Ratanakiri: The off the Beaten Track Mountainous Region in Cambodia

Ratanakiri, which literally means "mountain of precious stones" in Khmer, is a province that offers a unique mountainous landscape, blending wilderness, culture, and rich history. It is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts, with opportunities for trekking through its mountains and dense forests. Ratanakiri, off the beaten track, allows for a total immersion in lush nature.

This article provides an overview of Ratanakiri, offering you more choices to explore and discover Cambodia's hidden gem.

Written by Mai VuUpdated on 13-05-2024

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1. Why Should You Visit Ratanakiri?

Ratanakiri, located in the far northeast of Cambodia, shares its borders with Vietnam and Laos, revealing its appeal in the heart of the Indochina region. This province is at a distance of about 600 kilometers from the capital Phnom Penh.

If you already know places like the temples of Angkor or Phnom Penh in Cambodia, you should know that the country also has other interesting destinations that are often overlooked, such as Ratanakiri. This region offers a unique perspective to discover another side of Cambodia:

• Ratanakiri has a varied topography, with hills, mountains, plateaus, waterfalls and crater lakes, offering a diversity of experiences in the middle of nature.
• Explore the villages, their typical ethnic dwellings and the tranquility of rural life. Little visited by tourists, this region offers you an authentic experience.
• For trekking and adventure lovers, Ratanakiri is the perfect place to conquer the mountains, discover the wild nature and try new experiences.

2. How to Get There?

• By minivan

It is possible to take a bus to Banlung from Phnom Penh. The road between Phnom Penh and Banlung - Ratanakiri was fully paved and in good condition in 2017. This means of transport costs between $11 and $29, and runs on this route regularly. The minivan from Phnom Penh Virak Buntham Express to Banlung takes 8 hours including transfers and departs 5 times a day.

• By bus

There is a direct Virak Buntham Express bus departing from Phnom Penh and arriving at Banlung. Services are provided five times a day and operate daily. The journey takes about 8 hours. You can book a bus ticket online in advance for a few dollars. The bus fare is about $14.

• By shared/private taxi

This option is more expensive than the bus. It is possible to take a private taxi from Phnom Penh to Banlung for around 120 US dollars. The journey takes 5-6 hours to the junction near Stung Treng and then 2 hours to Banlung, including lunch breaks. Some taxi drivers in Phnom Penh specialize in this route. You can book a private taxi online in advance for a few dollars more.

>>> Good to know:

Ratanakiri Airport is located in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia. This airport is currently temporarily closed. However, all commercial airlines have stopped operating to Ratanakiri.

>>> Also read: How to get to Cambodia?

3. When Is the Best Time to Visit Ratanakiri?

November to March is generally considered the best time to take full advantage of the activities in this region. During this period, the weather is drier and travel conditions are more favorable.

Between June and September, during the rainy season, travel can be complicated by heavy rains and slippery roads. It's best to avoid planning trips to this area at this time for the best experience.

>>> Also read: What is the best time to travel to Cambodia?

4. What to Do in Ratanakiri, Cambodia?

• Hiking Trails in Ratanakiri

Hiking in Ratanakiri is the best way to explore the virgin forests, discover the ethnic villages and stay in the heart of unusual landscapes. This region of a thousand waterfalls offers travelers the opportunity to hike from one to several days, in the middle of atypical landscapes and to meet many ethnic minorities.

It is advisable to be accompanied by a local guide as the signs are not necessarily updated. The visit to the village of Ta Veng requires 3-4 hours of market time (easy walk). If you want to access Ven Sai village, it requires 5-6 hours of walking.

Here is an ideal itinerary to discover Ratanakiri:

Start your day by visiting the bustling Banlung Market in the morning, where you'll see various ethnic groups (Kroeung, Tompuon, Jarai) trading local produce. Then, by car, head to the village of Voeune Sai, inhabited by Chinese, Laotian, and Tompuon communities. Finish with a dugout canoe ride along the Se San River to visit a Tompuon village known for its funerary statuary, complete with totem poles and wooden statues depicting the deceased in a cemetery.

• Ethnic Villages

Sparsely populated, Ratanakiri is home to a dozen proto-Indochinese ethnic groups: Braos, Préou, Krouengs, Kachak, Jaraï, Kaco... These communities are all animist and their ancestral habits and customs are still well preserved. About 35 km north of Banlung are the authentic village of Ven Sai, of the Hakha Chinese minority, and the village of Koh Teak, known for its tombs adorned with wooden totem poles, lavishly carved and its beautiful statues.

Be sure to visit Kroeung Village, which stands out for its unique architecture and bachelor houses. These are small shacks on stilts for singles heading to Andong Meas, the most remote area, located east of Ratanakiri. You will discover the villages of the Jarai ethnic group, reputed to be masters of totemic funerary art.

• City of Banlung and the Surrounding Countryside

Banlung has been the provincial capital of Ratanakiri since 1979. This red city, which serves as a starting point for the most popular tourist sites in the region, has no real interest, apart from its ethnic market. Every day, early in the morning, the Kroeung, Tompuon, Jaraï... come from the surrounding villages and get together to exchange their products.

