There’s something magical about seeing an elephant for the first time. With their quiet strength, deep intelligence, and kind eyes stop you in your tracks. In Cambodia, elephants aren’t just animals; they’re sacred beings woven into the country’s history and spirit.
But as tourism grows, so does the need for ethical elephant encounters. Having experiences that put the elephants’ welfare above all else. No rides, no chains, no tricks. Just space, respect, and connection.
And what better way to reach these remote sanctuaries than by driving your own tuk tuk through Cambodia’s mountains and forests? Its adventure and purpose rolled into one unforgettable journey.
Cambodia’s Elephants Today
Once, tens of thousands of wild elephants roamed Cambodia’s forests. Today, the numbers tell a more fragile story, but also one of hope. In Cambodia there are around 400–600 remain in the wild, living mostly in protected areas like the Cardamom Mountains, Mondulkiri’s forested hills, and the northern plains of Prey Lang and Preah Roka. There are about 70–75 elephants that live in captivity, many once used for logging, tourism, or ceremonial work.
The exciting news is many elephants have been recused!There’s no exact national figure, but several sanctuaries including the Elephant Valley Project and Mondulkiri Project now care for dozens of elephants who’ve been rescued from harsh conditions and given a new life of peace and freedom.
Conservation groups like ELIE (Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment) and Fauna & Flora International are working tirelessly to protect wild herds, restore habitat, and provide alternative livelihoods for local communities.
Each visit to an ethical sanctuary directly supports that effort.
Elephant Valley Project (EVP) – Mondulkiri Province
Drive your own tuk tuk from Phnom Penh or Kratie. It’s a scenic journey through rolling hills, coffee farms, and red dirt roads. The Elephant Valley Project is Cambodia’s most respected elephant sanctuary, setting the standard for ethical tourism. Here, elephants rescued from hard labor and tourism exploitation roam freely in lush forest valleys. You’ll walk beside them, watch them forage, and listen to their stories from passionate local guides. No touching, no bathing, just observing elephants being elephants again.
Stay longer: Spend the night in EVP’s eco-lodges and wake up to elephants trumpeting through the mist. It’s an experience that feels both wild and deeply peaceful.
Mondulkiri Project – Community & Conservation
Tuk tuk route: From Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, make it a multi-day tuk tuk adventure! Stop in Kampong Cham or Kratie before winding up into the Mondulkiri highlands. Run by a Cambodian NGO, the Mondulkiri Project rescues elephants and gives them a safe forest home. Travelers can join one or two day tours, trekking through the jungle to feed the elephants and watch them splash in rivers and mud baths, all on their own terms.
The project also supports the indigenous Bunong people, who have shared their forests with elephants for generations. Your visit directly helps them protect their culture and environment.
ELIE – Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment
Beyond its famous sanctuary, ELIE runs programs to protect wild elephants and forest habitats, while helping local families develop sustainable incomes. Drive your tuk tuk deep into Mondulkiri and volunteer for a few days! Enjoy planting trees, supporting community outreach, or learning about elephant research. It’s a way to travel slowly and give back, combining exploration with purpose.
Why Ethical Elephant Experiences Matter
Choosing ethical sanctuaries helps ensure that Cambodia’s last elephants can live in dignity and peace. By saying no to rides and performances, travelers are helping to shift tourism toward compassion and sustainability.Every responsible visitor adds to a growing movement, one that keeps the forest alive, supports local people, and gives rescued elephants the second chance they deserve.
Tuk Tuk + Elephants = The Ultimate Eco-Adventure
Imagine winding mountain roads, the wind in your hair, the scent of pine and red earth…. and then, deep in the forest, the soft rumble of an elephant moving through the trees.
Driving your own tuk tuk to Mondulkiri isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey. Slowing down, connecting with nature, and rediscovering a sense of freedom that mirrors the elephants you’ve come to meet. The best way to love elephants is to let them live wild and the best way to meet them is to travel consciously.
So pack your bags, rent your tuk tuk, and head for Cambodia’s green highlands.
Because some roads don’t just lead to places, they lead to purpose.