Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RATANAKIRI PROVINCE
Popular Ratanakiri Province is a diverse region of outstanding natural beauty that provides
a remote home for a mosaic of minority peoples. The Jarai, Tompuon, Brau and Kreung are
the Khmer Leu (Upper Khmer) people, with their own languages, traditions and customs.
There is also a large Lao population throughout the province and multiple languages will
be heard in villages such as Veun Sai.
Adrenalin activities are abundant. Swim in clear volcanic lakes, shower under waterfalls,
or trek in the vast Virachey National Park - it's all here. Tourism is taking off even as low-
land politicians and generals plunder the place. Ratanakiri is the frontline in the battle for
land, and the slash-and-burn minorities are losing out thanks to their tradition of collective
ownership. The forest is disappearing at an alarming rate, being replaced by rubber planta-
tions and cashew-nut farms. Hopefully someone wakes up and smells the coffee - there's
plenty of that as well - before it's too late.
Gem mining is big business in Ratanakiri, hardly surprising given the name means 'hill
of the precious stones'. There is good-quality zircon mined in several parts of the province,
as well as other semiprecious stones. Just don't get suckered into a dream deal, as gem
scams are as old as the hills themselves.
Roads in Ratanakiri are not as impressive as the sights. In the dry season, prepare to do
battle with the dust of 'red-earth Ratanakiri', which will leave you with orange skin and
ginger hair. The roads look like a papaya shake during the wet season. The ideal time to ex-
plore is November, after the rains have stopped and before the dust begins to swirl.
