Yeak Laom volcanic Lake
Yeak Laom is a lake located in the Ratanakiri province, situated in the northeastern part of Cambodia, just 5 km from Banlung. It is also a major tourist attraction in the region. During your trip to Cambodia, don’t forget to visit Yeak Laom Lake, take part in the many activities around the lake, and enjoy a relaxing time in this beautiful spot.
History
In 1995, the governor of the region decided to transform the 5,000-hectare area, including the lake, into a protected area. In 1996, the government received assistance from the International Development Research Centre of Canada and the United Nations Development Programme to implement a resource management program for this protected area. In 1998, the site was named Yeak Laom Ecotourism and is now managed by the local communities.
Discovering Yeak Laom Lake
Description
Yeak Laom Lake is a body of water located in a volcanic crater that is 700,000 years old. It was formed by a volcanic eruption and is considered the most beautiful preserved lake in the Ratanakiri province. The lake reaches a depth of up to 50 meters and has a diameter of 800 meters. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful 2.5-kilometer hiking trail around the lake. Cambodians, who are deeply religious, believe that the lake is sacred and inhabited by several protective spirits. The local mountain tribes strongly believe in its mystical powers.
Additionally, five villages of the Tampuen tribe are located around Yeak Laom Lake. These include the villages of Lon, Lapoe, and Sil, which are situated along the road, the village of Chree, located to the west of the lake near Banlung, and the village of Phnom on the northwest side of the lake. These villages are home to approximately 1,500 inhabitants.
Activities around the lake
The clear and pure water of the lake offers an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim or a relaxing picnic on the shores. With the help of a guide, you can also try activities such as horseback riding or boating. A stroll around the lake can take about three hours.
200 meters from the trail, you will find a wooden house called the "Craft Museum," where you can admire the local tribal craftsmanship. You can purchase small souvenirs from the region, such as baskets, musical instruments, handwoven fabrics, scarves, and more.
During the hike, visitors can also venture into the lush forest surrounding the lake and discover the many exotic birds, such as colorful parrots, that inhabit the area.
Tourists are also invited to visit the nearby waterfalls in the region. In addition to trekking, tourists can also try rafting in the nearby waterfalls.
Visitors can take this opportunity to learn more about and discover the daily life and culture of the indigenous people. They are known for their traditional dance and music performances.
A hike to the Spirit of Youl Mountain is another must-do destination when visiting Yeak Laom Lake. This forest is used by the Youl and Vilakart mountain communities, and the locals will welcome you with open arms.
How to get there
Since Yeak Laom Lake is located in the Banlung province, there are buses that connect Phnom Penh to this province. The journey takes approximately 12 hours, and the bus ticket costs around 10 USD per person. Once you arrive in Banlung, you will need to travel 5 km to reach the lake. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. If you are passionate about hiking or want to explore the region, you can take a 30-minute hike to the lake.
Best times to visit the lake
The roads leading to Banlung province and the lake can be very poor during the rainy season, from June to October. The best time to visit Yeak Laom is between January and April when the roads are more accessible.
