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 Ratanakiri province is Cambodia's wild east, home to a variety of shy
Khmer Loeu (Upper Khmer, or chunchiet). It features a vast diversity
of natural attractions, including lakes, waterfalls and the extensive Virachey
National Park.
The ideal time to explore the province is in December to February since
traveling the roads during the dry season will surely coat you all over
with a fine orange color while in the wet season the roads look like an
orange mush.
The provincial capital of Ratanakiri province, Banlung is the
best base from which to explore the natural attractions in the area. The
town itself doesn’t offer much in attractions but locals are friendly
and help make visitors right at home. Ask around town about arranging an
elephant ride in one of the surrounding villages, although Mondulkiri
is the better choice for elephant rides.
Try to get a responsible local guide when exploring Ratanakiri, as the
minority people around the province can be quite sensitive to outsiders
going around their villages unescorted.
What to do/see:
Boeng Yeak Laom
 A crater lake situated
amid lush jungle, this is one of the most serene spots in Cambodia. The
water is exceptionally clear making for the perfect natural swimming
pool.
Admission costs US$1 while English-speaking indigenous guides cost
around US$3 to US$7 per per-son depending on the number. Visitors may
contact the Yeak Loam Community Based Eco-Tourism group for names of
community recommended guides. The profits from this are primarily used
for the benefit of the community.
Yeak Laom is 5km from Banlung, just off the road to Bokheo. Motos (US$1
each way) are the easiest way to get here.
Chaa Ong, KaTieng and Kinchaan
 There are numerous waterfalls in the province, but many are inaccessible
in the wet season and dried out in the dry season. The three most
commonly visited are Chaa Ong, KaTieng and Kinchaan.
It is best to get a local guide when you want to visit any of these, as
they are off the beaten track and can be difficult to find alone. The
most spectacular of the three waterfalls is Chaa Ong as it is set in a
jungle gorge and you're able to clamber behind the waterfall itself.
Voen Sai
Located on the Tonle
Sap, Voen Sai is an eclectic community including Chi-nese, Lao and
Kreung villagers. Across the river is an old Chinese settlement dating
back to the 19th century, a slice of Sichuan, and further downstream
several Lao and chunchiet villages.
Virachey National Park
 This is the largest
protected area in Cambodia, stretching east to Vietnam, north to Laos
and west to Stung Treng. The park has not been fully explored, but this
hasn't stopped guesthouses offering 'treks' in the park. Travelers are
cautioned about this as this usually means an expensive walk in denuded
forest near the park, but not a visit to the park, as it is at least a
day's walk just to reach the park boundary.
Tourists wanting to see the real park should visit the Ministry of
Environment (MoE) office in Banlung to arrange for a serious expedition.
Easier access to the forest is also available from Siem Pang, at the
western end of the park, which can be reached by moto from Banlung or by
boat from Stung Treng.
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