Introduction Of Mondulkiri Province

Transcription

1 Introduction Of Mondulkiri Province Mondulkiri is an eastern province of Cambodia, which is the most sparsely populated province in the whole country although being the largest province in Cambodia. The province is chock full of natural beauty, with thickly forested mountains, powerful waterfalls and the lush green rolling hills of the western side. Despite the growing deforestation, especially due to the valuable minerals remaining in the deep red, fertile ground, Mondulkiri has still one of the biggest succession woodlands of Cambodia. Except being in Sen Monorom, you'll find deep pure jungle, with a huge variety of flora and fauna. You may also find gigantic and beautiful waterfalls, where you can take an empowering shower, such as the impressive Bou Sraa. Sen Monorom is the provincial capital and doesn't show up as a typical Cambodian town, while it is the only town the province has to speak of. With approx inhabitants, 20 guesthouses, 12 restaurants, 3 bars and no post office it is often compared to American Wild West frontier towns. Concerning the quietness and beauty of Sen Monorom people from other parts of the country move here and therefore the land price doubled from 2006 to The town of Sen Monorom is the best base camp for travelers who want to explore the surrounding areas. A quiet but beautiful town nestled into the hills; it has a lot of potential to develop into a centre for non-intrusive eco-tourism. At present, it's much undeveloped, which gives you a feeling of going somewhere off the beaten tourist trail. Add to that the communities of hill tribe people, who are not affected by mass-tourism, as they are in neighbouring Thailand, and you have an area that is very attractive to the adventure traveler. Also interesting is the variety of languages being used: Khmer, hill tribe languages, Vietnamese and Lao. 80 percent of the population in Mondulkiri is made up of ten tribal minorities, with the majority of them being the Chonn Cheath from the tribe of the Phnong. The remaining 20 percent are Khmer, Chinese and Muslim Cham. Most of the population lives off the land, planting rice, fruit trees and a variety of vegetables. Others grow coffee, strawberries, rubber and cashew nuts. More and more houses are built in the typical Khmer style. Visiting the hill tribes you still can find the traditional Phnong houses. In the houses you can find traditional gongs and big jars, whereby the last ones are said to be more than a thousand years old. There are various sorts of gongs used for different occasions. Jars and gongs are among the most valuable possessions in an indigenous community, whether in traditional, spiritual or material terms. During the Khmer Rouge Regime those objects were buried in hidden places in the jungle and in many cases they still wait in the ground. Geography Mondulkiri province is situated on the South-East plateau (approx. altitude around metres), its capital Sen Monorom is about 375 Km from Phnom Penh. It is bordering Vietnam to the East and South, Ratanakiri to the North, and Kratie province to the West. Beside a bunch of smaller rivers, which grow quite big during the rainy season, there are two bigger rivers crossing the province (the Prek Chhbaar and the Prek Te River). The total area of Mondulkiri is about 14,288 square kilometres. History of Mondulkiri Mondulkiri was once a part of Chhlong Leu district in Kratie Province. In 1960, it was separated by King Norodom Sihanouk into the new province. Mondulkiri Province is located in the northeast part of Cambodia. It is bordered to the north by Stung Trèng and Rattanakiri, to the east and to the south by Vietnam, and to the west by Kratie. Mondulkiri is a hilly and sparsely populated province. It occupies a total area of 14,288 sq. km and has a population of 60,811 which include 14 races; Khmer 20% and ethnic minorities 80%. These ethnic groups are composed of Phnong, Stieng, Kuoy, Tompuon, Charay, Kreul, Kreung, Ra Ong, Thmon, Cham, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Lao. The Khmer people are public servants and merchants, and remnants of them are all farmers. The Mondulkiri province, at an average elevation of 800m above the sea level, has different climates compared to the other parts of Cambodia. It may get warm in daytime, and it turns chilly at night-time. The Mondulkiri province is divided into five districts, Sen Monorom, Kèo Seima, Koh Nhèk, O Reang, and Péch Chenda; and 21 communes, Nang Khi Loek, Or Bun Leu, Roya, Sok San, Srè Huy, Srè Sangkom, Dak Dam, Sen Monorom, Krang Teh, Bouchri, Srè Ampum, Bousra, Monorom, Sokh Dom, Spean Meanchey, Romonea, Chong Phlas, Mé Mang, Srè Chhouk, Srè Khtum, and Srè Preah. Sen Monorom was established the provincial town of Mondulkiri in There is a quaint small community nestling between lush hills and two small lakes. The area around Sen Monorom has plenty of ethnic minorities villages. Along the road of Sen Monorom, tourists can see many Phnong people from nearby villages come to Sen Monorom to trade, and they can view the distinctive baskets the ethnic groups carry on their backs to make them easily distinguish from the Khmer immigrants at

