Banlung is the capital of Ratanakiri province, in the northeast of Cambodia. It is a town that many travellers come to for its surrounding landscape and for the chance to meet some of the country's ethnic minority communities, which give the province much of its character.
What the visit offers
- Ethnic minority cultures: Ratanakiri is known for its indigenous peoples, and visitors interested in how these communities live may find this the main reason to go.
- Natural attractions: The province is valued for its scenery and its wild surroundings, which make a change from the lowland towns further south.
- A quieter pace: As a provincial capital, Banlung suits those who prefer a slower stop over a large city.
Planning a stay
Banlung works well as a base for exploring the province rather than as a place to spend long days in town alone. Those who enjoy the outdoors and cultural encounters will likely get the most from it, while visitors looking for a dense city of museums and nightlife may find it more modest. Taking time to explore the countryside around the town is the best way to understand what the area has to offer.
