Mondul Kiri
MONDUL KIRI
To the south ofRattanak KiriisMondul Kiri, the most sparsely populated province in Cambodia, despite being the largest in land area. This province is known for its thickly-forested hills, verdant landscapes, and cascadingwaterfalls. Its capital is Sen
Monorom.
Though remote,Mondul Kiriwill awe visitors who make the trip with its otherworldly tranquility and beauty. To truly appreciate this province, one should arrange for a trek (or an elephant ride!) through the area's lush jungles to enjoy unspoiled scenery and the bracing fresh air, not to mention some of the country's most spectacularwaterfalls. Few visitors will pass up the chance to soak in the rare and dramatic beauty of a waterfall tucked in the thick of the Mondul Kiri jungle.
Mondul Kirialso offers a handful of unforgettable cultural attractions. Many visitors enjoy a stop at the Phnong minority villages where they can observe the rich culture belonging to local hill tribes. There are even opportunities to experience cultural community life on the edges of the forest through ‘home stay’ arrangements in the corridor zone of Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary and theMondul KiriProtected Forest.
MONDUL KIRI TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Bousra Waterfall
The Bousra Waterfall is conveniently located in Pech Chenda District, 43 kilometers from Sen Monorom. It can be accessed by red soil road. The waterfall is one of the most interesting places for keen tourists. It is divided into three stages:
First Stage:
The waterfall has 15-meter diameter and 8-12-meter height in the rainy season and 10-15-meter height in the dry season.
Second Stage:
The waterfall has 23-meter diameter and 15-20-meter height in the rainy season and 20-meter diameter and 18-25-meter height in the dry season. The second stage of the waterfall has 150-meter distance from the first stage.
Third Stage:
The waterfall has stronger speed than the second stage. This stage can not be reached because of its location in the thick forest and lack of means of transport.
Chrey Thom Waterfall
It locates at Sen Monorum District in 43-kilometer distance from the provincial town. During the dry season, the
waterfall has 15-meter height and two-meter diameter, and during the rainy season, the waterfall has 11-meter height and eight-meter diameter.
The waterfall surrounded by plantation of Sro Lou and there The waterfall surrounded by plantation of Sro Lou and there is a big and brandy tree of Chrey. The Provincial Tourist office in cooperation with the territorial authority has arranged this waterfall spot as the tourist site instead of Boo Sra waterfall that unable to be accessible during the rainy season.
Plantation of Pine trees
Pinetrees located at Sen Monorum District in six-kilometer distances from the provincial town by the National Road No
14. The plantation of pine trees located on the highland, which there are many pine trees remain since 1970 and growing on line, these pine trees have the same height.
The ground covered by a lot of fallen leaves. It looks like the golden colored carpet. Tourists can enjoy and rest on it without matting. The history said that, these pine trees were planted before the Sang Kum Reas NiYum time.
Rum Near II Waterfall
The Romanea Pee (II) Waterfall is located in Pourang Village, Sèn Monorom Commune, Oreang District; 12 km from the provincial town. It can be accessed by the Road No. 76.
There are more than 108 families living in the Romanea Pee area, whose main occupations are farming.
This resort is managed by the Romanea Pee Waterfall Managerial and Developmental Commission vested by the provincial authority in collaboration with the provincial executive committee. It is partly supported financially by the DANIDA Organization of Denmark.
During the rainy season, the waterfall is 3 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall is 4 meters in height and 6 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.
Phnom Lou Pran
- Location : Pou Cha Village, Bou Sra Commune, Pichreada District, Mondulkiri Province, 50 km from Senmonorom City.
- How to go : It take about 4 hours by car or motobike.
- Attractions: Mountain is made of one gigantic rock. The surrounding area is covered with forest and grass. The mountaintop overlooks the beautiful landscape, especially big trees can be attractive to visitors. Moreover, this is a worship place for the local people.
Sen Monorum Waterfall
Locates at Sen Monorum District in five-kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil trail, Along either sides
of the trail, there are industrial plantations like rubber, coffee and cashew as well. It is closed to the provincial town.
Phnom Dos Kramom Resort
The Yok Sros Phlom or Phnom Dos Kramom Resort is located in Dos Kramom Village, Sokhdom Commune, Sèn
Monorom District; 3 km away from the provincial town. It can be accessed by path. There are more than 2,092 families living in the Phnom Dos Kramom area of over 100 ha, whose main occupations are farming.
This resort is managed by the Department of Culture and Fine Arts. Its main point of interest is the mountain covered by grass from its foot to its top, which big trees hardly grow on except near valleys and streams. The mountaintop overlooks the beautiful landscape of the provincial town of Mondul Kiri and majestic natural mountainous forest.