2 market. Sen Monorom can get quite cool in the evening, especially in the early dry season so it is recommended that you should bring an extra layer of clothes for night-time. The Mondulkiri province is enormously rich in various natural resources to be explored, such as majestic mountains, rainforest, indigenous wildlife, pine plantation, impressive waterfalls, small rivers, waterfront parks, etc. It is now the intended eco-tourism destination for the eco-tourists and the adventurous travelers. They can travel and discover the wildlife in the remote parts of the province, trek up hills/mountains, ride on elephants, visit the Bou sra waterfall and other waterfalls, and learn about the daily life of the ethnic minorities. They can also savor the famous local wine called Sra Peang. Climate Mondulkiri province has a climate like the other areas in the country, there are 3 seasons: - Rainy season: June - October (<25c) - Cool season: November - February (>20c) - Hot season: March - May: Temperature: from 20c-30c Mondulkiri's average temperature throughout the year is definitely lower than in other areas of Cambodia (except Ratanakiri Province). Population 80 percent of the population in Mondulkiri is made up of ten tribal minorities, with the majority of them being the Chonn Cheath from the tribe of the Phnong. The remaining 20 percent are Khmer, Chinese and Muslim Cham. Most of the population lives off the land, planting rice, fruit trees and a variety of vegetables. Others grow coffee, strawberries, rubber and cashew nuts. Usually they make their living through traditional ways of cultivation (shifting agriculture), hunting and collecting fruits from the forest is a must. These old cultures believe in spirits, derived from their animism beliefs. The population density has a total of 44,913 inhabitants (22,890 male and 22,023 female). This is 3.14 inhabitants/sq km. Economic The vast majority of the indigenous peoples living in Mondulkiri are subsistence farmers, who are planting some rice and other vegetables, more or less to feet themselves. There is also a quite common production of the famous rice wine here, which is one of the best in the country. Additionally the indigenous people are selling handmade products such as bracelets, necklaces, scarfs, Kramas etc. to the few visiting tourists. Mondulkiri has a quite big influence from Vietnam, which shows you the marked in Sen Monorom. Lots of Vietnamese products are sold here. Unfortunately in the past 2 years the selling of real estate became a big source of income due to the fact, that international mining companies are buying land to find bauxite (a very valuable mineral). The worst are instances of dispossession of indigenous lands, which are occurring in some parts of the province and also in the adjacent province of Ratanakiri. Anyhow Mondulkiri is so sparsely populated that the provincial capital does not have an adequate market compete to other provinces of Cambodia. But fertile red soil, water sources, wild animals and quality hardwoods abound and the weather and scenery are perennial assets. Shopping Many of the goods in the market are from nearby Vietnam, It's an all-purpose market, but it doesn't have the feel of the typical Cambodian market, which is probably again due to the closeness of Vietnam and the hill tribe people who come here. There are definitely some nice bracelets, adornments or Kramas made by the hill tribes acquirable. You'll find noodle, dessert and fruit stalls at the font end of the market and the moneychangers are in front as well. They change dollars, riel and the Vietnamese dong. Bou Sra Waterfall Tourist Attractions in Mondulkiri Bou Sra waterfall is located in Pich Chenda district about 43 kilometers northeast of Mondulkiri provincial town, Sen Monorom. Bou Sra is considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in Mondulkiri. The waterfall is divided into three stages: - First Stage: The waterfall fall is 8 to 12 meters high and 15 meters wide in rainy season and 10 to 15 meters wide in dry season. - Second Stage: The waterfall fall is 15 to 20 meters high and 20 meters wide in rainy season and 18 to 25 meters high and 13 meters wide in dry season. The second stage is 150 meters from the first stage. - Third Stage: The speed of waterfall is faster than the second stage. This stage cannot be reached because it is in the thick forest. There are no marked paths and dangerous wildlife inhabits the area

