Bunong Photography from Mondulkiri, Cambodia
Bunong Kids, Mondulkiri, Cambodia
Discovering Mondulkiri
Many of my friends think of me as a seasoned traveler, but the truth is, I’m not that adventurous. Most of my trips focus on Southeast Asia, and one of the lesser-known gems I’ve visited is Mondulkiri Province, located in eastern Cambodia near the Vietnam border. A few years ago, I explored this region and captured some moments I’m excited to share.
But I should add that I lived in Cambodia during the crazy ‘90s, when I worked at The Cambodia Daily Newspaper. I traveled quite a bit back then, but not to this remote area.
First Impressions in Sen Monorom
On my first day in the provincial capital, Sen Monorom, I made my way to Bousra Waterfall. The scenery was breathtaking, and I was captivated by the sight of local Khmers in traditional ethnic attire posing for photos.
During my visit, I also met a well-known blind Bunong musician. His name escapes me now, but I believe he has since passed away. Mondulkiri is home to many ethnic minorities, and the Bunong are one of the most prominent groups in the region.
Journey to a Bunong Village
I spent several days with a young Bunong student who guided me to his village. It was only 25 kilometers away, but the journey took over three hours due to muddy, uneven roads—and this wasn’t even during the rainy season.
Along the way, we encountered Indian traders, each carrying bundles of fabric on motorcycles. I’ve never quite understood how men from Uttar Pradesh end up in the most remote villages of Cambodia, selling their goods.
Life in the Village
Once we reached the village, I was struck by the warmth of the people and the photogenic surroundings. I asked my friend if I was the first Westerner to visit. He laughed and said, “No!” He explained that United Nations officials had passed through during the lead-up to the 1993 elections, though that was decades ago.
We explored the district, visiting a few villages along the way. I saw a depleted goldmine where locals scratched out a living, incredible protected forests, and communities that respected hunting laws. The children were resilient, working and playing hard—a scene that reminded me of my youth in rural Ontario, though here it was set against the backdrop of the jungle.
Photography Choices
When I travel, I find that less is more. For this trip, I only brought my Canon 35mm f/1.4 and 135mm f/2 lenses, which allowed me to stay mobile and capture intimate moments without being intrusive. Generally speaking, the less gear you bring, the more photos you will take. You don’t spend time thinking about “this or that”, you just grab the obvious lens and start shooting!
Reflections on Modern Travel
Looking back, I’m reminded of how travel has changed. Today, it seems fewer people seek the off-the-beaten-path experiences that Mondulkiri offers. Most travelers focus on the easiest, cheapest, and fastest ways to see Southeast Asia, often sharing their adventures on TikTok or Instagram. The days of fully immersing oneself in local life seem to be fading fast.
When I’m not photographing in Hong Kong, I love documenting culture and life across Asia. Check out my work as a Hong Kong Family Photographer here.
