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Discover Banlung and Ratanakiri in Depth
Imagine yourself in Cambodia’s far northeast, where red-dirt roads wind past towering forests, volcanic lakes sparkle beneath tropical skies, and tribal villages – unchanged for generations – invite you into their world. Unlike Angkor complex in Siem Reap or the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, Ratanakiri remains one of Southeast Asia’s last frontiers – rarely touched by mass tourism and fiercely protected by local communities. Its capital, Banlung, is a small but lively town surrounded by rubber and cashew plantations. Here, modern cars and modern lifestyle of young city people meets the way of life of olde indigenous people who walk by foot in the early morning hours to the central market to sell their homegrown and collected in the wild vegetables and herbs.
Geographically, Ratanakiri shares borders with both Laos and Vietnam. Monsoon‑fed rivers carve the land into valleys and plateaus, creating microclimates that sustain a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Average elevations range from 400 m at Yeak Laom crater lake to peaks over 800 m in Virachey Nationalpark.
Culturally, the province is home to more than a dozen indigenous groups – Tampun, Kreung, Jarai, Brao, Kavet, and others – each preserving languages, rituals, and crafts that predate Khmer dominance. From rice‑planting ceremonies to weddings, funerals, house warming parties and each their own traditional holidays, these communities find many reasons to gather and eat and drink together. They welcome respectful visitors to join their gatherings and feel honored when foreigners and outsiders wand to learn about their way of life.
For Adventurers and hikers Ratanakiri offers more than just scenery: it delivers an immersive journey through unspoiled wilderness, cultural exchange with minority villages, and a chance to support conservation efforts. In the following sections, we’ll dive into every aspect of trekking here, expanding on national parks, itinerary options, eco‑initiatives, wildlife, logistics, packing, safety, photography, and more.
National Parks and Protected Areas: Four Key Destinations
Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park
Nestled in northeastern Cambodia’s Ratanakiri province, Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park covers over 550 square kilometers of remote and richly biodiverse landscapes along the border with Laos and Vietnam. Officially designated as a national park in 2016, the area is a critical stronghold of wildlife, towering forests, and unspoiled rivers.
A Sanctuary for Northern Yellow-Cheeked Gibbons
The northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon is characterized by its striking golden cheeks (in males) and its hauntingly beautiful morning calls that echo across the treetops at dawn. Veun Sai–Siem Pang is one of the best places to encounter these elusive primates in the wild.
Thanks to long-term research by conservation organizations several gibbon groups in the park have become habituated to human presence, allowing for responsible wildlife viewing without disturbing the animals.
Virachey National Park
Virachey National Park is one of Cambodia’s largest and most remote protected areas, spanning over 3,300 square kilometers in the country’s northeast along the borders of Laos and Vietnam. Largely unexplored and rich in biodiversity, the park features dense rainforests, sweeping grasslands, bamboo groves, mountains, and rivers and waterfalls only a few people ever laid their eyes on. It is a sanctuary for endangered wildlife such as clouded leopards, Asiatic black bears, gibbons, macaques, gaurs, and hornbills, and also harbors countless rare plant species. Its immense biodiversity includes over 50 mammal species and more than 400 other animal species, excluding insects.
People who want to explore the park can book guided multi-day treks with English speaking guides and local rangers. Day tours are also available, but in my opinion one day is not enough. Plus, experiencing the jungle by night time is a very special experience that you don’t want to miss. Most visitors opt for 3 days/2 nights tours and longer. Options are available from 1 to 14 days.
Adventurers can explore the park on guided multi-day treks led by English-speaking guides accompanied by local rangers who grew up in and around the park. While day tours are available, spending just one day barely scratches the surface — and witnessing the jungle at night is an experience not to be missed. Most visitors choose tours of 3 days and 2 nights or longer, with options ranging from 1 to 14 days.
Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary
Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary spans approximately 2,250 square kilometers of diverse and largely unspoiled wilderness. Nestled along the banks of the Srepok River — a major tributary of the Mekong — this protected area forms a vital part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, one of the most biologically rich yet threatened regions in the world.
A Landscape of Contrasts
Lumphat’s terrain is a striking mosaic of habitats. Open grasslands stretch beneath wide skies, interspersed with dry deciduous forests, seasonal wetlands, riverine woodlands, and patches of evergreen forest. These varied ecosystems support an impressive diversity of wildlife, making the sanctuary a haven for both species conservation and intrepid nature enthusiasts.
On my last visit to Lumphat Wiflife Sanctuary we saw elephant footprints at a waterhole, there were even prints of an baby elephant!
Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake
Set in the heart of Cambodia’s remote Ratanakiri province, Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake is a stunningly clear, perfectly circular crater lake formed by an ancient volcanic eruption over 700,000 years ago. Located just 5 kilometers from Banlung, the provincial capital, the lake is one of the region’s most accessible and cherished natural attractions.
A Volcanic Wonder
The lake measures approximately 800 meters in diameter and plunges to depths of up to 48 meters, with its emerald-green waters fed by natural springs and rainfall. Surrounded by lush evergreen forest, the lake’s perfectly round shape and tranquil setting give it an almost otherworldly beauty.
Cultural Significance
For the local Tampun Indigenous community, Yeak Laom is more than just a scenic spot — it is a sacred place, steeped in legend and spiritual significance. According to local folklore, the lake is named after Yeak Laom, a mythical giant, and the area is believed to be home to protective spirits. The Tampun people manage the site through a community-based conservation initiative, blending ecological protection with cultural respect.
