ELIE & The Elephant Valley Project — Attraction in Mondulkiri

I have been to different sanctuaries over the years in different countries & always do my research beforehand into the type of sanctuary I volunteer at. It is safe to say that @EVP are a genuine, focused, caring sanctuary which at all times put the welfare of the elephants first. Their whole motto is around the care and wellbeing of the 7 majestic elephants in their care. I volunteered for 2 weeks in this sanctuary (just gone) & saw the staff engage with the locals, bring them on board, work with them as paid members of staff all with the same goal -care for the jungle and the elephants who thrive there.

If your idea of visiting a sanctuary is to wash or ride elephants , this is not the sanctuary for you because that is not what they need or want. Consistently washing elephants, as in other “sanctuaries “ is not good for them and meets the needs of humans and isn’t in best interests of these animals. It’s unethical and fundamentally wrong. Would you wash your dog/cat a few times a day? The staff in EVP know what is right for these beautiful animals which is providing them with space to move freely in the 1500 hectare lush jungle, facilitating them to eat as they please. No one is intervening and the only contact with tourists is observation of their daily behaviours.

The staff @EVP in conjunction with the Mahouts do regular health checks to ensure that the elephants remain in good condition and monitor their physical well being to ensure they are at their optimum health conditions for their ages. What I love is the staff @EVP understand the need to work closely with the local bunong people who live nearby. They provide jobs for the community and there is a trust which has developed over the last 19 years between EVP & the local community which has created an important interdependence between them both, EVP providing jobs for over 50 local people. This is why EVP is different to other sanctuaries within Cambodia and also south east Asia. Very few, if any sanctuaries are operating at the high standards of elephant wellbeing that EVP are at.

When you visit EVP you will learn not just about the elephants but the flora and fauna of the area, learn about the local tribe and are educated on their culture and customs. This is a holistic approach which is at the highest level in my opinion.

I can’t recommend this sanctuary highly enough. If you are going to spend money on visiting here @EVP it is worth it, it’s educational, and an experience you will never forget. I would come back again and can only thank the staff, head volunteer coordinator Jack and Cynthia plus of course the English speaking head guide Thuan. Jack answered all the questions asked of him and explained so much, I feel I’ve gained so much in terms of knowledge around elephants and wildlife in 2 weeks.

A 5 star is not sufficient for this extraordinary non for profit making sanctuary. So I recommend the trip to Mondulkiri for a life experience you will...

I am incredibly enthusiastic about the work that the Elephant Valley Project (EVP) is doing and thrilled to have been able to contribute, even in a small way. The experience from start to finish was amazing, and I’m so happy to support this important cause in a more ethical way.

EVP picks you up at the hangout restaurant (where you can also enjoy a nice breakfast) and brings you to their base camp, where they provide a thorough and insightful explanation of what they do and where your contributions go. It’s clear that every penny is put to good use.

Our journey into the jungle to find the elephants was truly special. Once we located them, our guide shared a wealth of information and happily took pictures of us with these beautiful creatures. We followed the elephants and their mahouts, and throughout the trek, the guides tried to patiently answered all our questions and gave explanations on how their people use the forest. It was a truly intimate experience, being able to observe the elephants in their natural environment.

After a morning with the elephants, we returned to base for a relaxing lunch break. The meal was delicious, and I must say, hats off to the chefs. During this time, we also had the chance to reconnect with Jack, who had briefed us in the morning. He was extremely approachable and happy to continue answering our questions. As a biologist myself I was particularly intrigued by his plant conservation project and studies, which I think are making a meaningful contribution to the preservation of local flora.

Post-lunch, we embarked on a jungle trek, learning even more from Jack and Ian about the diverse plant life and the sacred waterfall, where we enjoyed a refreshing toe dip. On the way back, Ian opted for a shortcut due to reports of wild elephants on the regular route, which could be dangerous—just one more example of how knowledgeable and cautious the guides are.

All in all, EVP is doing a phenomenal job with the resources and support it receives. Their commitment to elephant welfare, local communities, and environmental preservation is impressive and truly inspiring. While we couldn’t join their full-time cause, I’m excited to have contributed in some way, and I hope the best for the continued success of their efforts. This was a fantastic experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it,...

A truly wonderful and heartwarming place. These elephants, once used as working animals, are now free from the burdens of labor and human demands. It’s incredibly moving to see them living with dignity and care, no longer expected to serve people’s needs.

A big thank you to Jack and Cynthia. Jack is a great character, passionate about conservation and incredibly knowledgeable. He welcomed our questions, making the experience deeply insightful and educational, which made it feel even more ethical as we understood what was truly happening. Cynthia was simply wonderful, a true inspiration. Having volunteered in numerous places around the world, her dedication to doing what’s best for animals shines through. She was a real gem to be around!

Unfortunately, many businesses continue to exploit elephants, forcing them to give rides or, more commonly nowadays, have groups of people “washing” or “bathing” them. This kind of treatment is far from natural or ethical. Jack told us about these kind of places and why they’re not ethical, and it all makes sense. Which is why I appreciate the EVP!

If you want to experience elephants in a way that truly respects their well-being and honors their natural lives, this is the place to visit. EVP is a highly focused animal welfare project supporting freedom, happiness, and respect, something every visitor should seek out. We had no direct contact with the elephants, observing them from a distance in their natural habitat. The elephants were not chained or pulled around - they moved freely, eating as they pleased while we followed them (they’re surprisingly fast!). It filled my heart with joy to see such a project operating with this level of care. Even in conversations with the workers, there was openness about areas for improvement and a constant desire to do better for the elephants. I admire places like this - far more than those that appear perfect but lack honesty.

Thank you EVP! I wish you...