The Bunong people are a hill tribe, living in the hills and jungles of Mondulkiri, as well as Central Vietnam. Their unique culture includes animist, spiritual beliefs & extensive knowledge of nature, it is assumed the've migrated south from Northen Vietnam / Southern China. The Bunong speak an independent dialect as well as basic Khmer. There was no script in the past, yet they currently adapt Khmer and english script to write their language.
In the past, they were taming wild elephants for work and transportation, but traditional way of life is rapidly changing as they are very exposed to education, technology & modernization.
Ecotourism can potentially motivate the youth to develop their own tradition and take pride in their identity. Many NGOs are trying to help the Bunong prepare for the future through setting up ecotourism programs, health and agricultural programs.
The Bunong - Mondulkiri's indigenous people, have been living in Cambodia's north east highlands for centuries.
The Bunong people live in North East Cambodia & Central Vietnam's highlands. They have an independent culture, dialect & religious tradition.
Bunong are transitionally low consumption, hunter gatherers, with small scale, shifting forest farms. Crops were transported by family Elephants.
The Bunong have an extentive knowledge of local forest edibles and medicinal plants. As well as fantastic survival & wildlife tracking skills.
Deforestation is a major threat to the Bunong. As they are currently losing most of their heritage forests to large scale farming concessions.
This is a traditional Bunong hut, made of non timber forest materials. nodays, modern timber and cement housing is getting popular. 
The interior of the traditional huts is suprisingly large. It includes sleeping & storage platforms, as well as fire / cooking space. 
The Bunong practice a complex ceremonial aminist religion. Many communities have recently adopted Christianity.
Small Bunong farms are scattered deep within local forests. Growing highland rice, corn, cassava, bananas, cashews and other local crops.
Visitors to Mondulkiri can dress and take photos in traditional Bunong outfits at Bu Sra falls. 
Most Bunong working elephants are very old, many elephants have been retired by their families & relocated to local wildlife sanctuaries.
Many young Bunongs are being trained as tour guides by local NGOs. Visitors can support them by joining conservation trekking adventures.
Road MK10, Chomka Tai
Sen Monorom,
Mondulkiri Province
Cambodia
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