Kouprey Roundabout: Cambodia’s Tribute to the Wild Ox in Mondulkiri

Why Kouprey Roundabout Matters

The Kouprey Roundabout sits at the center of Sen Monorom, the small capital of Mondulkiri Province. Its centerpiece is a large statue of the kouprey, the wild forest ox that once roamed eastern Cambodia and is now one of the country’s most potent symbols of vanishing biodiversity. Travelers pause here to photograph the bronze animal before heading into the surrounding hills, making the roundabout both a landmark and an informal meeting point for moto drivers and tour guides.

The Kouprey’s Story

The kouprey was declared Cambodia’s national mammal in 2005. The statue captures its distinctive long horns and humped shoulders, reminding visitors that the animal’s habitat has been reduced to tiny pockets along the Vietnamese border. Local conservation groups sometimes use the roundabout for small awareness events, so you may see information boards or leaflets about anti-poaching efforts while you visit.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive by bus or shared taxi from Phnom Penh (six to seven hours) or from Kratie (three hours). Once in Sen Monorom, the roundabout is impossible to miss—it marks the junction of the main road from Phnom Penh and the road leading south to Bou Sra Waterfall. Walking the short loop around the statue takes only a few minutes; many travelers stop here while arranging moto or jeep tours for the following day.

Best Time to Visit

Mondulkiri’s dry season (November to April) offers the clearest roads and the most comfortable temperatures for exploring on foot or by motorbike. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for photographs of the statue, and the surrounding market stalls are liveliest then. The rainy season (May to October) brings lush scenery but can make the laterite roads slick.

Nearby Attractions

Within a short ride are several highlights that pair naturally with a stop at the roundabout: the shaded trails of Phnom Dak Po, the community-based elephant sanctuary at The Elephants Walk, and the dramatic two-tiered Bou Sra Waterfall. Many travelers use the roundabout as the starting point for a half-day loop that includes a swim at the falls and lunch at a local Bunong village.

Practical Notes

• Carry cash; there are no ticketed entry fees, but nearby cafés and tour operators accept only riel or dollars.
• Respect the statue—climbing on it is frowned upon by locals.
• Combine your visit with a meal at one of the Khmer or Bunong restaurants that ring the circle.