With outstanding natural beauty, Ratanakiri is now attracting thousands of tourists every year.

Overview

Ratanakiri is a province in northeastern Cambodia, near Mondukiri. The word “Ratanakiri” is derived from two combined Khmer words to mean the “place of gems and mountains”. The capital, Banlung, is situated in the highland, approximately 586km from Phnom Penh. Lomphat, a small town in the southern plains, is the former capital of Ratanakiri. 

Tourism

The province is a popular destination for thousands of tourists every year. Ecotourism abounds due to the abundant wildlife and remote tribal villages. Most of the inhabitants of Ratanakiri are indigenous minorities. Ethnic Cambodians make up only 10-20% of the total population.

The tourist attractions in Ratanakiri are indigenous groups of people and wildlife. The province is home to five major ethnic minority groups, such as Tampuan, Krung, Jarai, Kachok and Brao/Kavet. Tribal culture and lifestyle of the village are a popular attraction for tourists from Europe and the United States.

It's quite dusty capital, Banlung, is located in the central highlands of the province, approximately 365 miles (586 kilometres) from Phnom Penh and reminds one of a wild western city, even if it's the wild east. Its wide red laterite roads are bordered by new, recently build houses replacing the older ones. The centre of the town features a lively marked with all the needful things.

Lomphat is a small town in the southern plains, which was once the former capital of Ratanakiri. There are a few other small towns like Ta Veng and Voen Sai. The province is getting more and more popular for thousands of tourist every year. Especially for those, who seek a close contact to originality, hidden roots of ethnic groups and abundant wildlife. Therefore the Ecotourism abounds, due to lush wildlife and remote tribal villages. Most of the inhabitants of Ratanakiri are indigenous minorities.

Yaklom Volcano Lake is another popular tourist destination in Ratanakiri. Located approximately 4.8km from city center, this beautiful lake is the caldera of a large volcanic crater. Thanks to an enormous depth of 157m, its water is exceptionally clean and clear. The lake is almost perfectly round, measuring 750m in diameter. Large trees that make up the rich and abundant rainforest are home to many exotic birds like parrots.