Ban Lung is the capital of the northeastern Cambodian province of Ratanakiri, also known as ‘Gemstone Mountain’. Even as a provincial capital Ban Lung is nevertheless a small town with little activity and little to commend to travellers save for its rustic rural setting. There is significant gem stone mining activity around Ban Lung, as evidenced by the numerous gem stone shops throughout the small towns of the region. 

Ban Lung is a superb base for exploring Ratanakiri, which is one of the most beautiful provinces in Cambodia and also home to over 20 different tribes, which make up over 80% of the population of Ratanakiri. It is an ideal place for nature lovers who will soon become smitten with rural Cambodia. 

Visiting some of the hill tribes is one of the main reasons travellers make it off the beaten track to visit Ban Lung. The region is one of the least developed in Cambodia, mainly consisting of dirt roads making it more of a challenge to move around but extremely rewarding for those who make the effort. Most of the tribes still live life as they have done for decades, some still hunting with cross-bows and poison darts, using ancient farming methods and living very simply. The women are often adorned with tattoos or heavy jewellery particular to their tribe. Some tribes live in stilt houses, some in mud huts, nearly all are untouched by modernisation and offer a unique insight into tribal living in a way that does not appear to be ‘manufactured’ like some of the hill tribes on the Thai/Burmese border. 

The rolling countryside in Ratanakiri is beautiful, made up of hills, waterfalls, jungle areas and the famous Yeak Laom volcanic lake. Many of the hill tribes believe the lake to be a very spiritual place and deem it a place of worship. There is a hiking trail around the lake enabling you to take in its beauty from all angles. 

Approximately 2km west of Ban Lung is a statue of a reclining Buddha in peaceful surroundings that is well worth a visit.
To the south of Ban Lung is Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary, from where you will be able to see tigers, elephants and other native animals and birds. 

There are many temples in the Ratanakiri province. Perhaps the biggest draw card though is that this is a region where life has carried on virtually uninterrupted for decades and is one of those places where you can experience the true Cambodia as it used to be. The roads are full of pot holes and at times muddy to the extreme. The best way to get around is to either hire a motorcycle or to hire a local motorcyclist or driver to transport you from place to place. Alternatively, take a boat up the Meking to Stung Treng and then travel to Ban Lung by road. Taking a guide with you in this region is a good idea if you want to gain a further insight into some of the hill tribe ways of life as virtually none of the tribes speak English.