Red-earth roads, a crater lake and waterfalls in Cambodia's wild northeast
Banlung is the small capital of Ratanakiri, a remote, forested province in Cambodia's northeastern highlands. It is best known as the base for visiting Yeak Laom, an almost perfectly circular volcanic crater lake ringed by jungle, along with a cluster of waterfalls and the homelands of several highland minority peoples. The town's iron-red dirt roads and frontier feel are part of its character.
Ratanakiri long lay beyond the reach of the lowland Khmer kingdoms, home to upland groups such as the Tampuan, Jarai and Kreung who farmed the forests. Banlung became the provincial capital in the late 1970s, replacing the older centre of Lumphat which had been heavily bombed during the war years. The area was among the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge before its final collapse in the 1990s, and remains one of Cambodia's least-developed and most ethnically diverse regions.
Best Nov–Apr · Avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon) — this reflects Cambodia's seasonal weather and crowds.
eVisa or visa on arrival (most passports). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official Cambodia government or embassy before you travel.
Cambodian Riel (KHR). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
Khmer is the primary language in Cambodia.
Dial 117 for emergencies in Cambodia.
Tap water here is generally rated "Avoid tap". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type A/C/G. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Banlung on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 117. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Banlung and your government's current travel advisory before you go.