Elephant Sanctuaries
Ethical observation-only sanctuaries where rescued elephants roam free.
Region 02
Northeast Region
Cambodia's highland frontier.
Ratanakiri · Mondulkiri
2
Provinces
5
Destinations
2
Waterfalls
Nov–Apr
Best season
About the region
Cambodia's highland frontier.
Cambodia's northeast is a world apart — cooler, greener, and home to many of the country's indigenous communities, including the Bunong and Tampuan. Rolling hills, protected forests, and crater lakes define the landscape. It is where you go to slow down, ride elephants ethically, swim in volcanic water, and experience a side of Cambodia that most visitors never see.
01
Geography
Rolling red-earth hills, tropical pine forest, and volcanic craters define Cambodia's eastern highlands. Phnom Aural, the country's highest peak, sits at the border with the Cardamoms.
02
Culture
Home to 12+ indigenous groups — Bunong, Tampuan, Jarai, Kreung — each with their own language, weaving traditions, and animist ceremonies.
03
Wildlife
Last stronghold of the Asian elephant in Cambodia, plus gibbons, douc langurs, and banteng in the surrounding protected forests.
04
Why visit
For elephant sanctuaries done right, crater-lake swims, coffee plantations, and one of the most culturally distinct regions in Southeast Asia.
~2.1M ha
Protected area
12+
Ethnic groups
4
National parks
Experiences
What you actually do here.
Six signature experiences that define a trip to the Northeast Region.
Crater Lake Swim
Swim in the perfectly circular, sacred Yeak Laom crater lake.
Coffee Country
Visit Mondulkiri's highland coffee farms and roasters.
Waterfall Trekking
Bou Sra and Dak Dam cascades surrounded by Bunong villages.
Cultural Homestays
Stay with indigenous families and learn their weaving traditions.
Night Wildlife Walks
Spot lorises, civets, and owls on guided night walks.
Destinations
Where to go in the Northeast Region.
5 places mapped in this region. Filter by province or category — every place links to its detail page.
Waterfalls
Ka Chanh Waterfall
ទឹកជ្រោះកាចាញ
Easy-access waterfall near Banlung with a swimming pool
Ratanakiri$1 entry
Hidden Gems
Lake Yeak Laom
បឹងយក្សឡោម
Sacred volcanic crater lake, clear and near-perfectly round
Ratanakiri$2 entry
Eco Tourism
Veal Thom
វាលធំ
A remote highland grassland in Virachey National Park, known for its vast open landscapes, and wilderness.
Ratanakiri
Eco Tourism
Mondulkiri Project Elephant Sanctuary
គម្រោងសង្គ្រោះដំរីមណ្ឌលគីរី
Ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants near Sen Monorom
Mondulkiri$65 entry
Waterfalls · Pech Chreada District
Bou Sra Waterfall
ទឹកជ្រោះប៊ូស្រា
One of Cambodia’s most famous natural attractions, featuring spectacular multi-tier waterfalls
Mondulkiri$2.5 entry
Suggested itineraries
Start from a plan. Make it yours.
Hand-built routes you can save, tweak, or ask the AI to customise.
Most popularGuided tours
Bookable, guided, and locally run.
Run by vetted operators. A share of every booking supports local communities.
3 Days
Sen Monorom Highlights
- Guide
- Meals
- Transport
From
$260
5 Days
Ratanakiri Adventure
- Guide
- Homestay
- Boat trip
From
$480
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Travel information
What to know before you go.
Getting there
6–7 hours by road from Phnom Penh to Sen Monorom or Banlung.
Best time
November to April. Coolest months are December–January.
Mobile coverage
Good in provincial towns, poor on the road and inside sanctuaries.
Safety
Very safe. Red-dirt roads can be slippery in rain — 4×4 recommended.
ATMs
ABA and Canadia in Sen Monorom and Banlung. Bring cash for villages.
Weather
Cooler than the lowlands — 20–28°C. Evenings can drop to 15°C.
Travel with purpose
Travel that respects indigenous land.
Every booking supports indigenous-owned guesthouses, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and community weavers across the highlands.
Travelers supported
320+
Indigenous communities
8
Sanctuaries funded
5
*
Coming soon: Education Fund Impact Tracker — see exactly where every dollar goes.
Gallery
Moments from the Northeast Region.
Keep exploring
