Elephant Valley Project
Cambodia's leading ethical elephant sanctuary—where elephants live as elephants, not as tourist attractions
10+ Elephants
Rescued & Protected
1,500+ Hectares
Protected Forest
$90-200
Day/Overnight Visit
Max 8
Visitors Per Day
Why EVP is Different
Elephant Valley Project is not an elephant riding camp or a traditional sanctuary. Elephants here are not bathed, fed, or touched by tourists. They live freely in their forest home, and visitors observe from a respectful distance. This is ethical elephant tourism—prioritizing animal welfare over tourist entertainment.
Overview
Founded in 2006, Elephant Valley Project (EVP) is Cambodia's pioneering ethical elephant sanctuary. Located in the lush forests of Mondulkiri Province, EVP rescues elephants from the tourism and logging industries and provides them with a life of dignity in their natural habitat. Unlike traditional elephant camps, EVP's elephants are not chained, ridden, or forced to perform.
The project works closely with the indigenous Bunong community, who have a centuries-old relationship with elephants. Bunong mahouts care for the elephants using traditional, gentle methods, while earning fair wages that provide an alternative to selling elephants to tourist camps or logging operations.
Mission & Approach
Elephant Welfare First
Elephants are never ridden, bathed by tourists, or used for entertainment. They roam freely in the forest, forming natural family groups. Veterinary care is provided when needed, but human intervention is minimized.
Community Partnership
EVP works with the Bunong indigenous community, providing fair employment and supporting traditional land rights. This creates economic incentives for conservation over exploitation.
Forest Protection
Over 1,500 hectares of forest are protected for the elephants. This also preserves habitat for countless other species and maintains vital ecosystem services for the region.
Rescue & Rehabilitation
Elephants at EVP are rescued from logging operations, tourist camps, and other situations of exploitation. Many arrive injured or traumatized. The sanctuary provides lifelong care and healing.
Experiences
Day Visit$90 USD
Arrive around 8:30 AM for an orientation and trek into the forest to find the elephants. Observe them foraging, bathing (on their own terms), and socializing. Includes lunch at the project center. Departs around 3:30 PM.
- • 3-4 hours observing elephants in the forest
- • Introduction to Bunong culture and elephant care
- • Traditional Bunong lunch included
- • Maximum 8 visitors per day
2-Day / 1-Night Experience$180-200 USD
The full experience. Two days with the elephants including early morning observation (the best time). Overnight in comfortable bungalows at the project site. More time for forest trekking and deeper engagement with the project.
- • Early morning elephant observation
- • Forest trekking and waterfall visit
- • Comfortable bungalow accommodation
- • All meals included
- • In-depth experience with mahouts and elephants
3-Day Volunteer ExperienceContact for pricing
For those who want to contribute more. Assist with project activities, learn about elephant care, and gain deeper insight into conservation challenges and solutions in Cambodia.
Visiting Information
Booking & Logistics
Booking: Required in advance (often weeks ahead)
Maximum visitors: 8 per day
Meeting point: Sen Monorom town
Transport: Included from Sen Monorom
Book via their website or email. Popular with ethical travelers—reserve early!
Getting to Mondulkiri
From Phnom Penh: 5-6 hours by bus ($12-15)
From Siem Reap: 10+ hours (overnight bus)
Local transport: Arrange via guesthouse
Most visitors stay 2-3 nights in Sen Monorom to explore the area
Book Well in Advance
EVP limits visitors to 8 per day to minimize impact on the elephants. During peak season (November-February), the project often books out weeks in advance. Reserve your spot as early as possible, especially for overnight experiences.
Ethical Elephant Tourism
Not all elephant experiences are created equal. Here's how to recognize truly ethical elephant tourism:
Signs of Ethical Sanctuaries
- No elephant riding, performances, or painting
- Elephants roam freely in natural habitat
- Limited visitor numbers per day
- Observation from a respectful distance
- Focus on rescue and rehabilitation
Red Flags to Avoid
- Elephant riding (causes back damage)
- Elephants performing tricks or painting
- Chained or confined elephants
- "Bathing" programs (often stressful for elephants)
- Selfies with elephants or baby elephants
Practical Tips
What to Bring
- • Comfortable hiking shoes (forest trails can be muddy)
- • Long pants and sleeves (protection from sun and insects)
- • Insect repellent and sunscreen
- • Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
- • Camera with zoom lens (for distance photography)
- • Reusable water bottle (EVP provides refills)
Best Time to Visit
- • Nov-Feb: Dry season, cooler temperatures, easiest trekking
- • Mar-May: Hot but still dry, elephants often near water
- • Jun-Oct: Rainy season, lush forest, fewer visitors
- • Year-round: Elephants are present and active
Explore More in Mondulkiri
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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