About Ratanakiri
Ratanakiri Province, located in northeastern Cambodia, is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant indigenous communities. The province’s name, Ratanakiri, translates to “Mountain of Precious Stones,” which aptly reflects its lush forests, pristine waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. As one of Cambodia’s least explored regions, Ratanakiri offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Khmer culture and connect with nature in a serene and untouched setting.
Culture & History
Attractions
Eat & Drink
Shopping
Places to stay
Something Different
Eco & Wellness
Services
Best Places to Visit in Ratanakiri Province
Yeak Laom Lake
A pristine volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush forest, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.
Village Homestays
Experience authentic indigenous culture by staying with local families in traditional villages and participating in activities like farming, handicraft making, and traditional ceremonies.
Virachey National Park
Explore Cambodia’s largest national park, offering opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and camping amidst untouched wilderness.
Cha Ong Waterfall
Marvel at the impressive 25-meter cascade of Cha Ong Waterfall, set against a backdrop of dense jungle.
Banlung Market
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Banlung Market, where you can sample local delicacies, purchase handicrafts, and interact with friendly locals.
Best Places to Stay
Nature Lodges
Eco-friendly lodges nestled within the jungle, offering a rustic yet comfortable stay with opportunities for wildlife viewing and guided nature walks.
Guesthouses and Hostels
Budget-friendly accommodations in Banlung town, ranging from simple guesthouses to backpacker hostels with basic amenities.
Resorts
Luxury resorts and boutique hotels offering elegant accommodations, spa services, and gourmet dining options amidst tranquil surroundings.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
Local Eateries
Sample authentic Khmer cuisine at local eateries and street food stalls, where you can savor delicacies like Amok (fish curry), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef), and Nom Banh Chok (rice noodle soup).
Cafés and Restaurants
Explore Banlung town’s burgeoning café scene, with cozy establishments serving freshly brewed coffee, refreshing smoothies, and international dishes influenced by Khmer flavors.
Things Ratanakiri is Most Well Known For
Ethnic Minority Communities
Ratanakiri is home to several indigenous groups, including the Bunong, Kreung, and Jarai people, each with its own distinct traditions, language, and way of life.
Natural Wonders
The province boasts breathtaking landscapes, including dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil crater lakes, making it a haven for eco-tourism and outdoor enthusiasts.
Gemstone Mining
Ratanakiri is renowned for its gemstone mining industry, with deposits of precious stones such as sapphire and zircon scattered throughout the region.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Virachey National Park, one of Cambodia’s largest protected areas, is situated in Ratanakiri and provides habitat to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Asian elephant and Indochinese tiger.
Best Shopping Experiences in Ratanakiri Province
Local Markets
Browse bustling markets like Banlung Market and Bar Kaev Market, where you can shop for handmade crafts, traditional textiles, and locally grown produce.
Artisan Workshops
Visit artisan workshops run by indigenous communities, where you can purchase unique handicrafts such as woven baskets, pottery, and jewellery directly from the makers.
Key Information when visiting Ratanakiri Province
Discover the untamed beauty and cultural richness of Ratanakiri Province, where every corner reveals a new adventure and a deeper connection to Cambodia’s natural and cultural heritage.
Best Times to Visit
The dry season (November to April) offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities, while the wet season (May to October) brings lush greenery and fewer crowds.
Transportation
Reach Ratanakiri by bus, minivan, or private car from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Within the province, motorbike rentals, tuk-tuks, and local taxis are available for getting around.
Key Surrounding Areas
Consider extending your trip to explore nearby attractions like Mondulkiri Province, known for its elephant sanctuaries and rolling hills, or Preah Vihear Province, home to the awe-inspiring Preah Vihear Temple perched atop a cliff.
Learn more about Ratanakiri Province (Banlung Municipality)
Ratanakiri, often referred to as the “Gem Mountains,” is a province located in northeast Cambodia. It shares its borders with Mondulkiri to the south and Stung Treng to the west, while Laos and Vietnam border it to the north and east, respectively. The province’s landscape ranges from the mountains of the Annamite Range in the north to a hilly plateau between the Tonlé San and Tonlé Srepok rivers, and tropical deciduous forests in the south. Despite recent environmental challenges due to logging and mining, Ratanakiri is renowned for its natural beauty.
For over a thousand years, Ratanakiri has been inhabited by the highland Khmer Loeu people, who are a minority in Cambodia. Throughout its history, the region’s inhabitants faced exploitation and the slave trade under various empires. However, the end of the slave trade during the French colonial period marked a significant shift. The province also saw the influence of the Khmer Rouge in the 1960s and faced devastation during the Vietnam War. Today, rapid development is transforming traditional ways of life in the province.
Ratanakiri boasts diverse geography, including rolling hills, mountains, plateaus, lowland watersheds, and crater lakes. Its lush forests are home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The province experiences a monsoonal climate with distinct wet, cool, and hot seasons, offering pleasant weather for most of the year.
The province is sparsely populated, with most residents living in small villages engaged in subsistence agriculture. Despite its natural beauty, Ratanakiri remains one of Cambodia’s least developed provinces, with poor infrastructure and health indicators. However, recent initiatives aim to address these challenges and improve living conditions for its residents.
Ratanakiri’s culture is deeply rooted in its indigenous traditions, with communities practicing subsistence farming and maintaining a close connection to the land. Traditional customs, animist beliefs, and sacred rituals are integral to the way of life in the province. However, increasing modernization and external influences are bringing about cultural shifts, particularly among younger generations.
Visitors to Ratanakiri can explore its stunning natural landscapes, experience indigenous culture, and engage in eco-tourism activities. Despite its challenges, the province offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s cultural and ecological diversity.