3 The double-drop waterfall is very popular with the locals who use it as a bathing and picnic spot. Its top level is around 10m in height, and the lower level drops down 25m to the gorge. It is in a scenic and pristine setting and offers great photo ops. Nearby is the ethnic Phnong village called Pichinda which has a small guesthouse? Some snacks are available at the falls, but bring food if you would like something more substantial. Then we head northeast to Bou Sra. We never rode north on this road before and surprised that right behind the first hill it is getting rougher than most we have seen since before. We cross a small river on an improvised bridge and are charged 500 Riel each by a bunch of kids. After that the road is getting somewhat smoother but still requires a lot of attention. There are deep grooves in the road, most likely left behind of heavy cars. Once you get into one of those it leaves you with only very few option other than just following it hoping not to get stuck. Yet the ground is solid and provides good grip for the tires. We keep going and after some time we do not see settlements anymore. The forest is relatively dense and in some places impenetrable. Chrey Thom Waterfall Chrey Thom Waterfall is located at Sen Monorum District in 43-kilometer distance from the provincial town. During the dry season, the waterfall has 15 meters height and 2 meters diameter, and during the rainy season, the waterfall has 11 meters height and 8 meters diameter. The waterfall fall us near a plantation of Srolao trees and a big, branchy Chrey tree. The provincial tourist service is working with the local authority to prepare this site as a tourist destination in place of Bou Sra waterfall, which is inaccessible during rainy season. The Chrey Thom Waterfall is situated in Poules and Pouchhob Villages, Dak Dam Commune, O Reang District; 20 km away from the provincial town. It can be accessed by the red pebble path. There are more than 208 families living in the Chrey Thom area of ha, whose main occupations are farming. The resort provides plenty of opportunities for picnicking, hiking, swimming, especially for visiting an ethnic village and purchasing some souvenirs beautifully produced by ethnic groups. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air. Chrey Thom Waterfall is one of the loveliest Tourist Attractions in Mondulkiri. Tourists love spending a day at the site of this beautiful waterfall only for its natural beauty. Chrey Thom Waterfall, Mondulkiri is a natural waterfall and is surrounded by lush green woods. The travelers are amazed to see the plantation of Sroloa around the Chrey Thom Waterfall, Mondulkiri. Another spectacle around the Chrey Thom Waterfall, Mondulkiri was the huge brandy tree of Chrey which is standing there for quite a long time. The best part is that this waterfall can be visited both in the summers and the rainy season. Unlike the Bou Sra waterfall which becomes inaccessible in the monsoon, the Chrey Thom Waterfall, Mondulkiri has tourists coming to it throughout the year. The territorial authority of Mondulkiri along with the provincial tourist office has made special arrangements and taken measures to develop the site of Chrey Thom Waterfall, Mondulkiri, for keeping the spot accessible throughout the year. While visiting the Chrey Thom Waterfall, Mondulkiri, the travelers can also visit another beautiful fall known the Rumnear Waterfall which is also located. Chrey Yos Waterfall The Chrey Yos Waterfall is located in Laoka Village, Sokhdom Commune and Pouloung Village, Romnear Commune, Sèn Monorom District; 6 km from the provincial town. It can be accessed by the red pebble path. There are more than 328 families living in the Chrey Yos area of ha, whose main occupations are farming. This resort is managed by the provincial executive committee. It is partly supported financially by the DANIDA Organization of Denmark. The resort is flanked by two streams, Trék having a size of 5 m during the rainy season and a size of 1.5 m during the dry season and Tra having a size of 4 m during the rainy season and a size of 1 m during the dry season. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air. Fishing Fishing although there is nothing organized as of yet. Mondulkiri's rivers and streams would probably make for some good fishing. Bring your own lightweight gear and give it a try. Sen Monorom would be a great place for mountain biking. There are now no rentals there, so you would have to bring one along on the airplane. Laang Khin Waterfall The Laang Khin Waterfall is located in Pouyam Village, Sen Monorom Commune, O Reang District; 26 km away from the provincial town. It can be accessed by path. Around the waterfall, most of the residents do farming. During the rainy season, the waterfall is meters in height and 7-10 meters in diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall is 28 meters in height and 8 meters in diameter. It is one of the highest flowing-down waterfalls in the Mondulkiri province. At its base, there is a big water reservoir in which tourists can swim happily. Besides, there are many big trees providing cool shade for them. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air.

