Banlung

Banlung is a small northern city that will please nature seekers with its large expanses of forests and numerous waterfalls. Travellers will also find the opportunity to meet the ethnic minority farmers working in this large farmland.

This part of the country is heavily forested, giving way to plantation agriculture (rubber, cashews and oil palms) and home to 12 different ethnic minority groups, giving the province a sort of “edge of civilization” feel to it. The town is growing though, new roads are being built and some things change quite quickly.

Banlung is situated near several spectacular natural attractions, including waterfalls, lakes and natural parks, and has hill tribe villages.

Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake is a 700,000 year old volcanic crater lake in the Yeak Laom (Yaklom) Protected Area. The lake itself, as well as the surrounding areas, are considered sacred by the local tribal minorities, and many a legend abound about this lake. There are docks on the lake, and swimming and picnicking are options here. There is also a hiking trail which winds around the lake.

Wat Rahtanharahm is located about 1 kilometre out of town at the base of Eisey Patamak Mountain. Past the Wat and up the hill about half a kilometre is a large reclining Buddha with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

Waterfalls, there are several local waterfalls, and they are best seen during the rainy season when the water volume is at its highest and the vegetation is lush and green. Cha Ong is the most toured waterfall in the area, and is 18 metres high. The rock area behind the waterfall has been eroded away over the centuries by the waterfall, thus allowing you to walk behind the fall. Kan Chang is another fall, this one approximately 7 metres in height. It empties into a large pool in which it is possible to swim. Ka Tieng is a third waterfall, this one 10 metres tall, in the jungle which also allows swimming. Further out from town are Ou’Sean Lair Waterfall (about 26 km SE) with 4 tiers, Ou’Sensranoh Waterfall (about 9 km SE and 18m high), Veal Rum Plan stone field (about 14 km N) and another crater lake (about 35km SE). Be careful when the roads are wet as they are extremely slick and slippery. Each waterfall charges a 2,000 riel entry fee with some an additional 1000 riel vehicle fee.

Mining Tour, Banlung and the Ratanakiri province is a significant gem mining area. Miners work in the Bokeo mines about 36km from the town extracting the gems which sometimes end up for sale in Banlung’s market. You can even buy directly at the gem mine where they extracting the gem.

Virachey National Park, (37km northeast of town and borders Laos and Vietnam). It’s chock full of jungle and mountains, and hasn’t been completely explored yet. In the wet season, not all areas of the park are accessible. The Ministry of Environment (Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Project) offers jungle treks into the park, guided by a park ranger and community guide. Their office is located near the center of Banlung.