wide species of local birds and animals. It is located around 80 kms from the main town center of Senmonorom. It takes around 4 hours to travel from the main town center to the sanctuary by car. The journey is very pleasant as the route goes through winding routes and idyllic forests.
Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary is also a major excursion point in the province. Travelers can also camp in the sanctuary in the night. There re small cottages where one can also stay. The sanctuary is full of beautiful cliffs, small waterfalls, streams and sprawling greenery.
Various tours are also undertaken to Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary, Mondulkiri. There are travel agencies which organize such tours. Trekking tours are also undertaken by nature lovers. The popularity of the sanctuary as one of the main tourist attractions in Mondulkiri has boosted eco tourism in Mondulkiri to a great extent.
Plantation of Pinetrees
On the highlands in Sen Monorom district, about 6 kilometers from the provincial town, is a large pine tree plantation where hundreds of towering pine tree, planted before 1970, are growing in rows. Fallen needles from the trees turn the ground into a golden carpet. The needles are so numerous that visitors can lie on the ground without disturbing them.
Pine trees are believed to have been planted before then Prince Norodom Sihanouk founded his Sangkum Reastr Niyum regime, at which time the province was created.In addition, according to hunters in the province, there are more than 60 waterfalls, both big and small, making Mondulkiri province a potential source for hydro electric power.
Pou Lung Village
The Pou Lung Village, Mondulkiri is one of the main tourist attractions in Mondulkiri. It is located close to the main town center. Pou Lung Village, Mondulkiri is known for the rich historical tradition and culture and is visited by plenty of tourists.
Pou Lung Village in Mondulkiri is located near the town center of Senmonorom. It is around 10 kms from the town centre and takes around 15 minutes by car. The village consists of ancient sites and historical specimens. There are also local buildings which are wonderfully designed and decorated.
Pou Lung Village is a wonderful example of local rustic setting and culture. 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. Travelers can also 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. The tourist board as well as travel agencies organize such tours. They are mostly of single days. Travelers can hire cars, taxis and buses to reach the village.
Pou Lung Village is one of the historical sites and buildings in Mondulkiri Province. The village is located along the mouth's valley which features many natural attractions such as mountains, grass fields, and wildlife. The Pou Lung villagers are predominantly indigenous groups such as Phnong, Krueng, and Stieng where their way of life is in agriculture. The village has many traditional houses constructed using old-style methods
Reverside
Riverside Locates at Koh Nhek District in 150 kilometers distance from the provincial town. The riverside has red and golden colored sand, and stretches along the Sre Pork River mixing with many small islands.
The riverside is the leisure place for the local people of Koh Nhek District.Sen Monorom This is a pleasant little town to walk around and take in its natural beauty. The two small lakes in town are good spots for hanging out and watching the local?s fish and swim. Jump in yourself if the heat of the day has slowed your pace.
Rum Near Waterfall
Rum Near Warerfall is located at Sen Monorum District in 10.5 kilometer distance from the provincial town. The waterfall has good location, which is closed to the industrial plantations like rubber, coffee, cashew, mango, Avocado and Pres as well.
The waterfall is 5 meters high and 10 meters wide in the rainy season, in dry season, it is 6 meters high and 8 meters wide and flows smoothly past tall shade trees and toward a large basin that is suitable for swimming or bathing.
Southwest Waterfalls
Southwest Waterfalls The waterfall about 5,5 km to the southwest of town is a nice and easily accessible sight. There is a fair-sized pool below the 7,5 meter waterfall that makes a good spot for a swim or picnic. To get there, just follow the map and don't turn off of that road, as it takes you to a parking circle near the top level of the waterfall. If you don?t have a motorcycle already, hire a moto-taxi to take you out there for 4,000 riel per hour and a bit extra for fuel (1,000 riel).
Beautifull places : Fishing, Market Life of Hill Tribe People, Memang Gold Mines Area, O Taing Laing, Waterfall, Sen Monorum Waterfall, Bou Sra Waterfall, Chrey Thom Waterfall, Pahlung Village, Phnom Prich Sanctury