4 Lak Pok Bras Waterfall The Lak Pok Bras Waterfall is located in Romnear Commune, Sen Monorom District; 13 km from the provincial town. It can be reached by path. There are more than 569 families living in the Lak Pok Bras area, whose main occupations are farming. During the rainy season, the waterfall is 8 meters in height and 39 meters in diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall is 10 meters in height and 20 meters in diameter. At its base, there is a big water reservoir in which tourists can swim happily. Besides, there are many big trees providing cool shade for them. Its main points of interest are a spectacular waterfall, dramatic mountainous forest, impressive undulating hills, and fresh air. Its presents eye catching natural beauty, with the waterfall surrounded by forest and mountain. This natural wonder picturesque were hidden its charm under the huge trees giving the shade in which visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch and swimming in the open areas of the clear water basin then flowering along channel. Next to Lak Pok Bras waterfall is the home indigenous ethnic group people living for centuries and remains a center for cultural diversity in this region. These is minority such as Phnong, Stieng, Kuoy, Tum Poun and Charay people continue to depend on the natural resources of Mondulkiri province for their survival. Market Life of Hill Tribe People Market Life of Hill Tribe People Mornings are the best time of the day to hit the town market and stroll about. This is when many people from the various area hill tribe communities come to the market to sell their wares and purchase supplies. It's a good environment in which to unobtrusively observe their attire and with their permission; possibly get snapshots of them going about their normal business at the market. Memang Gold Mines Area One of the popular tourist attractions in Mondulkiri, the Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. The place is known for its beautiful scenic beauties. Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri is also a popular spot for excursions. The Memang Gold Mines Area in Mondulkiri is around 45 kms from the main town center of Sen Monorom and takes around 3 hours by car. The journey is beautiful and the trip takes place through winding tracks and sprawling forests. Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri is a wildlife reserve and is home to wide variety of flora and fauna. The reserve is located in O Clor Village. Memang Gold Mines Area is also a well known spot for excursions. Lots of adventure lovers and nature lovers undertake excursion trips to the wild life reserve. Elephant trekking tours can also be undertaken to the place. The forest in Memang Gold Mines Area, Mondulkiri consists of diverse species of local plants and animals. There are also provisions for camping in the place. Travelers can get useful information on the Memang Gold Mines Area from the local tourist office or various travel agents. There are single day tours as well as half day tours. O Taing Laing Waterfall O Taing Laing Waterfall, Mondulkiri is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. The waterfall is located near the main town center and is easily accessible from different parts of the province. The scenic beauty of the O Taing Laing Waterfall, Mondulkiri makes it one of the popular tourist attractions in Mondulkiri. The O Taing Laing Waterfall in Mondulkiri is located around 60 kms from the town center of Sen Monorom. It is surrounded in the midst of a beautiful forest and is full of scenic beauty. The route to the waterfall is full of idyllic tracks and small cliffs. There is also a small pool underneath the waterfall where travelers can swim. O Taing Laing Waterfall is also a popular point of excursions. The scenic beauty of the place and the idyllic weather makes the place ideal for picnics and recreation. Trekking tours are also undertaken to O Taing Laing Waterfall, Mondulkiri by nature and adventure lovers. Travelers can also camp near the waterfall. There are plenty of travel agencies which organize tours to O Taing Laing Waterfall, Mondulkiri. The tours are mostly single day trips. Travelers can also hire shuttle cars and taxis which ply between the waterfall and the town center. Old & New Wat (Pagoda) An old wooden temple on the hills at the south the end of town 19s being revitalized with the construction of a brand new modes new model next to it. This is where the monks of Sen Monorom teach. Pahlung Village Pahlung Village It's possible to go on an elephant trek at this small village. It's a good idea to come out here the day before (possibly on your way to Bou Sra Waterfall) to organize it so they have the animal ready to go the next morning, instead of out working in the jungle. You can take a half or full day trip in the surrounding area. It s good to wear long pants and bring some mosquito repellent,

