Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Colonial Lake Palace
OFFLINE MAP
(r with fan/air-con from US$10/15; 088 993 0384; )
Grandiose name for a fairly modest
place down by the lake. The rooms have a touch of class with flat screens and indigenous
runners on white bedspreads, but are on the small side. It's the sister hotel of Backpacker
Pad, which means tours and other handy things offered by owner Sophat.
HOTEL
$
Yaklom Hill Lodge
( 011 725881;
www.yaklom.com
; s/d/tr US$10/15/20)
Ratanakiri's only true ecolodge,
staffed by Tompuon, is set amid lush forest near Boeung Yeak Lom, 5km east of Ban
Lung's central roundabout. It will appeal to those who like camping. The all-wood bunga-
lows are atmospheric but starting to show their age, and can get damp. A generator en-
ables hot showers and light from 6pm to 9pm.
Hiking trails lead to the lake and beyond. Breakfast is included in the low season only.
LODGE
$
Terres Rouges Lodge
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$
( 075-974051;
www.ratanakiri-lodge.com
; incl breakfast s/d US$46/52, ste US$86-92; )
Undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric places to stay in provincial Cambodia. The fan-
cooled standard rooms are done up in classy colonial style, with beautiful Cambodian fur-
niture, tribal artefacts and a long common verandah. The suites consist of spacious
Balinese-style bungalows set in the gorgeous garden near the 14m pool.
If you're travelling with kids and/or looking for a little more comfort in Ban Lung,
staying here is a no-brainer.
Eating & Drinking
Among the guesthouses, Terres Rouge has the most sophisticated menu, while Treetop
and Banlung Balcony are also reliable. To get down with the locals, head to the lakefront
near Coconut Shake Restaurant around sunset, plop down on a mat, and order cheap beer
and snacks from waterfront shacks. Or try the market, where you'll find delicious noodles
for 4000r.
Night owls don't have much to choose from - see if Cafe Alee or Gecko House have
action. Otherwise Banlung Balcony has a great bar occasionally brimming with backpack-
ers; ditto Backpacker Pad.
