Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Yeak Laom lake
5km east of Banlung • Daily dawn-dusk • 6000 riel • Head east out of Banlung and turn south at the Hill Tribe Monument
roundabout; dropping down the hill you reach the lake after 1.5km; the return trip by moto costs around $5,
including waiting time
Surrounded by unspoilt forest, the clear turquoise waters of
Yeak Laom lake
, 800m
across and up to 50m deep, are warm and inviting. There are wooden platforms for
bathing, and the 3km track around the lake perimeter makes for a tranquil little
hike. The setting is mesmerizing: stands of bamboo rim the lake, lush ferns sprout
from fallen trees, the reflections of clouds skim across the lake's surface, and in
the late afternoon an ethereal mist can be seen rising off the water. Watch out for
your stuff though - there have been thefts from bags left on the bank while visitors
are swimming.
The area is regarded as sacred by the Tampoun, who manage it for the benefit of their
community. Chunchiet culture is showcased at the small and rather ramshackle
Cultural and Environment Centre
(300 riel), around 300m anticlockwise round the lake
from the entrance steps, with a few dusty displays of chunchiet artefacts. The small
craft stall next door sells locally produced textiles, the money from sales going directly
to the community.
Waterfalls around Banlung
Entry to each waterfall costs 2000 riel
•
For Chha Ong head 2km west of Banlung along NR78 to reach the crossroads at the Lina petrol
station - turn right immediately past the petrol station (bearing left at the fork after about 1km and continuing through the small village
of Chha Ong); for Katieng turn left at the Lina petrol station, following the sign to Swift Rubber Factory/Rattanakiri Rubber Plantations,
and take a right turn immediately past the factory (unsigned, although the track is clear); for Ka Chhang continue straight on along the
road past the rubber factory
There are a few modest but picturesque
waterfalls
within easy reach of Banlung,
easily combined into a half-day trip along with a visit to Yeak Laom lake. The falls
at
Chha Ong
, around 8km northwest of Banlung, are the largest, the river flowing
through lush jungle before plunging 30m into a gorge. The pool at the base is
deep enough to swim in, and daring souls can climb onto a ledge behind the
curtain of water.
Southwest of Banlung, hidden in a bamboo-clad valley, are the
Ka Chhang
falls, just
10m high, but impressive after rain and with a pool for taking a dip. Nearby are the
small and similar
Katieng
falls. You can hop on an elephant ride here ($10/hr) for a trip
around the falls, although the animals are often overworked.
4
Voen Sai
Stretching along the south side of the pretty
San River
, the former provincial capital
of
VOEN SAI
, 35km northwest of Banlung and accessible by bus, is the largest village
in the vicinity of Virachey National Park. From the centre of the village a
ferry
(1000 riel) runs to the far bank of the river, on which there are some Chinese and
Lao villages, notably different in appearance to others in the area. The Chinese village
a couple of kilometres to the west has a tidy school and a general store; the main
street is flanked by neat bright-blue houses planted firmly on the ground rather than
on stilts.
Boats
can be rented along the river for trips upstream to Kreung and Kraval
villages (1hr; around $15 return)
and further on to the Tampoun chunchiet cemetery
(3hr; $50 return).
If you have your own transport you can make an interesting little diversion en route
to Voen Sai at
Veal Rum Plan
, an ancient lava field of huge flat stones. To reach the lava
field, head east at the O Chum crossroads, about 10km north of Banlung, and then
continue straight down the road for around 4km.