5 drinking water and food. To get there, just head north from Sen Monorom. When you get to the fork in the road, go right. The village is about 8 km from town. People in the small houses on the right can fetch the elephant guy for you. If you go by moto-taxi, the driver can help with the translation of arranging the tour. The guy at the town tourist office, if you can ever find him there, sometime he's not sleeping. You can also set the tour up for you. But he takes a cut. Figure around US$ 15 for a half day or US $ 30 for a full-day tour. Pahlung Village, Mondulkiri is one of the well known tourist attractions in Mondulkiri. It is just an hour s drive from the main town center. The scenic rustic setting of Pahlung Village, Mondulkiri along with diverse regional culture draws thousands of tourists and travelers. Pahlung Village in Mondulkiri is also one of the popular centers of excursion in Cambodia. Travelers can undertake an elephant trekking trip to the village. The village is on the route to the Bou Sra Waterfalls. The route is wonderful and takes place through winding tracks, sprawling rainforests and idyllic waterfalls. The village is located in the northern part of Sen Monorom. There are various ways to go to Pahlung Village. Apart from elephant treks, travelers can also hire shuttle cars and taxis to the village. The small village is full of scenic spots. Travelers can have a feel of the local rustic setting in the village. They can see the local huts and houses which are wonderfully designed. The forests which surround the village are also home to different varieties of flora and fauna. Useful information about traveling to Pahlung Village, Mondulkiri can be obtained from the tourist office. Various travel agencies also undertake trips to the village. The tour is mostly of a single day or half day. For full day trips, there are provisions for camping in the village. Phnom Kraol Cultural Resort The Phnom Kraol Cultural Resort is located in O Rayes Village, Srè Sangkom Commune, Koh Nhèk District; 3 km away from the town of Koh Nhèk District or 111 km from the provincial town. It can be accessed by the red pebble path. There are more than 135 families living in the Phnom Kraol area of 68 ha, whose main occupations are farming. This resort is managed by the Inter-commune Commission for Managing the Phnom Kraol Cultural Resort. The Kraol Mount covered by forest provides plenty of opportunities for picnicking and hiking. Its main point of interest is a place of worship on the mountaintop where residents and tourists always visit to pray for happiness and prosperity. Nowadays, it is a main tourist attraction which draws inbound international and internal tourists. Phnom Nam Lear Sanctury Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary is 80 km (4h) From Provincial Town. Description: Natures & Wildlife Preserves Location: Pichinda District Border of Daklak Provinece (Vietnam) Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary, Mondulkiri is known for the beautiful scenic beauty and idyllic surroundings. The sanctuary is one of the main wild life reserves in the province. The idyllic environment and the wide variety of flora and fauna make Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary, Mondulkiri very popular to both local people and foreign tourists. Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary in Mondulkiri is a wildlife reserve and is home to wide species of local birds and animals. It is located around 80 kms from the main town center of Sen Monorom. It takes around 4 hours to travel from the main town center to the sanctuary by car. The journey is very pleasant as the route goes through winding routes and idyllic forests. Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary is also a major excursion point in the province. Travelers can also camp in the sanctuary in the night. There are small cottages where one can also stay. The sanctuary is full of beautiful cliffs, small waterfalls, streams and sprawling greenery. Various tours are also undertaken to Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary, Mondulkiri. There are travel agencies which organize such tours. Trekking tours are also undertaken by nature lovers. The popularity of the sanctuary as one of the main tourist attractions in Mondulkiri has boosted eco tourism in Mondulkiri to a great extent. Phnom Prich Sanctuary Phnom Prich Sanctuary, Mondulkiri is one the popular tourist attractions in Mondulkiri. The sanctuary is located amidst the Eastern Plains which is known for the sprawling rain forests and beautiful rivers. Thousands of tourists and nature lovers visit Phnom Prich Sanctuary, Mondulkiri to experience the idyllic scenic landscape. Phnom Prich Sanctuary in Mondulkiri is a part of the initiative undertake by the Cambodian Government to conserve the diverse flora and fauna in the country. The sanctuary forms part of the 1 million hectare of land in the Eastern Plains. The WWF has also helped the government in the undertaking. The Phnom Prich Sanctuary is home to some of the endangered species in the country. There are wide varieties of mammals, birds and reptiles. Some of the protected species in the sanctuary are tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, jungle cat, and deer and so on. Some bird species include sarus, crane and giant ibises. The sanctuary provides a wonderful habitat for these animals. Various trips are undertaken to the Phnom Prich Sanctuary, Mondulkiri. There are also provisions for camping in the forest. There is single day as well as half day trips available. Travelers can take useful information on the sanctuary from the tourist center and the travel agencies. Plantation of Pine Trees

6 On the highlands in Sen Monorom district, about 6 kilometers from the provincial town, is a large pine tree plantation where hundreds of towering pine tree, planted before 1970, are growing in rows. Fallen needles from the trees turn the ground into a golden carpet. The needles are so numerous that visitors can lie on the ground without disturbing them. Pine trees are believed to have been planted before then Prince Norodom Sihanouk founded his Sangkum Reastr Niyum regime, at which time the province was created. In addition, according to hunters in the province, there are more than 60 waterfalls, both big and small, making Mondulkiri province a potential source for hydro electric power. Pou Lung Village The Pou Lung Village, Mondulkiri is one of the main tourist attractions in Mondulkiri. It is located close to the main town center. Pou Lung Village, Mondulkiri is known for the rich historical tradition and culture and is visited by plenty of tourists. Pou Lung Village in Mondulkiri is located near the town center of Sen Monorom. It is around 10 kms from the town centre and takes around 15 minutes by car. The village consists of ancient sites and historical specimens. There are also local buildings which are wonderfully designed and decorated. Pou Lung Village is a wonderful example of local rustic setting and culture. Travelers who visit the village have a feel of the diverse culture of the rural areas in Mondulkiri. Travelers can also buy local artifacts and handicrafts from the village. Travelers can also taste local mouth watering delicacies in the village. The village is also popular among travelers as an excursion spot. Various tours are undertaken to Pou Lung Village, Mondulkiri. The tourist board as well as travel agencies organized such tours. They are mostly of single days. Travelers can hire cars, taxis and buses to reach the village. Pou Lung Village is one of the historical sites and buildings in Mondulkiri Province. The village is located along the mouth's valley which features many natural attractions such as mountains, grass fields, and wildlife. The Pou Lung villagers are predominantly indigenous groups such as Phnong, Krueng, and Stieng where their way of life is in agriculture. The village has many traditional houses constructed using old-style methods Riverside Riverside Locates at Koh Nhek District in 150 kilometers distance from the provincial town. The riverside has red and golden colored sand, and stretches along the Sre Pork River mixing with many small islands. The riverside is the leisure place for the local people of Koh Nhek District. Sen Monorom This is a pleasant little town to walk around and take in its natural beauty. The two small lakes in town are good spots for hanging out and watching the local's fish and swim. Jump in yourself if the heat of the day has slowed your pace. Rumnear Waterfall Rumnear Waterfall is located at Sen Monorum District in 10.5 kilometer distance from the provincial town. The waterfall has good location, which is closed to the industrial plantations like rubber, coffee, cashew, mango, Avocado and Pres as well. The waterfall is 5 meters high and 10 meters wide in the rainy season, in dry season, it is 6 meters high and 8 meters wide and flows smoothly past tall shade trees and toward a large basin that is suitable for swimming or bathing. Sen