Also explore the surroundings of the city of Banlung, where the countryside offers exceptionally fertile land, home to rubber plantations, cashew nuts, orchards and vegetable crops. Depending on the season, you can discover these riches.

• Yeak Lom Lake

Hidden in the heart of a lush forest, populated by birds, Yeak Lom Lake is exceptional. There are traces of a 700,000-year-old crater. This beautiful preserved lake, located in the Ratanakiri region, is 50 meters deep and 800 meters in diameter. It is surrounded by 5 ethnic villages of the Tampuen, Lon, Lapoe, Sil, Chree, and Phnom tribes.

Travelers enjoy swimming in the clear water of the lake, hiking a distance of 2.5 km along the lake and venturing further into the forest to discover spectacular waterfalls, ethnic villages or visit a handicraft museum that showcases the richness of regional handicrafts.

• Cha Ong Waterfall

Coming from the source of Phnom Svay Mountain, the Cha Ong waterfall flows to a height of 20 meters. During the rainy season, it becomes the highest waterfall in Ratanakiri. After following a path, bordered by green rubber plantations, you will discover a beautiful natural turquoise swimming pool, perfect for relaxing or swimming in the middle of a very picturesque setting.

• Katieng Waterfall

Katieng is the name of a beautiful waterfall, donated by the Kreung ethnic minorities of Ka Kieng village. From the Kotung stream, it flows to a height of 10 meters, forming an impressive spectacle with its powerful falls. It is the most beautiful waterfall in the Banlung region. Travelers can enjoy a change of scenery, in the middle of a natural pool, surrounded by giant bamboo groves.

>>> Ready for a trip to Ratanakiri? Discover Cambodia in 14 Days: Nature and Heritage

• Virachey National Park

Located 50 km from Ban Lung, Virachey National Park, established on November 1, 1993 by the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, became one of ASEAN's outstanding parks in 2004. With an area of 3,380 km2, the park is so large that several parts have not yet been explored. It is indeed the largest park in Cambodia which has abundant and exceptional flora: dense forests, deciduous forests, bamboo groves, savannahs...

It is also home to many animal species, many of which are rare or endangered: pygmy loris, slow loris, elephants, gaurs, pig-tailed macaques, banteng... The one-day or multi-day hike allows travelers to explore a grandiose nature, to discover the daily life of the animals and to make beautiful encounters with the Brau and Kavet – the natives living in this immense forest.

• Ka Chang Waterfall

Located in Ka Chang village, where the Kreung people live, only a few km from Ban Lung is the Ka Chang waterfall in the middle of the jungle. At 12 meters high, it is a true piece of paradise for travelers who want to relax. To get to the falls, you have to go down 72 steps of wooden stairs instead, and then a suspension bridge. This promises to be a thrilling experience.

5. Suggested hotels in Ratanakiri

Terres Rouges Lodge

• Address: Boueng Kansaign Road Boeung Kan Siang Lake, Banlung 16452 Cambodia
• Website: https://ratanakiri-lodge.com/en/home/ 

Ideally located on the shores of Lake Banlung, the Lodge is the combination of a Cambodian villa and luxurious bungalows in the middle of an exotic garden. It has a traditional Khmer interior. This Lodge offers a variety of quality services such as restaurants offering various culinary styles (European, Asian, traditional Cambodian), bars, traditional massages, as well as excursion offers.

Ratanakiri-Boutique Hotel

• Address: Sangkat Boeung Kan Seng, Banlung Cambodia
• Website: http://ratanakiri-boutiquehotel.com/

Ratanakiri-Boutique Hotel in Banlung is popular with travelers for its family-friendly atmosphere. It is close to well-known French restaurants such as Balcony Pub and Banlung Kitchen. The town of Banlung is renowned for its waterfalls, including the famous Ka Chanh Waterfall, which is just a stone's throw from Ratanakiri Boutique Hotel.

The Tribal Village Homestay & Trekking

• Address: Village 4 Kachanh Commune, Street 78, House Number 249, Banlung Cambodia

Tribal Village Homestay & Trekking features garden views and accommodation with a terrace, located around 8.6 km from Yeak Laom Lake. In particular, this guest house also offers bicycle and car rental, ideal for cycling enthusiasts.

Family House & Trekking

• Address: Krong Ban Lung, Cambodia

Family House & Trekking homestay in Banlung offers rooms with mountain views. In addition, activities such as jungle trekking and buying bus tickets can be arranged on site. Bike, car, and motorbike rentals are available, which attracts hiking enthusiasts.

6. Practical Advice

• Respect local culture: Wear respectful clothing, ask permission before taking photos, and respect local traditions.
• Ensure electricity and connectivity: Secure your power with a portable source and get a local SIM card to stay connected.
• Book accommodations in advance.
• Carry local cash: use Cambodian riel and make sure you have small bills, bring enough cash for local expenses.
• Check out local guides: Maximize your experience by hiring local guides for in-depth information about the area.

Our Final Words

Ratanakiri, the little-known gem of Cambodia, possesses authentic charm and breathtaking natural beauty. This emerald province entices visitors with its majestic waterfalls, unspoiled tribal villages, traditional rituals, vibrant markets, and the warmth of its people. Ratanakiri is positioned as a destination for enriching and unforgettable experiences.

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