BUNONG VILLAGE WALK

🐃 A Walk Through Bunong Village

Tucked into the gentle hills of Mondulkiri, a walk through a Bunong village is less about checking off sights, and more about feeling the rhythm of another way of life. People live close to the land, with stories in their language, rice stored in bamboo, and buffalo roaming freely between the homes.

 👣 Step by Step, Heart to Heart
Walking past wooden stilt houses and forest gardens, you are met with smiles instead of selfies and quiet curiosity instead of rush. Children chase chickens, elders weave baskets under the shade, and every footstep feels like an exchange: your presence for their patience.

🐃 Buffalo, Mountains, and the Spirit of the Land

Buffalo are not just animals — they are guardians of soil and soul. You might see them cooling off in the mud or slowly grazing as if they have nowhere else to be. The Bunong people hold deep respect for nature: forests are sacred, mountains are protectors, and many trees still whisper spiritual meaning.

📍 Where to Go

Many Bunong villages are near Sen Monorom, especially on the road to Dak Dam or near Putang Valley. Notable villages include Pou Lung, Pou Tang, and Pou Traing.

🚶 How to Visit

Go with a local Bunong guide for respectful and immersive experiences. Many speak Bunong and Khmer, with basic English. Some villages offer homestays, forest walks, or cooking classes with foraged ingredients.

🤝 What to Bring (and Leave Behind)

Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a small gift (like fruit or school supplies), and deep respect.
Leave behind: Drones, flashy cameras, or anything that turns the moment into a spectacle. This is not a show — it is a shared moment.