Remote Northeast, Cambodia
Ratanakiri, in northeastern Cambodia, is known for its dense forests, volcanic crater lakes like Yeak Laom, and indigenous hill tribes. The provincial capital Banlung, with around 17,000 people, serve...
Find tours, hotels, restaurants, and guides in Ratanakiri
From Phnom Penh to Banlung, there are bus services operated by companies such as Giant Ibis and Mekong Express. The journey takes around 10 to 12 hours covering roughly 560 km. Tickets cost between $15 and $20 USD. From Siem Reap, buses take about 7 to 9 hours to reach Banlung, with fares usually from $12 to $18 USD. The roads can be bumpy, particularly outside the dry season. Flights are not available directly to Ratanakiri; the nearest airport is in Stung Treng, about 120 km away.
Within Banlung and nearby areas, tuk-tuks serve as the main form of local transport, costing about $2 to $5 USD for short rides. Motorbike rentals are common and cost around $7 to $10 USD per day. Bicycles can be rented for about $3 to $5 USD per day, suitable for short distances and lighter traffic areas. For trips to more remote waterfalls or villages, hiring a motorbike or arranging a local guide with transport is recommended.
Yeak Laom Lake is a clear volcanic crater lake about 4 km east of Banlung. Entry fee is $1.5 USD, with opportunities for swimming and walking around the 3 km trail. Katieng Waterfall is located 18 km from Banlung and has an entry fee of $1 USD. It is a popular spot for swimming and picnics. The Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary lies about 40 km from Banlung and is home to rare wildlife, but access requires a guide and prior arrangement. The village of Veun Sai provides access to trekking routes through indigenous communities and jungle areas. Entry is free but guided treks can cost $15 to $30 USD. The Ratanakiri Museum in Banlung displays local history and culture with a small entrance fee of around $1 USD.
Local cuisine includes dishes with freshwater fish, sticky rice, and forest herbs. The town market in Banlung has various food stalls offering meals for $1 to $3 USD. Popular dishes include sour soup with fish (samlar machu) and grilled meats. Restaurants near the lake and in town serve simple Khmer and tribal dishes. Bottled water costs about $0.5 USD, and local beer is around $1.50 USD per bottle. Fresh fruit such as durian and jackfruit are available seasonally.
Budget guesthouses in Banlung start from $5 to $10 USD per night, offering basic rooms with fan and shared bathrooms. Mid-range hotels provide air conditioning, private bathrooms, and prices between $15 and $30 USD per night. Upmarket accommodation is limited but a few lodges near Yeak Laom Lake offer bungalows for $40 to $60 USD per night. Advanced booking is recommended during the dry season as options can fill up, especially on weekends.
Virachey National Park in northeastern Cambodia has trekking from $10 entrance fees and multi-day guided tours costing $20-50/day. Accessible from Banlung, the park features rugged trails, waterfalls, and rare wildlife in a remote wilderness.
Yeak Laom Lake, a volcanic crater lake near Banlung, Ratanakiri, charges $3 entrance and lies 7 km from town. Ideal for swimming and walking, it’s best visited November to May.
FamilyHouse & Trekking features friendly staff and location from $12/night in Banlung.
Villas with panoramic views along National Road 78A in Ratanakiri. Highly rated for cleanliness and staff, offering good value from $33 per night.
Banlung Mountain View Treks & Tours features mountain views and friendly staff from $15/night.
Green Plateau Lodge features great value and friendly staff from $66/night in Boeung Kangsaing.
Villas in Village 4 Kachanh Commune, Ratanakiri with friendly staff and an 8.3/10 guest rating. Rooms start at $27 per night.
Villas near Road 33 in Banlung with friendly service and good value, rated 8.3 by guests.
Internationalសាលម៉ុនម៉ាត រតនគិរី/Salmon Mart Ratanaki is a international restaurant in Ratanakiri, rated 5/5 with 1 reviews.
InternationalNham Me! Rattanakiri is a international restaurant in Ratanakiri, rated 5/5 with 2 reviews.
CafeBanlung Reggae Bar & Restaurant is a cafe restaurant in Ratanakiri, rated 4.9/5 with 190 reviews.
InternationalThe plant Pub is a international restaurant in Ratanakiri, rated 4.8/5 with 12 reviews.
ItalianMolyka Pizza Restaurant is a italian restaurant in Ratanakiri, rated 4.8/5 with 8 reviews.
BarThe Corner restaurant is a bar restaurant in Ratanakiri, rated 4.6/5 with 142 reviews.
Within Banlung and nearby areas, tuk-tuks serve as the main form of local transport, costing about $2 to $5 USD for short rides. Motorbike rentals are common and cost around $7 to $10 USD per day. Bicycles can be rented for about $3 to $5 USD per day, suitable for short distances and lighter traffic...