Places to visit and things to do/see

Ratanakiri is a large province and almost all of the areas is covered by forest, and uninhabited. This reveals that natural resources and ecological systems are largely remaining undiscovered and undisturbed by man. Something that many are worried that if no timely and appropriate measures are enforced, the similar thing may take place as those in Cambodia neighbors the over-exploitation and subsequent degradation (or even extinction) of natural resources and ecological systems. In order to help Cambodia to be able to keep this cradle of ecosystem, we therefore urge all visitors, including our guests, to keep in mind of this fragile resources, and hence apply the ecotourism approach when visiting the province. The following are some of the places that should be visited. Of course, there are many things in many places of Ratanakiri that awaits your discovery.

(5 km east of Ban Lung, and 2.5 km for 45 min walk or 5-minute drive west from our lodge): This is a must visit and must swim place both to locals and visitors. The long-dead volcanic crater in round shape is filled with crystal clear water said to be 47 meters deep. The size of the lake is about 800 meters in diameter that challenges many to swim across. It is suggested then that you have to be a fit swimmer if you want to try swimming across. The lake is surrounded by protected forest areas managed by Yaklom Protected Area Committee of Yaklom commune. The Yaklom Environment and cultural Center standing by the lake exhibits hilltribe handicrafts and tells activities of the committee. (One-day admission fee 4000 Riels)

Yaklom Hill Lodge suggests its guests to walk from the lodge to the lake. By taking a back trail from the lodge, to hit the main road and then turn left at the Yaklom traffic circle (with hill tribe monument), it should take around 45 minutes to reach the lake on normal pace.

(7 km west of Ban Lung): This nearest waterfall to the provincial town of Ban Lung is very beautiful. You may see this from the plane during descending just before landing, or just after take-off. (Admission : 2000 riel)

(10 km west Ban Lung): This waterfall is so far the highest in the province. Very beautiful in rainy season with lots of water. The fall can be viewed from the top of the cliff where the water falls down below, from the front of the waterfall down the stream, and behind the falling water under the naturally carved out cliff. The road to this waterfall goes through the beautiful para rubber plantation, a Kreung hill tribe village, and a lot of cashew nut plantations. Under management of Cha Ung Commune Committee. (Admission fee : 2000 Riels)

(seven-step waterfall) (about 35 km south of Ban Lung) : This waterfall has been said to be the most beautiful waterfall in Cambodia with its seven steps. Located near the new camp of gem mining area (chomrom bai srok) where people dig the hole to look for their fortune precious stone. It is interesting to stop over the mining area to observe local method in search of gems. (Admission fee for waterfall : 2000 Riels) Road to this waterfall in rainy season is virtually impassable, unless you have a very very special effort!

(10 km west of Ban Lung) : This fall was in the past less visited than the other nearby waterfalls, but now is very popular among locals and visitors alike. Good idea to combine the visit to this waterfall with the elephant ride from the elephant village north of the fall (Phume Kateung). If you are lucky, you may be able to spot this fall from the plane when it approaches the airport to land, or when it takes off. Elephant ride to this waterfall (USD15 per person, about 1 and a half hour) is recommended and can be organized by the lodge. This waterfall is also part of our trekking/homestay with elephant (See more details in ” Treks and Tours” page.) (Admission fee : 2000 riel)

(just west of Ban Lung town) : The hill (Phnom Svay), accessed through Wat Phnom Svay, overlooking Ban Lung offers the panoramic view around the provincial town. This place is close enough to go on foot and you may want to go for the sunset watching. (No admission fee)

(10 km north of Ban Lung past O'chum district) : This volcanic rock field is part of the protected area of the same name. Look out for the natural almost monoculture of the Lagerstoramia trees with their white trunks just 50 meters from the eastern side of the field. Good place for picnic. (No admission fee)

The visit to the hilltribe villages will give you the picture of how ethnic minority people live in the province. Visits can be made to Tampuan ethnic village (in Bor Keo and Andong Meas districts) to see the traditional long house - the extended family house built on stilt. In the Kreung ethnic village, there is opportunity to see the temporary high house of the Kreung boy (usually after the harvest season) and small house of the girl. It is also interesting to visit the cemetary of the Tampuan ethnic group in Voensai district, to see how people pay respect for the dead.

The house is usually built on low stilt and wooden column. Typically and traditionally, only Tampuan (and some Jorai) hill tribe people in Bor Keo and Andong Meas districts perform this kind of massive construction. Their Tampuan counterparts in Voensai, Ban Lung, and probably other districts build different kinds of houses, that seemed to be influenced in design by either Lao, Khmer, or Kreung ethnicity depending on what ethnic community they live near. The structure is made from woods and the wall is made of thatched bamboo. Roof can be made of thatched bamboo or imperata, or even by tree leaves. The house is usually resided by members of extended family with many cells (or rooms), the common area or guest reception in the center of the house, and the kitchens at the two ends of the house. The central front terrace has stairway (normally made of the whole tree column carved into steps) is also used for rice pounding space of women.

Traditionally and typically for Kreung hill tribe boys, who join together to form a group of 4-6 people to build a small high house after harvest season (November-December). The house can be up to 5 m tall from the ground. The builders sleep up there at night. Usually the house will be removed from the village when the first stormy rain comes (April), as it is considered dangerous. The house itself is temporary. Usually the house is made wholly of bamboo. The girl house is a low-small cottage.

