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Mondulkiri is a totally different
experience from the rest of Cambodia. High up in rolling
hills, with a constant, all-year-round breeze, it’s a
destination which makes you feel on top of the world at
the same time as well away from the madding crowds. More
and more tourists are coming to Mondulkiri to take in
the spectacular scenery, the beautiful waterfalls and
hills, and the interesting hill tribes. Easily
accessible from Phnom Penh, the province represents a
wonderful getaway for a weekend, or longer if the unique
attractions take your fancy. |
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A typical Monodlkiri view over the
hills near the provincial capital, Sen Monorom. |
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Click here to view the picture in full screen. |
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Getting there and around |
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Mondulkiri airstrip at the top of town has been closed
since 2000; officials do not expect it to reopen in the
near future. The easiest way to arrive is from Snuol.
Buses come to Snuol directly from Kratie (around two
hours) and Phnom Penh (around three hours) by bus; once
there, it is straightforward to find a pick-up or taxi
which can take you on the three-hour trip up to Sen
Monorom, the provincial capital.
The road is in
generally good condition, and the second half is
possibly one of the beautiful routes in Cambodia,
climbing through the jungle and suddenly bursting out
onto the top of the hills. Prices for all of these kinds
of transport are very reasonable, and they can be
arranged through guesthouses and hotels. It is
relatively simple to make this journey by motorbike also
possible, if you are interested in driving yourself.
Getting around Mondulkiri involves hiring motorbikes
(currently only small), jeeps or pick-ups, all possible
through your accommodation, with or without driver.
Think about US$40 per day for chartering a vehicle (more
in the wet season), depending on times and distances,
and around US$5-7 per day for a motorbike without
driver. You can also hire bikes cheaply. The town itself
is tiny, and easy to get around: there are plenty of
signs advertising transport. |
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Sights
Again, waterfalls are a big attraction here: Bou Sraa
Waterfall is famous throughout Cambodia, rightly so, and
the road to get there is much improved on the past,
taking only around an hour. Other waterfalls include
Romanear, Romanear II, Dak Dam and Monorom Falls. Treks
out into the countryside visiting ethnic minority
villages are popular here. They are generally longer and
more arduous than in Ratanakiri province, and some
include elephant riding (three days on an elephant is
arduous indeed!).
Take an organized tour with a local guide: barging
into minority villages without sensitivity is not
recommended. Arrange all trips or ask advice from your
guesthouse. Otherwise, it’s a pleasure simply to ride
around the countryside, taking in one spectacular view
after another; climb Phnom Doh Gromom (Bridal Breast
Mountain!) to watch the sunset.
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Accommodation, food
Most accommodation is budget to medium level in price
and quality; more is opening all the time. Don’t forget
to get hot water, as the nights can be extremely cold up
here compared with the rest of Cambodia. There are some
good Khmer restaurants in town with English menus, and a
tiny Western bar has opened on the main strip, offering
refreshment and trips.
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Click here to see other
provinces. |
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