Elephant Valley Project

The Elephant Valley Project (EVP) in Mondulkiri Province is Cambodia's original elephant sanctuary, established in 2006 by the NGO ELIE. Positioned in a sprawling valley surrounded by dense rainforest, it provides a safe haven for retired or formerly abused working elephants. The project operates on a strictly ethical model where animal welfare is the absolute priority; activities such as riding or direct bathing with the animals are not permitted. Instead, visitors observe the elephants from a respectful distance as they wander through their natural habitat, learning about their complex social structures. A vital part of the EVP’s mission involves partnering with the local indigenous Bunong community to protect their ancestral forests and wildlife. Tourism revenue is directly channeled into medical care for the elephants and health initiatives for the local villagers. The Elephant Valley Project is globally recognized as a benchmark for responsible ecotourism and wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia. It serves as a powerful example of shifting from animal exploitation toward genuine species protection and community empowerment.

Nearby cities

Sen Monorom

Set in the rolling hills of Mondulkiri, this cool highland town is famous for elephant sanctuaries and vast pine forests.

Lumphat

Former capital of Ratanakiri province, Lumphat is today a quiet settlement surrounded by pristine wildlife sanctuaries and indigenous vil…

Đồng Xoài

The capital of Bình Phước province, known for its rubber and cashew plantations.

Banlung

Nestled in the red earth of Ratanakiri province, Banlung is an ecotourism hub surrounded by waterfalls and indigenous villages.

Gia Nghĩa

The young capital of Đắk Nông province in the Central Highlands, surrounded by coffee plantations and waterfalls.

Phước Hải

A historic fishing village in southern Vietnam, famous for its salted fish production and pristine beaches.

Long Hai

An authentic coastal town with golden sands and significant historical heritage.

Hồ Tràm

An upscale seaside destination featuring luxury resorts and pristine coastal stretches.

Bảo Lộc

A city in the Central Highlands, renowned for its tea industry, silk production, and cooler climate.

Vung Tau

Coastal city and a major hub of Vietnam's offshore oil industry.

Nature

Yeak Laom Lake

An almost perfectly round crater lake of volcanic origin, surrounded by dense forest, revered as sacred by local Tampuan tribes.

Tà Đùng Lake

A vast reservoir in the Central Highlands, nicknamed the 'Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands' for its numerous small islets.

More places

Jahoo Gibbon Camp

A unique conservation project where visitors take guided treks to see the rare yellow-cheeked crested gibbons.

Mondulkiri Plateau

A hilly plateau in the east, known for its grassy landscapes and waterfalls.

Mondulkiri Elephant Project

A highland sanctuary that provides a stress-free environment for rescued elephants and campaigns against elephant riding.

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Okvau Gold Mine

Cambodia's first modern, commercial-scale gold mine in Mondulkiri Province.

Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary

An extensive sanctuary in the east of the country, known globally for its exceptionally high population of wild Asian elephants and prima…

Cát Tiên National Park

An extensive lowland tropical forest in southern Vietnam, recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, protecting immense biodiversity.

Ratanakiri Plateau

A highland area characterized by red earth and dense forests in the northeast.

Yok Đôn National Park

Vietnam's largest national park, consisting mainly of dry dipterocarp forest.