Ratanakiri province is Cambodia’s wild east home to a variety of shy Khmer Loeu ad a vast diversity of natural attraction, including lakes, waterfall and the vast Virachey National Park. Mud or dust, take your pick as in the wet season the roads look like a papaya shake and in the height of the dry season the dust will give you a foul fake tan and orange hair. The ideal time to explore is Dec to Feb.

Banlung, provincial capital of Ratanakiri Province, is the best base from which to explore the natural attractions in the area. The town itself hardly in sprites, but locals are lively and help make a visit something to savor. Ask around town about arranging an elephant ride in one of the surrounding villages, although Moondukiri is the better choice for a date with Dumbo.

Try to link up with a responsible local guide when exploring Ratanakiri, as the minority people around the province are sensitive to outsiders just stomping in and out of their villages.
Boeng Yeak Laom is a cracking crater lake situated amid lush jungle, one of the most serene spots in Cambodia. The water is exceptionally clear making for the perfect natural swimming pool.
  Boeng Yeak Laom is a cracking crater lake situated amid lush jungle, one of the most serene spots in Combodia. The water is exceptionally clear making for the perfect natural swimming pool. Community walks offering an interesting insight into the life of the Tompuon, including their relationship with the land, contact the Yeak Loam Community Based Eco-Tourism to arrange a walk with an English-speaking indigenous guide. Profits are ploughed back into the community. Yeak Loam is 5km from Banlung, just off the road to Bokheo.
  There are numerous waterfalls in the province, but many are inaccessible in the wet season and devoid of water in the dry season. The three most commonly vested are Chaa Ong, Ka Tieng and Kimchaam. It is best to hook up with a local to visit any of these, as they are off the beaten track and can be difficult to find alone.
  Located on the Tonle Sap, Voen Sai is a kaleidoscope community including Chinese, Lao and Kreang villages. 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 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 has not stopped guesthouses offering “treks” in the park. This usually means an expensive walk just to reach the park boundary. Go to the Moe office in Banlung to arrange a serious expedition. Easier access to forest is available from Siem Pang, at the reached by motto from Banlung or by rocket boat from stung Treng.
  The old provincial capital of Lumphat is a ghost town thanks to US bombing in 1973. However, it is an embarkation point for trip on the Tonle Srepok, the river depicted in the film   The old provincial capital of Lumphat is a ghost town thanks to US bombing in 1973. However, it is an embarkation point for trip on the Tonle Srepok, the river depicted in the film Apocalypse. Now, in which Martin Sheen crosses the border into Cambodia searching for renegade Colonel Kurtz played by Marlon Brando.