Different trekking and tour options in Ratanakiri
Gibbon spotting in Veun Sai-Siem Pang
Overnight tours to the gibbon research station, guided by an English speaking guide, a local ranger and gibbon researcher. In the early morning hours you will follow the calls of the gibbons. You can expect close encounters with the primates. This is the most special trekking option available in Ratanakiri – this option has the highest chance to see wildlife.
Multi-day treks into the Virachey Nationalpark
Wander into the park with a guide, learn about the flora and fauna. Build your own bamboo raft and raft down a river back into civilization.
Day tour to the Virachey Nationalpark bufferzone
Tours into the bufferzone are generally less expensive because it doesn’t require park entrance tickets that cost $10 per person/day. These tours often include visiting indigenous villages bordering the park.
Day tour to Yeak Laom and waterfalls
Hire and guide or just rent a motorbike and ride to the lake and waterfalls by yourself. During the week it’s mostly quiet there, but on the weekends and on holidays many locals will go to there in the afternoon and relax.
Day tour to Lomkod Lake and the vulcanic twin lakes Yeak Alom
55 Kilometers away from Banlung in the is the Lomkod Lake. The local community is developing the surrounding of the lake currently to attract more visitors, but generally it’s a very quiet and peaceful place to visit. The water is very clean and I enjoy swimming in the lake whenever I visit.
Visit the blue zircon gem mines
The best blue zircon in the world comes from Ratanakiri. You can visit the mines in Borkeo and also buy blue zircon in the gemstone stores in Banlung. You will need a guide to take you to the mines, otherwise it may be hard for you to find them. The mines are mostly located in rubber and cashew plantations.
Wildlife: What You Might See
- Yellow‑Cheeked Crested Gibbon (Nomascus annamensis): Active at dawn; listen for their cascading morning calls.
- Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus): Rare but still present in remote sectors of Virachey and Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Macaques: We often see them in the Gibbon Spotting & Trekking Tour
- Civets: Night walks may reveal masked palm civets.
- Giant Ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea): Cambodia’s national bird; Lumphat Sanctuary is one of the last refuges.
- Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus): Huge casque‑bearing birds seen in canopy treks.
- Peacock: Cambodia is believed to have the largest population of wild peacocks in Asia and the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary has a health population.
Why Visit Banlung and Ratanakiri? Six Compelling Reasons
There are surely more reasons to visit Banlung, but these are the most obvious ones. By the way, my reason to come to Banlung many years ago was reason 3.
1) Off the beaten path
Banlung has not seen mass tourism yet – allowing travelers to explore pristine landscapes, quiet waterfalls, and authentic villages without the crowds found in more developed parts of Cambodia.
2) Wildlife Encounters
Ratanakiri borders Virachey National Park, one of Cambodia’s last wilderness frontiers, home to gibbons, hornbills, elephants, and rare flora — perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
3) Gemstone Mines & Market
The region is famous for blue zircon. There are mines in Borkeo, Boloy and Lumphat. Other stones that are mined are sapphire and amethyst. You can visit the mines, arrange to attend the burning treatment procedure of zircon and buy gems at competitive prices.
4) Cultural Richness
Ratanakiri is home to diverse indigenous communities, including the Tampuan, Jarai, Kreung, and Brao, each with distinct languages, customs, and spiritual practices. These groups maintain rich cultural identities rooted in ancestral land stewardship, communal living, and ceremonies tied to nature. Their way of life offers a deep connection to the region’s forests, rivers, and highlands, shaped by generations of tradition.
5) Affordability:
Daily budgets of $30–50 USD cover accommodation, food, and guided treks. If you rent a motorbike or scooter and explore Ratanakiri on your own you will spend less than that.
6) Adventure Activities
Gibbon spotting, jungle treks, multi-day expeditions, and visits to volcanic lakes offer plenty of opportunities for active travelers seeking raw adventure.
What to Pack for Trekking
- Quick dry long sleeve shirts
- Insect repellent
- Sturdy hiking boots
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Power bank + charger cables
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Dry bag / waterproof cover
- Toiletries
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Backpack
- Slippers/sandals
My advice: Pack light but never compromise on safety gear – nights can get surprisingly cool in December to February.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Banlung?
Dry Season (November to April)
Ideal for trekking and outdoor excursions. Paths are dry, rivers become lower, and it is easy to reach waterfalls, crater lakes, and distant villages. Clear skies also present excellent photography and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Rainy Season (May to October)
The scenery changes to one of rich, emerald green. Waterfalls become strongest, and the countryside is teeming with new growth. But trails may get muddy and some rivers swollen, so some treks become tougher and more exciting.
Tip: Most tourists find the drier, cooler winter months from December to February to be most enjoyable, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool evenings that are ideal for wandering and unwinding.
Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits
Ratanakiri is Cambodia’s last great wilderness — a land where ancient forests stretch beyond the horizon, crater lakes mirror endless skies, and tribal villages preserve timeless traditions. Trekking here is more than just a hike; it’s a journey through living history, rich biodiversity, and landscapes that remain untouched by mass tourism. Whether you seek adventure, cultural discovery, or quiet connection with nature, Ratanakiri offers a rare and rewarding escape.
Ecotourism in Cambodia