Monorum Waterfall Sen Monorum Waterfall is located at Sen Monorum District in five-kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil trail, along either sides of the trail, there are industrial plantations like rubber, coffee and cashew as well. The local people usually meet each other at Sen Monorum waterfall during the holidays and national festivals because it closed to the provincial town. Sen Monorum waterfall has three stages: - First stage: The waterfall has slow speed, one-meter height and 2-4 meter diameter. - Second stage: During the rainy season, the waterfall has strong speed, 6-7 meter height and 8-meter diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall has 7-9 meter height and 4-5 meter diameter. At the waterfall, there is a large space of resting and enjoying. -Third stage: Locates at one-kilometer distance from the second stage. The waterfall has 1.5-meter height only. Getting to Sen Monorom is difficult, adding to its off-the-beaten-path allure. From Phnom Penh, it takes about 10 hours. The first half of the trip, to Snuol, is on smooth, paved roads. Once you pass Snuol, however, civilization ends, and the road becomes a veritable roller coaster ride of bumps and potholes, your vehicle permanently cloaked in a cloud of red dust for the final five hours of the journey. Sen Monorom's atmosphere is distinct from the moment you arrive. It is one of the quietest towns in Cambodia -- just a few dirt roads and one round about set at the centre of a patchwork quilt of grassy rolling hills. The town is but a blip on the radar and you could pass it in barely the blink of an eye. Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri provinces are both set on a plateau, giving them a distinct climate and flora from the rest of the

7 country. Note that just as the environment is oddly unique for Cambodia -- with rolling, grassy hills and Valley Rivers -- so are the very mild temperatures. In the cool season, you'll appreciate having a jacket. While many may have an image in their mind of Mondulkiri being a heavily forested nature-lovers paradise, this is sadly not the case. Firstly, the high altitude and cooler weather makes the landscape more akin to England than the tropics, with low shrubs, deciduous forests, and vast, open fields spreading across the rolling hills. Also, this province and Rattanakiri to the north were logged to a devastating degree over the last two decades -- mainly with the cooperation of Vietnamese and Taiwanese logging interests and the complicity of Cambodian government officials with well-greased palms. While there has been significant regret, visitors expecting untouched wilderness may be disappointed. The talk is that the commercial flights that once flew from Phnom Penh to Sen Monorom were cancelled because so much of the illegal logging could be seen from the air. Despite this substantial damage, Mondulkiri's beauty is still very much intact, with patches of forest, picturesque plains lined with wide, open dirt roads, streams and waterfalls, and minority villages whose traditional ways of life remains intact. Locates at Sen Monorum District in five-kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil trail, along either sides of the trail, there are industrial plantations like rubber, coffee and cashew as well. The local people usually meet each other at Sen Monorum waterfall during the holidays and national festivals because it closed to the provincial town. Southwest Waterfalls Southwest Waterfalls the waterfall about 5.5 km to the southwest of town is a nice and easily accessible sight. There is a fair-sized pool below the 7.5 meter waterfall that makes a good spot for a swim or picnic. To get there, just follow the map and don t turn off of that road, as it takes you to a parking circle near the top level of the waterfall. If you don t have a motorcycle already, hire a mototaxi to take you out there for 4,000 riel per hour and a bit extra for fuel (1,000 riel). Yok Sros Phlom or Phnom Dos Kramom Resort The Yok Sros Phlom or Phnom Dos Kramom Resort is located in Dos Kramom Village, Sokhdom Commune, Sèn Monorom District; 3 km away from the provincial town. It can be accessed by path. There are more than 2,092 families living in the Phnom Dos Kramom area of over 100 ha, whose main occupations are farming. This resort is managed by the Department of Culture and Fine Arts. Its main point of interest is the mountain covered by grass from its foot to its top, which big trees hardly grow on except near valleys and streams. The mountaintop overlooks the beautiful landscape of the provincial town of Mondulkiri and majestic natural mountainous forest.