Ethical wildlife

Elephant projects in Mondulkiri

Anyone who wants to see elephants without the guilt

Wildlife and conservationType

In short

Mondulkiri, in Cambodia’s eastern highlands, is where several projects have retired elephants out of the logging and tourist-riding trades into forest they can range in. At the credible ones you walk with the herd through the forest and watch them feed and bathe themselves; you do not ride them, wash them on command or pose on them.

Checked

September 2026

Part of Wildlife

At a glance

Visiting

Where: Sen Monorom and the surrounding forest, Mondulkiri province
Time needed: A full day, or overnight
Getting there: A long drive from Phnom Penh - plan two nights minimum
The test: No riding, no bathing on command, no performances, small groups
Best season: Dry season for the forest tracks; cool at night year-round

Questions travellers ask

Can I ride an elephant here?

Not at the projects we work with, and the reason is spinal damage. If riding is offered, that tells you what kind of operation it is.

Is it worth the drive?

If you have the days, yes. If you are on a short trip, it is a real cost in travel time and we will say so.