Meaning of the name: "Center of the Mountains" or "Meeting of the Hills" (from Sanskrit and Khmer).
Nickname: Often called the "Switzerland of Cambodia" because of its green, rolling hills, cool climate, and pine forests at an altitude of about 800 m.
Capital: Sen Monorom (a quiet town with a few thousand inhabitants).
Area and population: It is the largest province in terms of area (approximately 14,000 km²), but also the most sparsely populated in Cambodia (only about 60,000–90,000 inhabitants).
Population: More than 80% belong to ethnic minorities, primarily the Bunong (Phnong) tribe, with their own language, traditions, and way of life (often in harmony with nature, elephants, and rice cultivation).
Nature and tourism: Known for dense jungle, waterfalls (especially the impressive Bou Sra waterfall), elephants (ethical sanctuaries where you can walk with rescued elephants), protected areas, and ecotourism.
It is one of the last wild places in Southeast Asia with rich biodiversity (but threatened by deforestation and mining).
Climate: Cooler and fresher than the rest of Cambodia, especially in the evenings.
In short: Mondol Kiri is the ideal place if you're looking for peace, unspoiled nature, waterfalls, elephants, and an introduction to indigenous tribes—far from the mass tourism of Angkor or the coast.
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