For an original elephant experience, visit the Elephant Valley Project. Part of the Elephants Livelihood Initiative Environment, visitors can learn the art of the mahout for a day. The trip starts with a tour of the project before learning about the body language of elephants. Students are then given the chance to try a series of short rides to build their confidence. After lunch, wannabee mahouts get the chance to experience a longer ride to a nearby waterfall.

After a dip in the water, it's possible to help wash down the elephants.It costs around US$50 per person per day up to a maximum of four people, although this number may rise as more elephants are brought into the project. The price includes transport but not lunch. All proceeds are ploughed back into the project to help provide veterinary care for the working elephants of Mondulkiri. There are plans to build bungalows at the site, which may offer up the option of longer immersion courses with the elephants. Project coordinator Jack Highwood has also trained up some former hunters as trekking guides and these guys have inside knowledge of the birdlife and wildlife of the region.