Explore Ratanakiri, a captivating province in Northeast Cambodia known for its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Discover stunning waterfalls like Kachanh and Cha Ong, serene Yeak Loam Volcanic Lake, and the expansive Virachey National Park offering diverse ecosystems.
Delve into local cuisine with dishes like Samlor Korkor and Nom Banh Chok. Learn about travel tips, including how to reach Ratanakiri via Pleiku Airport or Banlung Bus Station. Embrace eco-tourism opportunities and immerse yourself in the traditions of indigenous tribes.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in lush landscapes or insights into Cambodia’s indigenous cultures, Ratanakiri promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Southeast Asia
Exploring Ratanakiri:
Ratanakiri is a province in Northeast Cambodia. Ratanakiri borders Mondulkiri province to the south and Stung Treng to the west, with Laos to the north and Vietnam to the south.
In Ratanakiri, you will find houses made from bamboo, rattan, wood, seak, and kanma leaves. Ratanakiri has 3 seasons: Rainy season from June to October, Cool-season from November to February, and Hot season from March to May.
The best season to visit this place is in the rainy season as then you can enjoy the lakes and waterfalls to the fullest. Ratanakiri is one of the best destinations to explore mother nature.
Things to do in Ratanakiri:
1. Kachanh Waterfall:
This waterfall is located in the Kachanh. The height of this waterfall is about 12 meters. It flows endlessly along the Kantoeng Stream To the Sre Pork River in Lomphat District.
You can get access to the bottom of the stream by a wooden stair having about 72 steps. Many small and big trees of cashew and rubber surround this waterfall, casting cool shadows over tourists for picnicking. You will also find plenty of hammocks to chill out.
The entrance fee costs $1 per tourist
2. Yeak Loam Volcanic Lake:
Yeak Loam Volcanic Lake has located about 5 km from Ratanakiri province. Four thousand years ago, a volcanic eruption created a crater that over time filled with water, forming Yeak Loam Volcanic Lake.
The shores of this lake form an almost perfect circle. This lake is about 160 feet deep. The best time to visit this spot is during or shortly after the rainy season. At this time exotic birds and butterflies are common sights. The water of this lake is crystal clear and is suitable for swimming.
3. Cha Ong Waterfall:
Cha Ong Waterfall is located in the forest in Cha Ong village. It is named by the Kreung hill tribe living nearby. Once you reach the waterfall, descend down the slope and you will find a small cave behind the waterfall from where you can observe the waterfall and the green forest.
The waterfall gets its water from Phnom Eysei Patamak or Phnom Svay near Ban Luong provincial town from its upper level, the water flows from a small canal before dropping 25 meters to a lower level.
4. Virachey National Park:
Virachey National Park is located between Stung Treng and Ratanakiri province. It also shares its borders with Vietnam and Laos. the largest national park in Cambodia. It spread over 3,325 square kilometers.
You can go on multiday guided trekking trips through the Park including outdoor camping at night. This national park is divided into three sections; Cloud forest, Bamboo forest, and Evergreen forest. The best time to visit this national park is from November to February as this time the weather is cool and dry.
You can also go trekking here on one of the three treks named Phnom Veal Thom Trek, Kalang Chhouy Sacred Mountain Trek, and O’Lapeung Trek.
Food to try in Ratanakiri:
1. Samlor Korkor:
Salmor Korkor is the national dish of Cambodia. This dish can be made with any type of meat but, most commonly it is made with catfish and pork belly. The two main ingredients of this dish are prahok, a type of fermented fish, and Kroeung, a fragrant curry paste.
This dish is then thickened with toasted ground rice.
2. Nom Banh Chok:
It is a typical Cambodian breakfast dish. This dish is prepared with fresh noodles laboriously pounded out of rice, topped with a fish-based green curry gravy made from lemongrass, fingerroot ginger, turmeric, and garlic.
Then this dish is heaped with fresh cucumber, banana flower, long beans, edible flowers, and wild leaves. This dish is served with a sweet sauce called tuk paem made up of palm sugar and peanuts.
How to reach Ratanakiri Province:
1. Reaching Ratanakiri by flight:
The nearest airport to Ratanakiri is Pleiku (PXU). You will get flights from all over Cambodia to reach Ratanakiri. From the airport, you can book a private taxi to get to the city center.
The journey will cost you $50
2. Reaching Ratanakiri by road:
Banlung Bus Station is the main bus station in Ratanakiri. You can get direct buses from most of the neighboring cities.
The bus station is located near the city center so you can easily get to the city center by hiring a cab or by getting into local transport. It will cost you $12-$15 to reach city center from the Banlung Bus Station.
