Cambodia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 507

Sights & Activities

As in Ratanakiri, multiday forest treks taking in minority villages are the big draw. We re-
commend securing indigenous Bunong guides for these trips. They know the forests in-
timately and can break the ice with the locals in any Bunong villages you visit.

WATERFALL

Monorom Falls
A 10m drop into a popular swimming hole, Monorom Falls is lovely if you can
beat the crowds. From the west side of the airstrip, head northwest for 2.3km, turn left and
proceed 1.5km. A return moto costs US$3.

Elephant Valley Project
( 099 696041; www.elephantvalleyproject.org ; Mon-Fri) This popular initiative entices local
mahouts to bring their overworked or injured elephants in for some down time or to live
permanently. You are not allowed to ride the elephants here. Instead, you simply walk
through the forest with them and observe them in their element, learning about elephant
behaviour, Bunong culture and forest ecology in the process.
There are two options for visiting the Elephant Valley Project. Option one is a day trip
(half/full day US$40/70) on which half the day is spent observing the elephants, the other
half, washing them and doing other tasks around the project site. The second option is an
overnight stay (dorm US$20, double US$30 to US$50) in exquisite bungalows tucked into
the jungle on a ridge overlooking the valley. Meals are included in the price.
It's popular so book well in advance. The maximum amount of day trippers allowed per
day is 12. Short- and long-term volunteers who want to help the project while learning
mahout skills are welcome.

WILDLIFE RESERVE

Elephant Rides
You can ride elephants in the villages of Phulung , 7km northeast of Sen Monorom, and
Putang , 9km southwest of town. Treks arranged in Sen Monorom cost US$25 to US$30
per person, including lunch and transport to and from the village. It is also possible to ne-
gotiate a longer trek with an overnight stay in a Bunong village, costing US$50 to US$80
per person.

TOURS

Tours

Bunong Place

TOURS