Our stance: Easy Cambodia does not recommend any sites that practice elephant riding, shows, or forced bathing. These practices invariably involve a phase of brutal training. The sites listed here have a verified ethical charter.

The Elephant Valley Project (EVP) — the reference

Located about 8 km from Sen Monorom (the capital of Mondulkiri), the Elephant Valley Project hosts retired elephants — former working elephants (logging, tourism) that can no longer be released into the wild but live in a large semi-natural space.

The visit is done on foot, in a small group (max 8 people), guided by a mahout and a nature guide. You follow the elephants in the forest, observing them eat, move, and interact with each other. A minimum distance is maintained: no contact, no food given by hand. This is the most respectful — and the most authentic — way to observe elephants.

Price ~75 USD/person for a full day
Duration Full day (7am-5pm) or half-day
Group Maximum 8 visitors per day
Booking Required online, in advance

How to Get to Mondulkiri

Mondulkiri is the most remote province in Cambodia. The main connection is by bus from Phnom Penh (7-8 hours, 10-15 USD with Mekong Express or Giant Ibis). There is no direct connection from Siem Reap without passing through Phnom Penh.

Sen Monorom, the capital of Mondulkiri, is at an altitude of 800 m — the climate is cool, especially at night (15-20°C in the dry season). Bring a warm layer.

Roads in the rainy season: Some paths around Mondulkiri are laterite and become difficult to access during the rainy season (June-October). The main road from Phnom Penh is paved and passable year-round.

Other Elephant Experiences in Cambodia

The Mondulkiri Project (distinct from EVP) also offers ethical visits with elephants in a forest environment. Some local guesthouses also organize half-day experiences with the mahouts from the Bunong communities — the indigenous population of Mondulkiri that has a historical relationship with elephants. Always check that the program explicitly excludes riding and shows.

Book an Elephant Tour

GetYourGuide — Elephant Valley Project & Mondulkiri
Half-day or full-day durations · limited groups · cancellation according to operator conditions

See all elephant tours in Cambodia on GetYourGuide →

On nous pose souvent ces questions

Questions fréquentes

No, and that's intentional. Hand-feeding elephants alters their natural behavior and creates dependency. At the EVP, you observe the elephants feeding themselves in the forest — much more educational and respectful.

The number varies (departures, arrivals, births). In 2025, the EVP hosted between 8 and 12 elephants. Check their official website (elephantvalleyproject.org) for updated information.

Yes, there is an estimated population of 400-600 wild elephants in the Cardamom forests and the Eastern Highlands. Observing them is theoretically possible but practically very difficult — encounters are rare and often unplanned during deep forest treks.