The Leng Kao Waterfall in Mondulkiri province has recently been gaining popularity due to its legends and the beauty of its ecotourism community. According to members of the Ecotourism Committee, both local and foreign tourists have flocked to see the beautiful waterfall.
Leng Kao Waterfall, which recently reopened after renovations, has attracted more than 100 visitors in just three days, said a local named Sen Ty on Tuesday. The waterfall gets its name from a popular legend about a bear saving its owner from a tiger attack. The beautiful waterfall is located on the main road in the provincial capital of Mondulkiri, Andong Kraleung Village, Keo Seima District.
The ecotourism community is spread over 18.24 hectares and has a lodge, food stalls and more than 50 species of wildlife that live in the surrounding area. The indigenous Pnong people of the area were allowed to open to tourists last year.
Sen Ty said technical and financial support for the renovations earlier this year came from the REDD+ Tourism Project. The fame of the waterfall is directly linked to the story of a bear owner who was resting near the waterfall. The bear saved its owner from a tiger, and the waterfall was named Leng Kao, which means Bear Waterfall.
“Mondulkiri province in Cambodia has great potential for nature tourism due to its rich biodiversity, beautiful scenery and unique indigenous culture,” Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), told the Khmer Times on Thursday. She added that with its lush forests, waterfalls and diverse wildlife, Mondulkiri offers an attractive experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
She said that despite its potential, Mondulkiri province faces many challenges as a tourist destination. One of the main obstacles is the lack of adequate infrastructure, especially transportation. Mondulkiri province would benefit greatly from the development of expressways and airports to improve accessibility for tourists. Currently, transportation options are limited, making it difficult for tourists to reach the remote and popular areas that make Mondulkiri so attractive.
Ms. Sivlin said that Mondulkiri province has the potential to become a major eco-tourism destination in Cambodia. By addressing its infrastructure challenges and developing its tourism strategy, Mondulkiri province can attract many tourists seeking hands-on experiences in nature and culture. With careful planning and investment, Mondulkiri province can be developed into a sustainable and responsible tourism destination that preserves its natural heritage while providing unforgettable experiences for tourists.
