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Rattanakiri is a truly up and coming
destination: remote enough to feel wild and exciting and
different; accessible enough to make it a viable spot
for a weekend without discomfort. The province is
heavily forested, with volcanic lakes, interesting
ethnic minorities, elephants, gem mining, trekking and
many many waterfalls: you won’t be stuck for different
things to do in this area. The temperature is also
cooler, especially at night, which makes it a pleasant
place to stay. |
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The hills of the northeastern province
of Rattanakiri |
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Getting to Rattanakiri and around |
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You have a choice: fly to Banlung from Phnom Penh (check
details of flights first as they are subject to change).
Banlung Airport (a dusty strip!) is right in the middle
of the tiny town so reaching your guesthouse is not
difficult. Otherwise, be prepared for a two day trip
overland. It is easy to get to Kratie from Phnom Penh by
bus, and to break the trip there for a night. Then take
a taxi/pick-up from Kratie direct to Banlung.
Roads are
much improved on what they were, and are in the process
of upgrade: the Kratie to Banlung stretch now takes only
six hours (this was a different story in the past...).
Prices for all of these kinds of transport are very
reasonable, and they can be arranged through guesthouses
and hotels.
Coming by dirtbike is also possible, but
don’t even try the miserable road from Mondolkiri
Province to Rattanakiri, however tempting it looks on
the map (the author did and fell off seven times in the
nine-hour trip in the deep deep sand...and this was with
considerable experience!).
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More moves are being made to
protect Rattanakiri's precious forests. |
Getting around Rattanakiri involves hiring motorbikes
(large or small), jeeps or pick-ups, all possible
through your accommodation, with or without driver.
Think about US$30-50 per day for chartering a vehicle,
depending on times and distances, and around US$8-15 per
day for a motorbike with a driver (drivers are often
good guides around the area too, and some of the sights
are very difficult to find on your own). You can also
hire bikes cheaply: remember, for this and for
motorbikes, that the province is very dusty, and a
helmet and a face mask should be considered necessary
also. |
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Sights |
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Yeaklom Lake is a
remarkable and beautiful natural
resource close to the provincial
capital of Banlung. |
Take time to relax in the spectacular waterfalls around
Banlung, including Chaa Ong, Ka Tieng, Kinchaan and Tuk
Chrouu Brampul: the most popular, magnificent and
accessible is thought to be Chaa Ong. You can also
arrange treks out into the countryside or just day trips
to visit ethnic minority villages. Always go with a
guide to ensure that you act sensitively. Elephant
riding is popular, and don’t forget the most notorious
sight in Rattanakiri: Boeung Yeak Lom – Yeak Lom Lake, a
stunningly beautiful volcanic lake right next to Banlung.
A dip there will take all your stresses and strains
away. |
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| A dip in Yeaklom Lake can ease all your
stresses and make your emerge on top of the
world. |
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| Further afield are gem mines and Virachay
National Park, full of beautiful countryside
and fascinating wildlife. Ecotourism is
taking off here, and it is possible to
travel around safely and considerately.
Arrange all trips or ask advice from your
guesthouse. |
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Accommodation & Food |
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Budget to high-quality accommodation is available,
including ecotourism bungalows in the jungle. All places
can give travel information. There are a couple of
restaurants in town, and there is even one bar on the
central strip! |
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The natural environment makes Rattanakiri a perfect
destination for a relaxing holiday. |
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Click here
to see other provinces. |
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