Ratanakiri

The northeastern corner of Cambodia, or the province of Ratanakiri, is gradually gaining tourist interest and rightfully so! It's abound with lush jungle, rivers and waterfalls.

For the exploration of the region, your only choice is the provincial capital Banlung. Not a particularly interesting town with wide dirt roads reminiscent of the American Wild West. But, the surroundings of Banlung are beautiful and worth exploring.

See also: Shopping for gems in Ratanakiri, Cambodia

Hidden high into the primordial northeastern forests of Ratanakiri are the 12 highland hill-tribe peoples known as the Khmer Loeu - a term coined by King Sihanouk. Practising animism and slash and burn farming, the Brou, Jarai, Krung, and Tampuan tribes, among others, still hunt with poison darts and crossbows. Many also still wear traditional costume - Krung women in sarongs and bare-breasted Brou women with tattooed faces and ivory tusk earrings in their elongated earlobes.

A peaceful people, they have had more than their share of ill fortune. During the Second Indochina War, American B-52's bombed large portions of the hilltribes' territory in the Americans' futile attempt to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which continued to run relatively undisturbed by the wanton destruction. However, the bombing not only killed and injured many tribes people, it also drove away the animals they hunted and destroyed their farmlands. Then - though the Khmer Rouge had found shelter in these mountains while the Communist guerillas were building their forces - once Pol Pot's despotic regime gained power, the KR returned to Ratanakiri and systematically wiped out half of the tribes-people.

Less than 60,000 hilltribes people now remain and their numbers are further threatened by a high mortality rate from malaria, diarrhea and childbirth complications. Their lives and livelihoods are now also threatened by the encroachment of logging into their territory.

Yak Loam Lake

Situated 5 km southeast of Banlung, the lake is the most beautiful of Ratanakiri formed by a volcanic eruption almost 4,000 years ago. It's 50 m deep and 800 m in diameter. Around the lake runs a walking path of 2,500 m.

Chha Ung Waterfall

These are the largest waterfalls near Banlung, plunging 30 m into a gorge. The pool at the base is good for swimming and you can also climb behind the water curtain, but be careful!

Kachang Waterfall

This Waterfall is located in the Kontung stream (6 km from Banlung) and flows into the Sre Pok River. The height is 12 m. and the water flows and falls throughout the year.

Katieng Waterfall

Also located in the Koutung Stream, below the Kachang Waterfall, 3 km. Height: 10m.

Virachey National Park

45 km north of Banlung. With a land area of 332,500 ha. it has a variety of plants and trees in the forest and many different kinds of animals and birds.

Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated 37km south of Banlung. With a total land area of 250,000 ha. there are tigers, elephants, red-headed vultures etc.

Posted in: Travelling to Cambodia