Phnom Nam Lear Wildlife Sanctuary
It has an area of 475 kilometer squares, 45km from the town, it 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, Mondul
Kiri very popular to both local people and foreign tourists.
Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary in Mondul Kiri is a wildlife reserve and is home to wide species of local birds and animals. It is located around 80kms from the main town center of Sen Monorom. 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 are 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, Mondul Kiri. 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 Mondul Kiri has boosted eco-tourism in Mondul Kiri to a great extent.
Lèng Khin Waterfall
The Lèng Khin Waterfall is located in Pouyam Village, Sèn Monorom Commune, Oreang District; 26 km away from the provincial town. It can be accessed by path.
Around the waterfall, most of the residents do farming. During the rainy season, the waterfall is 22-25 meters in height and 7-10 meters in diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall is 28 meters in height and 8 meters in diameter. It is one of the highest flowing-down waterfalls in the Mondul Kiri province. 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.
Or Toeng Loeng Waterfall
The Or Toeng Loeng Waterfall is located in Mémang Commune, Keo Seima District; 30 km away from the provincial town. It can be accessed by path.
There are 465 families living in the Or Toeng Loeng area, whose main occupations are farming. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air.
Lék Pok Bras
The Lék Pok Bras Waterfall is located in Romanea Commune, Sèn Monorom District; 13 km from the
provincial town. It can be reached by path.
There are more than 569 families living in the Lék 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.
Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary
It has an area of 2,225 kilometer squares, Is one the popular tourist attractions in Mondulkiri. The sanctuary is
located amidst the Eastern Plains which is known for the sprawling rain forests and beautiful rivers.
Phnom Prich Sanctuary in Mondulkiri is a part of the initiative undertake by the Cambodian Government to conserve the diverse flora and fauna in the country. The sanctuary forms part of the 1 million hectare of land in the Eastern Plains. The WWF has also helped the government in the undertaking.
The Phnom Prich Sanctuary is home to some of the endangered species in the country. There are wide varieties of mammals, birds and reptiles. Some of the protected species in the sanctuary are tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, jungle cat, and deer and so on. Some bird species include sarus, crane and giant ibises. The sanctuary provides a wonderful habitat for these animals.
Lèng Tao Waterfall
The Lèng Tao Waterfall is located in Pouloung Village, Romanea Commune, Sèn Monorom District; 15 km from the provincial town. It can be reached by path.
There are 143 families living in the Lèng Tao area, whose main occupations are farming. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air.
Mondulkiri Protected Forest
Started in 2005, The Eastern Plains Landscape (EPL) project, located in northeastern Cambodia, covers 2 protected areas: Mondulkiri Protected Forest (MPF) and Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary (PPWS). Both protected areas are part of the world’s 200 most biologically important eco-regions. Spread over an area of almost 800.000 ha, the EPL contains one of the largest continuous stretch of dry- and semi evergreen forest in South East Asia;
The Mondulkiri Protected Forest was legally designated by a Royal Government of Cambodia Sub-Decree in 2002 for the primary purpose of conserving plant and wildlife genetic resources.
The management of MPF falls within the criteria of IUCN category 2: “National Park: protected area mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation”
WWF has been actively managing the MPF since 2004 in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Office (WPO) of the Forestry Administration (FA). WWF developed the all-encompassing Srepok Wilderness Area Project (SWAP), which governs all activities undertaken within the MPF.
The remote value of the MPF is significantly high for the region, containing a large amount of undisturbed habitat, an aesthetically attractive river, remote and unique landscapes, forests, and wildlife creating high potential for tourists to visit the area.
The Mondulkiri Protected Forest (MPF) is part of the Lower Mekong Dry Forest Eco-region (LMDFE), which is indicated by WWF as one of the world’s 200 most biologically important eco-regions. The MPF contains a characteristic dry forest mosaic pattern of natural habitats, including several small ponds and wetlands that are embedded in three forest types. This habitat mosaic is globally unique and supports a significant population of globally threatened wildlife species.
The Srepok River that runs through the MPF, is part of the biologically rich Mekong River system and forms a priority landscape within the LMDFE. The Srepok river system is a vital economic and livelihood resource for MPF and the adjacent communities of which many rely solely on the river for domestic water supply, fish consumption and transport.
Most of the trees are of non-commercial value because they are small in diameter and widely spaced. However, the forest contains some luxury timber species, but its patches are often scattered and in remote locations. Local people harvest trees and bamboo for construction and Non-timber forest products, such as resin and sleng seeds, form an important valuable resource.
