Banlung: See
Banlung is near several spectacular natural attractions, including waterfalls, lakes, natural parks and hill tribe villages.
Mining Tour. As evident from the number of gem dealers in town, Ratanakiri Province is a significant gem mining area. Miners work in the Bokeo mines about 36 km from the town extracting the gems which sometimes are sold in Banlung's market. For more tour information, ask your guesthouse.
Rubber Plantations. There are a few large rubber plantations on the way to the waterfalls .
Virachey National Park (37 km northeast of town and borders Laos and Vietnam). It's chock full of jungle and mountains, and hasn't been completely explored yet. Not all areas of the park are accessible in the wet season. The Ministry of Environment (Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Project) offers jungle treks into the park, guided by a park ranger and community guide. Their office is near Banlung centre.
Wat Rahtanharahm (about 1 km out of town at the base of Eisey Patamak Mountain). There is a large reclining Buddha with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside past the wat and about half a kilometre up the hill .
Waterfalls. There are several local waterfalls, and they are best seen during the rainy season when the water volume is at its highest and the vegetation is lush and green. Cha Ong is the most visited waterfall in the area, and is 18 m high. The rock area behind the waterfall has been eroded away over the centuries by the waterfall, thus allowing you to walk behind the fall. Kan Chang is another fall, which is approximately 7 m in height and empties into a large pool in which it is possible to swim. Ka Tieng is a third waterfall, 10 m tall, in the jungle which also allows swimming, and where you can swim with elephants from the Airavata Elephant Foundation, an organization who is trying to save the last elephants in Ratanakiri. Further out from town are Ou'Sean Lair Waterfall (about 26 km SE) with 4 tiers, Ou'Sensranoh Waterfall (about 9 km SE and 18 m high), Veal Rum Plan stone field (about 14 km N) and another crater lake (about 35 km SE). Each of these charge a 2,000 riel entry fee in addition to whatever you shell out to get there in the first place..
Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake. A 700,000-year-old volcanic crater lake in the Yeak Laom (Yaklom) Commune Protected Area. The lake and the surrounding areas are considered sacred by the local tribal minorities, and many a legend abound about this lake. There are docks on the lake, and swimming and picnicking are options here. There is also a hiking trail which winds around the lake. Along the trail there is a visitors centre displaying some objects and folklore of the local hill tribes. 8,000 riel (US$2) (2019).