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Sreykhouch’s Story: Why I Fell in Love with the Kulen Elephants
Cambodia Specialists: Experience the Difference
Get ready to experience the best of Cambodia! Cambodian Travel Partner has been the ultimate guide for tours across the country since 2010, and our incredible core team has been shaping unforgettable travel experiences throughout Cambodia since 2003.
We proudly wear the title of Cambodia Specialist! And we couldn’t do it without our amazing office team. They don’t just sit behind a desk—they’re out there, constantly hitting the road, gaining firsthand experience, and discovering hidden gems and brand-new destinations just waiting to be shared with our guests!
Every so often, we’ll introduce you to a member of our dedicated team and share the exciting stories and unique insights they’ve gained during one of our many thrilling study trips. Adventure is in our DNA, and we can’t wait to share that passion with you!
The following is written by Ms. Sreykhouch, who serves as a Tour Coordinator for Cambodian Travel Partner. She is responsible for handling all travel logistics and reservations for our guests, meticulously arranging hotels, guides, drivers, and more.
Sreykhouch’s Story: Why I Fell in Love with the Kulen Elephants
Hi, I’m Sreykhouch and I work as a Tour Coordinator for Cambodian Travel Partner. Whilst working for the company is always busy, sometimes we get opportunities to inspect some of the services that we offer to our guests. I was very pleased when my manager arranged for us to go to inspect Kulen Elephant Forest as I had never personally met an elephant!
Kulen Elephant Forest is located approximately 40 kilometers from Siem Reap town.
On the morning of the inspection, we all met at our office. We travelled to the Elephant Forest by vintage jeep, and we were all very excited to meet the elephants. It took about an hour to get there, and it was quite difficult to find as the entrance was somewhat hidden.
We knew we were in the right place as there was a distinctive smell that I hadn’t smelled before!
We were welcomed by the staff and offered tea or coffee. The staff then briefed us about how to behave with the elephants and not to scare or startle them. We then made food for them. This was a mixture of rice bran (or husk), banana, and salt.
Then it was time to see the elephants!
It was truly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Walking side by side with the elephants in the forest and helping to feed them breakfast felt so special. Along the way, I even picked up some wild fruits from the forest and shared them with my team. The taste was quite strange but interesting to try — a little adventure for the taste buds!
The Big Personalities of the Kulen Elephant Forest
What made the day even more memorable was learning the elephants’ names. I still remember them: Chi Mean, Chi Tone, Chi Youl, Gom Phoy, I Plock, Savath, Chi Ole, Chi Chlorb, Itok, and Kham Song. Honestly, I think their names sound even better than mine, haha! Each elephant is so big, gentle, and of course, always hungry — they eat a lot every day!
I was deeply impressed by their strength but also touched by their gentle nature. The elephants are very careful around people, but they really don’t like dogs because of the barking. They also prefer a calm environment and don’t enjoy sudden silence or loud noises. At one point, I noticed how, when the elephants stood tall, their bodies even reminded me of human forms — it was a fascinating thought that made me smile.
For over 22 years, these elephants worked by carrying visitors around the temples of the World Heritage Site. But today, their lives have completely changed — they now live freely in their natural forest home. This change is like a sign of hope in a changing world, and it makes me very happy. They are no longer treated as vehicles for riding, and I truly admire the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them.
What touched me the most is how elephants show love in ways that are so similar to humans. They are loyal, and many of them stay with only one partner for life. After the forest walk, we also had the chance to help bathe the elephants — such a heartwarming and unforgettable experience.
Lunch at the campsite was another highlight. Surrounded by the fresh, earthy smell of the forest, we enjoyed our meal while watching the elephants nearby. Eating in such a natural setting made me feel deeply connected to the forest and its animals.
Visiting the Kulen Elephant Forest was more than just a trip — it was an experience full of learning, laughter, and love for nature. I highly recommend this place to anyone who cares about animals and wants to create memories that will last a lifetime.
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