beautiful natural places in Ratanakiri

 I. Introduction

Ratanakiri's map

Ratanakiri is a province of northeast Cambodia. It borders the provinces of Mondulkiri to the south and Stung Treng to the west and borders to Laos and Vietnem to the north and east (Wikipedia). Ratanakiri became a province of Cambodia since 1960 under Norodom Sihanouk's reign. 

Therefore, this province is living by Indigenous peoples, it perhaps 7 groups that living in this province. Nowadays, there are only six groups of indigenous peoples as well as Tampuon, Jarai, Krueng, Kachok, Broa, Bunong and Kuvet. Most of these groups are living depend on natural resources and raining seasons. They do the farm and feed some pets to support their lives. But currently, they are going to move from live like ancient to modern lifestyles as Khmer people too. 

In this province, there are many nice natural places that you may know and visit these eco-places as well as Yeak Loam lake, Vireakchey National Park, Kiri lumkut, Vari lake, Yeak Mai lake, and another places. For me, I recommend you should visit these five natural places as below:

1. Yeak Loam Lake

Yeak Laom Lake

Yeak Laom lake is in the middle of a mountain, it was formed many centuries ago from a volcano. Regarding to Tourism of Cambodia, the lake is estimated 800 meters in diameter 48 meters deep deep during training season.  Yeak Laom is very beautiful natural lake which based in Yeak Laom commune, Banlung city, Ratanakir province, Cambodia. 

Yeak Loam lake is a natural, almost square-shaped lake situated in the middle of a mountain. This lake is attractive because it has picturesque mountains scenery, a charming bird sanctuary and provides the visitor with an opportunity to gain more experience from daily life of Indigenous peoples who living surrounding Yeak Laom lake. 

Every year, there are many visitors who coming visit this lake, because it is so nice natural lake that people can swim and see the deep forest to take relaxing.  Obviously, I and friends are usually visit Yeak Laom lake to relax and reduce stress when have free time. So, if you have not been there, do not forget to try to visit this great place. 

2. Vireakchey National Park

Vireakchey is Cambodian National Park which located in Ratanakiri and Stueng Treng. It was established in 2004 by the Ministry of Environment. It shares borders with Lao ad Vietnam. Vireakchey Park is the largest National Park among seven other National Parks in Cambodia. 

This National Park is the most wonderful place that you all should visit there because there is existing wilderness and wildlife. In the middle of park, you will see the beautiful forest and big meadow. This place is so attractive for many people around the world because there are more different animals, and birds that still alive there. You can start your adventure into the forests, where you will view of landscape from the mountain. Other hand, suitable for all kinds of animals because of the abundance of rivers, lakes, forests, etc. If you wanna go there, how can you reach there?

The National Park is estimated 5o km from Banlung and it takes one day and one night by motorbike from Banlung reach direct to the Veal Thom, is the middle of Vireakchey National Park.

3. Kiri lumkut,

Kiri Lumkut Lake (MoE)

Kiri Lumkut or local people called Kirivongkut lake related the Kirivongkut pagoda near lake. It is interesting lake which located in Samut village, Seda commune, Lumphat district, Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia.  It far 60 km from Banlung town.  The lake is surrounding by deep forest and farm of local people. 

Most local people are Tumpuon ethnic, which is the largest ethnic of Indigenous Peoples. For me, Kiri Lumkut is third eco-tourist place in Ratanakiri. Because the lake is really nicest that can help me feel happy and non-stressful. You can go there by motor or car 

4. Katieng Waterfall

Katieng waterfall (Heab)

Katieng waterfall is based in Labang 1 commune, Lumphat district. It is estimated 10 km from Banlung town. This waterfall is so attractive for tourist because it is a natural place. Moreover, you will see the elephant near the waterfall.  It is so amazing, you can walk in the forest and talk to Indigenous Peoples who are friendly and kindly with visitors.

5. Yeak Aom lake

Yeak kara or Yeak Oam (AMS)

Yeak Aom lake is in the category of the natural tourism site, it is often called Yeak kara, which located in Chrey Village, Se Da Commune, Lumphat District, Ratanakiri Province. It perhaps about 65-66 km from Banlung town, the Capital of Ratanakiri. Around the lake there is a few villages of Tampuon (Indigenous Peoples). Most of them are farmers, growing more plants as well as rice, cashew, cassava, bean, etc. 

Yeak Aom is also a great tourism place which can attractive visitors come to visit because they can having penic, trekking, and seeing view of mountain. Especially, you will learn something new from Tampuon people about their traditional culture, lifestyle. 

These five places are my favorite because  most of those areas are more natural and forest. We can have camping on the mountain or meadow. We can swim and hiking at the free time. Enjoy these cool places in Ratanakiri province.