The little house, built by parent facing the main family house, is for the unmarried young girl. It is believed that the small house is the place where courtship takes place - the opportunity before the boy and girl choose their life partner. Unlike the boy's house, this girl's house will not be demolished, but maintained instead. Therefore, it is common to see the girl's house whenever visiting the Kreung village.

Tampuan people in Kachon commune of Voensai district interestingly and respectfully pay attention to the family member after he or she passes away. In addition to huge ceremony with many all-days-all-nights-long ceremony, the grave yard or the burial site of the dead is prepared in special and respectful ways with interesting details and meanings. As the village stands on the bank of the San river, the trip to the village is normally combined with a 1-hour boat cruise along the river.

The Kavet ethnic group mostly inhabits in the upper part of Voensai district, especially along the Lalai river - one of many tributaries of San river, and in the areas of the Virachey National Park. These people mostly grow upland rice in slash and burn farms, as well as the wetland rice. Visiting to the Kavet village, you will see their local wisdom in making the most use of bamboo. For example, in building the house, almost parts of the house (except sometimes only pillar) are made of bamboo roof, wall, floor, and many home and kitchen utensils. The bamboo is also used for making raft for their water transport in Lalai river. Visit to Kavet villages is normally part of the trek to Virachey National Park via the park ranger station in Voensai district.

Ones might have thought that the slash and burn farming system (swidden or shifting cultivation) is destructive to natural forest. Visit to this kind of farm (especially in cultivation season) and talk to the highland farmers and the village elderly, however, may give you another understanding approach. The farm, when seen from afar, may seem messy. However, the system is there that makes up this highland farm (or chomka in Khmer) a multiple or mixed cropping system. Each farm may be planted with more than a dozen of crop species, and there is always reason behind as to why pumpkin is planted here, and egg-plant or chilli plant is planted there. And why sesame is planted with rice.

San river (or Se San as the Laos ethnic group call, and Tonle San in Khmer) is one of the two main rivers of Ratanakiri (another is Srepok river) flowing east-west in the upper part of the province. Boat cruise (motored or manual paddling) in the river will give you a picturesque trip. In the dry season, when the water level goes down, cruising will be more adventurous as rapids emerge, and you will see many nice little sandy beaches along the river bank, and many sandy beach islands. The river cruise may be combined with the visit to Tampuan hill tribe village in Kachon commune to see cemetery. Picnicking on your private beach island or sand bars and swimming in the San river are highly recommended. Trip along its tributaries (such as Lalai or Lalai river) is also interesting and even more adventurous.

is home to the Lao ethnic group, and also Chinese, Tampuan, Kavet, and Kachock. Many prominent figures in the provincial administration are from this district and the Lao ethnic group. The Lao and Chinese villages are along both side of San river near the district center which is just a cluster of houses and shops. The Chinese maintain their skills in commerce and trade here, while the Lao growing lowland paddy rice. It is interesting to learn when and how a cluster of Chinese people have been living here amidst other their hilltribe counterparts.

Apart from visit to the farm, nature walk in the village or community forest would be very interesting and informative. Yaklom Commune Council Tourism Management Body is offering this nature walk in their villages guided by a trained Tampuan ethnic guides, who will explain the features of their village/forest. Yaklom Hill Lodge can help arrange this trip with the commune council. Parts of income from hiring local guide will go to community development activities.

Lomphat district was the provincial capital of Ratanakiri, before being moved to Ban Lung in the 80s. It sits on the bank of Srepok river and is also home to the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary. The ruins of the war in the past can be seen at the abandoned high school and the water tank tower. In dry season, many rapids in Srepok river emerge and offer beautiful scenic points and picnicking areas.

The morning market of the provincial town of Ban Lung is colorful, and very photogenic. Hilltribe people walking along the main road carrying their farm produces in their back-strapped baskets for sale in Ban Lung is the normal but interesting picture.

This national park covers areas of the 2 northeastern provinces of Ratanakiri and Stung Treng. The head office of the park in Voensai district and office in Ban Lung can help arrange and guide the tour to the park. There is also the park office in Taveng district where trekking can start from there. To arrange trekking into the national park, please contact the park's information center in Ban Lung (or office in Stung Treng town). Or email directly to : soukhon07@yahoo.com and Tel +855-12-1726817.

Fees apply. See more details in our Treks and Tours.

O'yadao district (70 km from Ban Lung) is bordering Vietnam to the eastern side of the province. It is also home of one major ethnic group of Jorai people, the only ethnic minority that is said to still have the written language. Most of the areas in O'yadao district is very remote and difficult to access, and hence many attractions are still unknown and left out of the visitors' itinerary.

Another volcanic lake of the province with its oval shape. It is located in the eastern part of Lomphat district's Seda commune. Compared to Yaklom lake, Lumkut lake is more peaceful and less visited. Villagers of Seda commune are mainly of Tampuan ethnic group. On the way to Seda commune, you can also make a stop to visit Jorai villages in Soeng commune of Borkeo district. Road to the site is already developed.

Elephant ride can be organized on request. Visitor can take an hour circuitous ride or a 1 and a half hour ride to Katieng waterfall (which is popular). Half a day and full day and multi-day ride are also possible. Yaklom Hill Lodge also offers elephant ride as part of trekking and village home stay in La Bang I commune of Lomphat district. See description of the trek in “Treks and Tours” page.

This is another district (45 km from Ban Lung) on the bank of San river, and home of the Preuw ethnic group. The Preuw has much similarity with the Kreung in terms of language. Parts of Taveng district are covered by the Virachey National Park.

And more…….