This rural rugged province is 70% ethnic minorities known as "chunchiet". Ratanakiri was as recently as 2000 seriously off the beaten track but has since been "discovered". Still, while you won't get any bragging rights for coming here, it's well worth the effort to do so, and once you get away from Banlung you won't run into too many other tourists.
Ratanakiri is located in Cambodia's far northeast bordered by Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, Mondulkiri to the south, and Stung Treng to the west.
 Banlung
The provincial capital and about the only place in the province with lodging, you will be basing your stay here. It's a dusty town with little to see except the town itself. Get up early for the daily market as most of the people are heading back to their villages by mid-morning. Just west of town is Phnom Svay with a pagoda and further up the hill is a large reclining Buddha and views stretching to Laos.
Yeak Laom Lake
The volcanic lake a few kilometers east of town. Suitable for swimming. Do see. Do swim.
Waterfalls
There are three waterfalls within close proximity to Banlung, they are Chaa Ong, Ka Tieng (aka Chhang or Chhoung), and Kinchaan. Chaa Ong is the highest, Ka Tieng the easiest to reach.
Bokeo
Once the gem mining center, it's now just another small village. Nothing really to see or do here, continue east to the Vietnam border.
Chum Rum Bei
The present gem mining center about 30 or so kilometers south of Banlung. Also see the Tuk Chrouu Bram-pul waterfall.
Lumphat
The pre-war provincial capital, it's now all but abandoned. Visit the Srepok River.
Karlai
Small village halfway between Banlung and Voen Sai. Many villagers who are rather accustomed to foreigners.
Kachon
Interesting cemetary on the San River, near Voen Sai.
Voen Sai
Town on the San River. Pagoda to the east, Chinese and Lao villages on the opposite banks. Cross with a moto and visit Rok, about seven kilometers further away.
Virochey National Park
Large nature reserve near Voen Sai. Treks and overnight camping possible. Ask in Banlung.
Ta Veng
Located about sixty kilometers from Banlung on the San River. Not much to see or do here but the ride up is interesting with a few villages and nice views along the way. Come here as an excuse to go for a ride in the country with a purpose (as if you need one). |
