Banlung

Things to see and do

Yak Lom Lake

Banlung's top tourism attraction is a volcanic crater filled with freshwater and surrounded by an easily navigated trail that can be walked in less than an hour. Believed to be around 700,000 years old, this crater lake is about 50 metres deep at the deepest point and around 800 metres across. ... read more
Gem shopping

While the local mines are largely tapped out, the central market and main streets of downtown Banlung host many gem outlets. While they're probably outnumbered now by mobile phone shops (who does buy all these phones?!), those that remain offer a dazzling array of colourful precious stones from the ... read more
Reclining Buddha

A 10 to 15-minute bicycle to the west of Banlung will deliver you to Phnom Svay. Set atop the hill is a small but active temple. Pass that by and continue up the hill for perhaps another 500 metres and you'll reach a small reclining Buddha. While the Buddha itself isn't all that unremarkable, the ... read more
Waterfalls around Banlung

Waterfalls are dotted about Ratanakiri province. Here are four of the more accessible ones, all best visited by motodop from Banlung. Cha Ong waterfall Head two kilometres west on National Road 78 until you reach a four-way intersection. Turn right and follow the road for about six kilometres to ... read more
Virachey National Park

All trips to Virachey have to be arranged through the park service and accompanied by a park-approved guide. You can pay extra and have your guesthouse or tour company arrange this, or you can go to the office and arrange the trip directly with the rangers. The Office of Virachey National Park ... read more