Travel Rattanak Kiri (Rattanak Kiri)

Travel Rattanak Kiri Cambodia with mr.hotsia

When talking about Rattanak Kiri province in Cambodia, many may not be familiar with the name, but for me, mr.hotsia, this is a small corner full of natural colors and tribal cultures more interesting than expected. This province is located in northeastern Cambodia, bordering Laos to the north and Vietnam to the east. There is an international border crossing connecting Cambodia and Vietnam at Ban Lung, the capital city of Rattanak Kiri province. I had the chance to visit and must say this experience was truly memorable.

Getting to Ban Lung City

For traveling to Ban Lung city, I, mr.hotsia, chose to transfer from Kratie province, coming from Phnom Penh in the afternoon. Soray bus company departs Phnom Penh at 7:30 AM, taking about 10 hours to reach Ban Lung. The air-conditioned bus is comfortable with stops for meals and restroom breaks along the way. I think this travel method suits those who want to enjoy the roadside views and experience authentic Cambodian life. If coming from Vietnam, you can also cross the border from Pleiku city, which is not far from Ban Lung.

For more details about traveling to Ban Lung city, you can readTraveling to Ban Lung City, Rattanak Kiriwhich I have written before.

Atmosphere and Accommodation in Ban Lung City

Ban Lung city is much bigger than I expected. It has markets, tuk-tuks, and banks with ATMs that accept Thai cards easily. There are also many local restaurants more than in Mondulkiri province. I stayed atRatanak Sky Inn GuestHousewhich has a unique atmosphere because the ground floor is a small hospital next to the market. For those wanting budget accommodation around 12 USD with air conditioning, hot water, and WIFI, this place is very suitable. Other hotels in town are few and mostly have no WIFI. I once got taken by a tuk-tuk to a place without internet, so I had to search for this one until I found it at night.

Morning Market and Local Food Not to Miss

I, mr.hotsia, especially enjoy walking through morning markets, and Ban Lung’s morning market is a must-experience. This large and lively market has locals selling goods simply on clean floors. There are fresh vegetables, fruits, dried goods, and many local foods to choose from. I tried local snacks like bananas and roasted rice to eat at the guesthouse. They were delicious and helped support the locals. There is also a steamed shellfish stall in front of the market that I really liked—the shells were fresh and very tasty.

For food in Ban Lung city, I recommend the curry rice stalls near the market with great flavors. Also, try unusual dishes like fried snake and fried insects, which are local delicacies (though I haven’t dared to try them myself). At night, I usually eat at the rice porridge shop in front of my accommodation. Here, rice porridge is called “Bobor,” especially “Bobor So,” white rice porridge served with salted egg, shredded pork, pickled vegetables, and salted fish. It’s so delicious I ate it several nights in a row without needing pepper.

If you want to dive deeper into local food here, I have written aboutLocal Food in Scenic Rattanak KiriandRattanak Kiri Food: Breakfast in Rattanak KiriPlease check them out.

Boeng Yeak Lom: The Ancient Giant Lake You Must Visit

If you visit Rattanak Kiri province and miss “Boeng Yeak Lom,” it’s like you haven’t really been there. This lake is an ancient volcanic crater about 700,000 years old, perfectly round as its name suggests, about 800 meters in diameter and 50 meters deep. It is only 4 kilometers from Ban Lung city. I, mr.hotsia, arrived and rode a motorbike round trip, waiting about an hour total. The motorbike rental cost about 10 USD.

The atmosphere around the lake is very beautiful. The clear green water is refreshing. I couldn’t resist swimming in the lake, feeling like swimming in a giant hole with a history of hundreds of thousands of years. It was a very special and peaceful feeling. Anyone traveling to Rattanak Kiri must stop here.

For more details about Boeng Yeak Lom, readBoeng Yeak Lom (Boeng Yeak Lom)

Lifestyle and Indigenous Tribes in Rattanak Kiri

Rattanak Kiri province is home to many ethnic minority groups. Most locals live in mountainous and forested areas. Their lifestyle remains simple and closely connected to nature. I had the chance to visit tribal villages in Rattanak Kiri, where the atmosphere and culture are still very strong. Talking with locals helped me understand the language differences and lifestyles, which are closer to Lao and Thai than expected.

If you are interested in tribal stories and lifestyles here, I have video clips recording my experiences in tribal villages on my YouTube channel, such asBackpacking Southern Laos Cambodia 17: Long Rak Hut, Rattanak Kiri Tribes, Cambodia

Summary of Traveling Experience in Rattanak Kiri with mr.hotsia

In mr.hotsia’s view, Rattanak Kiri is not just a remote ordinary town but a land full of cultural diversity and beautiful nature. From the bustling morning market, spicy local food, and breathtaking Boeng Yeak Lom lake to indigenous tribes preserving their traditional ways in an interesting way.

If you are looking for a destination with few tourists, wanting to experience true simplicity and nature, Rattanak Kiri is the answer that mr.hotsia confidently recommends.

For more information and other travel experiences in Rattanak Kiri, you can read my related articles such asBan Lung Morning Market, Rattanak KiriandBan Lung Local Snacks, Rattanak Kirito prepare yourself before the trip.