The wild, sparsely populated and mountainous province of Mondulkiri in the far northeast of the country is famous primarily for its diminishing population of wild elephant, who roam in the region’s extensive forests.

Although perennially under threat from logging and mining companies, large tracts of jungle endure, along with the Bunong (Pnong) minority people who traditionally inhabit them. In addition to some magnificent rivers and waterfalls, the main incentive to make the long journey from Phnom Penh is to spend time at a marvellous elephant rescue centre. The ELIE project is located at Sen Monorom, the compact capital of Mondulkiri, which serves as a market hub for the Bunong, dispersed in remote villages around the town.