Or Chhvéng Waterfall
The Or Chhvéng Waterfall is located in Poutrom Village, Romanea Commune, Sèn Monorom District; 12 km away from the
provincial town. It can be reached by path.
There are 141 families living in the Or Chhvéng area, whose main occupations are farming. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air.
Chrey Yos Waterfall
The Chrey Yos Waterfall is located in Laoka Village, Sokhdom Commune and Pouloung Village, Romanea
Commune, Sèn Monorom District; 6 km from the provincial town. It can be accessed by the red pebble path.
There are more than 328 families living in the Chrey Yos area of 250.403 ha, whose main occupations are farming. This resort is managed by the provincial executive committee. It is partly supported financially by the DANIDA Organization of Denmark.
The resort is flanked by two streams, Trék having a size of 5 m during the rainy season and a size of 1.5 m during the dry season and Tra having a size of 4 m during the rainy season and a size of 1 m during the dry season.
Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air.
Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary
Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary is the part of Mondulkiri wildlife sanctuary, is one of Cambodia’s natural wonders. Located in the northwestern provincials of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri province. It has an area 2,225 kilometer squares, the area has been charming tourists with its picturesque forests and tranquil surroundings. It’s also a haven for a wide range of wildlife,
including some endangered species. Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary contains range of mountains, a mix of forests and lowlands. This is interspersed with prairies, ponds and water channels from Tonle Sre Pok River. It provides ideal shelter for large mammals such as elephants, bantengs, gaurs, tigers, and wildlife buffalos, as well as bears, bovid and other smaller carnivores and primates.
According to a survey by WWF in 2001, the forest has roughly a dozen large wild animal species. There are around a hundred bird species here, including waterfowl.
Besides providing shelter to a diverse range of wildlife, the Sanctuary is also home of more ethnic minorities, mostly from the Phnorng minority. They make their living entirely from the park’s natural resources, utilizing natural resins, vines rattans, herbal trees, and forest products.
Tourists wishing to visit Lumphat should contact the park’s ranger-guides of Phnom Prik national park. They will guide them around the site… if visitors want to see more, they can camp here for up to one week. It gives them the time to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can also trekking by riding elephants, a facility offered by the Phnorng minority. Hiring an elephant and handler costs around $15-25 per day.
Romanea I Waterfall
The Romanea Muoy Waterfall is sited in Poutrou Village, Sèn Monorom Commune, Oreang District; 17 km away from the provincial town. It can be reached by path.
There are more than 71 families living in the Romanea Muoy area of 28.37 ha, whose main occupations are farming. This
resort is managed by the Romanea Muoy Waterfall Managerial and Developmental Inter-commune Commission vested by the provincial authority in collaboration with the provincial executive committee. It is partly supported financially by the DANIDA Organization of Denmark.
The resort has its good location which is close to the plantations like rubber, coffee, cashew, mango, avocado, and pres. During the rainy season, the waterfall is 5 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall is 6 meters in height and 8 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.
Tree Ocean (Samuth Chher)
Tree Ocean (Samuth Cher) is located in the northwest of Sen Monorom district, Mondoulkiri Province near Phnom Doh
Kromom Pagoda “The Ocean of Trees” or Samut Cher lookout is a nice place for a great view over the hills and forests of Mondulkiri. That’s why called Ocean Tree? It is not full of water, but it is full of trees. When we view from the top of the hill, the tree seem waving like ocean water.
Pou Tang Village
- Location : Poules and Pouchhob villages, Dakdam Commune, Ou Reang District, Mondulkiri Province, 20 km from Senmonorom City.
- How to go : It take about 30 minutes by car or motorbike and in short future. The road to the dakdam will be paved.
- Attractions: The main points of interest are spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulated hills, fresh air and local villages of indigenous people. This area provides a good opportunity to explor for pinic, trekking, swimming. Especially, it can be introduced visiting local villages and the culture of the indigenous people and shopping the souvenirs made by local people.
Phnom Kraol Cultural Resort
- Location : Orayes Village, Sre Sangkom Commune, Koh Nheak District, Mondulkiri Province, 3 km from center of Koh Nheak District and 111 km from Senmonorom City.
- How to go : It take about 3 hours by car(4*4) or motobike during dry season from Senmonorom City by road No. 76 In rainy season, it take more due to the condition of road.
- Attractions : The main point of interest is a place of worship on the mountaintop for the residents. Many tourists visit here to pray for happiness and prosperity. Nowadays, it is main tourist attraction which draws inbound international and internal tourists