Ratanakiri Plateau

The Ratanakiri Plateau is located in the far northeastern corner of Cambodia and is a geologically unique region defined by its volcanic history. The landscape is characterized by nutrient-rich red soil, dense tropical jungles, and several volcanic crater lakes, the most famous being Yeak Laom. Sitting at an average elevation of 300 to 500 meters, the plateau features a varied topography of hills and deep river valleys. Ratanakiri is home to several ethnic minority groups, such as the Tumpoun and Jarai, whose cultures are deeply intertwined with the forest environment. In recent decades, the region has undergone significant changes due to the expansion of large-scale rubber and cashew plantations, which have impacted the native forest cover. Despite this, the province still hosts the massive Virachey National Park, which forms a vital ecological corridor shared with Laos and Vietnam. The local wildlife includes rare species such as the yellow-cheeked crested gibbon. The provincial capital, Banlung, has emerged as a hub for adventure tourism and nature exploration in this remote frontier.

Nearby cities

Lumphat

Former capital of Ratanakiri province, Lumphat is today a quiet settlement surrounded by pristine wildlife sanctuaries and indigenous vil…

Banlung

Nestled in the red earth of Ratanakiri province, Banlung is an ecotourism hub surrounded by waterfalls and indigenous villages.

Attapeu

Attapeu, also known as Samakkhixay, is located in southeastern Laos.

Sen Monorom

Set in the rolling hills of Mondulkiri, this cool highland town is famous for elephant sanctuaries and vast pine forests.

Sekong

Sekong was founded in 1984 as a provincial capital.

Đồng Xoài

The capital of Bình Phước province, known for its rubber and cashew plantations.

Nature

Yeak Laom Lake

An almost perfectly round crater lake of volcanic origin, surrounded by dense forest, revered as sacred by local Tampuan tribes.

Nong Fa Lake

A deep blue volcanic crater lake in the remote southeast of Laos, surrounded by dense forests and local legends about mountain spirits.

More places

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Virachey National Park

A national park located deep in the jungle in northeastern Cambodia, known for its dense forests and isolated indigenous villages.

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Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary

An extensive landscape of open dry forests and wetlands providing an ideal habitat for large Asian mammals and waterbirds.

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Virachey Mountains

An inaccessible mountain region on the border with Laos and Vietnam.

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Okvau Gold Mine

Cambodia's first modern, commercial-scale gold mine in Mondulkiri Province.

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Attapeu Sugar Factory

A large-scale agro-industrial facility in the south, processing sugarcane from massive local plantations, acting as a key employer.

Jahoo Gibbon Camp

A unique conservation project where visitors take guided treks to see the rare yellow-cheeked crested gibbons.

Mondulkiri Elephant Project

A highland sanctuary that provides a stress-free environment for rescued elephants and campaigns against elephant riding.

Elephant Valley Project

This ecotourism project in Mondulkiri allows visitors to watch elephants roam freely through the jungle.