Mondulkiri Province
A highland province in northeastern Cambodia with waterfalls, forest trails and elephant sanctuaries. Sen Monorom is the base for most trips.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Mondulkiri is a province in northeastern Cambodia, in the highlands along the border with Vietnam. Its capital, Sen Monorom, sits higher than most of the country, so it is cooler than Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and the land is hilly rather than flat. Much of the province is still forest. The Bunong, an indigenous people with their own language, live in villages here.
Most travelers come for waterfalls such as Bou Sraa, for forest walks and for elephants. Elephant Valley Project, a sanctuary for rescued elephants, is one place to visit; ask about its riding policy before you book. The trip suits travelers who want slower days and outdoor time instead of temples and crowds. The dry season, roughly November to April, is the most comfortable time to visit. Plan at least two or three nights to cover the main sights.
Mondulkiri Province in five
- Get the Cambodian e-visa before you flyApply on the official e-visa site before departure and keep the approval on your phone. Some checkpoints also issue visas on arrival, but an approved e-visa is quicker to clear.Visas and entry
- Carry US dollars and small riel notesGuesthouses, tour operators and markets often quote in US dollars, and small change is often given in riel. Bring small notes of both.Money and costs
- Take a full day for the road from Phnom PenhThe road to Sen Monorom is long and rough in places, so plan on most of a day. Leave early so you arrive before dark.Getting around
- Choose an elephant visit with no ridingAsk before you book whether the elephants are ridden or used for tourist rides. Pick a sanctuary that bans riding and says so in writing.
- Download offline maps before leaving townMobile signal drops quickly on the roads outside Sen Monorom, and forest tracks have few signs. Save offline maps and a copy of each booking before you leave.Phones and eSIM
Things to do in Mondulkiri Province
See all attractions in Mondulkiri ProvinceNeed to know
- Currency
- Riel (KHR); US dollars widely used
- Entry
- E-visa or visa on arrival; check eligibility first Read more
- Emergency
- 117 police, 118 fire, 119 ambulance
- Tipping
- Not required; small tips for guides and drivers are welcome
- Time
- UTC+7, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, dry
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchCoolest, dry
- AprilDry, pleasant
- MayDry, warming
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyRains start
- AugustRainy, muddy
- SeptemberRainy, green
- OctoberRainy, muddy
- NovemberRains ending
- DecemberCooling, dry
Right now in Mondulkiri Province
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 73%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Mondulkiri Province
12:33 PM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today27°20°100%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 27°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed28°21°80%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Thu28°20°76%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Fri28°20°78%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 78%.
- Sat28°20°94%Saturday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Sun27°20°63%Sunday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 63%.
Updated 09:22 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 4,107 KHR
Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Bou Sraa WaterfallDay trip by road from Sen MonoromA forest waterfall near town, easier to reach in the dry season when tracks are firmer.
- Elephant Valley ProjectBy road from Sen Monorom, rough in placesA sanctuary for rescued elephants. Book in advance and ask about its riding policy.
- Seima Protection ForestGuided trip by 4WD, depending on the trailA large protected forest with wildlife and guided trails. Go with a licensed guide.
Before you go to Mondulkiri Province
Rules for Mondulkiri Province, checked
- Do not buy ivory, wildlife products or animal parts. Cambodian law bans trade in protected wildlife, and customs can seize them.Source
- Wear a helmet on a motorbike; the law requires it for riders, and police check on main roads.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in Bunong villages, and follow the instructions of your local guide.
- Antiques and cultural objects need permission to leave Cambodia. Check with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts before you buy.
Plan around Mondulkiri Province
Routes, entry and transport for the whole country
Read the guideWhere to stayGuesthouses and hotels in and around Sen Monorom
Read the guideGetting aroundBuses, car hire and drivers from Phnom Penh
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and what to expect on prices in the highlands
Read the guideVisas and entryHow to apply for the e-visa and what to check
Read the guidePhones and eSIMCoverage and offline maps for rural roads
Read the guideMondulkiri Province FAQ
How do you get to Sen Monorom from Phnom Penh?
By bus or by private car with a driver. The road is long and rough in places, so plan for most of a day and leave early.
Is Mondulkiri worth visiting?
Yes, if you want highland forest, waterfalls and time in Bunong village life. It is quiet and remote, so it suits slow trips better than a quick sightseeing list.
What is the best time to visit Mondulkiri?
November to April, when it is cool and dry. From May to October the rains make dirt roads muddy and hard to drive.
How many days do you need in Sen Monorom?
Two to three days covers the town, a waterfall and one forest or elephant visit. Add a day if you want to hike.
Is Mondulkiri a good first stop in Cambodia?
Only if you want rural travel. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have more sights and easier transport, while Mondulkiri needs more planning.