Gear Up For Autumn: 8 Best Things To Do In Banlung, Cambodia

1. Café Alee

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Before you visit the points of interest in Banlung, it is best to eat something so that you will not be hungry while joining the tours and visiting natural wonders of the city. Head over to Café Alee to have a hearty breakfast or brunch. You can either opt for Khmer food, vegetarian or lasagne. While having your meal, you will get to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding areas. After all, this café is located in a village and with its good service and food will definitely attract you.

If you are looking for beers, this is also the place to go as you choose the drinks and food that you want. You can refer to the menu and you will be impressed by its wide range of food. The burgers and pizzas are awesome too and do remember to order those to kickstart your journey.

Café Alee

Address: 78A, Krong Ban Lung, Cambodia

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (7am-10pm)

2. Pteas Bay Khmer Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are looking for a traditional Khmer restaurant, then you should dine in at Pteas Bay Khmer Restaurant. It is one of the popular restaurants in the city. Enjoy traditional food while taking pictures of the lake nearby. The dishes you need to try are homemade pasta, croissants and fried noodles.

You can always have your meal anytime of the day be it breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or supper. Besides that, Pteas Bay Khmer Restaurant is also ideal for kids. You will not have a hard time looking for the restaurant as it is located next to a guesthouse and you can always refer to the map.

Pteas Bay Khmer Restaurant

Address: Village 6, Sangsat Labanseak, Banlung 000, Cambodia

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (6.30am-10pm)

Facebook: Pteas Bay Khmer Restaurant

3. Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake

The first place you should visit in Banlung is its volcanic lake. You will be surprised to see the crystal clear water of the lake while you are here. Apart from that, the lake is also home to various parrots and exotic birds. Ever wonder what is the depth of the lake? It is around 48 meters (157 feet) in depth.

It is ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the scenic view of the surrounding area. You can also swim at this lake as it is safe. The lake is normally packed with locals and tourists and you will get to join in the fun. You will be surprised to see a tourist information center while walking around the surrounding area. Apart from providing information to tourists and visitors, there are also various handicrafts and souvenirs on display.

Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake

Address: Lake Yeak Laom, Krong Ban Lung, Cambodia

Website: Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake

4. Ka Tieng Waterfall

There are a few waterfalls in the city but this particular one is worth it if you prefer less crowded places. It is none other than the Ka Tieng Waterfall. Apart from the volcanic lake, this is another major attraction you must visit if you are in Banlung. Bring your kids for a swim and have a family picnic here to spend a fun family outing. It is the place you can visit at any season even if it is raining.

Ka Tieng Waterfall is located about 7 kilometers (4.34 miles) south-west of Banlung and it is right in the middle of the forest. The name of the waterfall originated from the Kreung hill tribe in the village of Ka Kieng. If you plan to come here, make sure you bring sufficient clothing.

Ka Tieng Waterfall

Address: Banlung 89009, Cambodia

Duration: Around 3 hours

Website: Ka Tieng Waterfall

5. Green Jungle Trekking Tours

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Be gung-ho while you are traveling and the same applies when you are in Banlung. Choose from the various tours available and experience something new each day. How about staying with the minority people of Cambodia or jungle trekking? If you are the adventurous type or are curious about something, then book your tours through Green Jungle Trekking Tours.

It is better to book the tours in advance if you are keen to join the tours. There are plenty of tours to choose from. The highly recommended ones are Ratanakiri Day Tours as well as Virachey National Park Jungle Trek. Both tours offer you the experience that you can get in other places, so it is best to enjoy your tour with your family. For the tour rates, kindly refer to the website.

If you just plan to have a short tour then opt for the Ratanakiri Day Tours. You can either choose the English or French speaking tour guide when you book the tour.

Green Jungle Trekking Tours

Address: 29, Krong Ban Lung, Cambodia

Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (7.45am-8pm)

Duration: Depends on the tour you choose

Website: Green Jungle Trekking Tours

6. Ratanakiri Smiling Tours

If you like hiking and camping, you should book the tours through Ratanakiri Smiling Tours. Embark on an exciting trip to the waterfalls, mountains and forest. The good thing is your professional guide speaks fluent English and you don’t have to worry about communication breakdown. By joining this tour you get to hike through the dense jungle and enjoy the flora and fauna while also taking photos of them. Besides, you also get to camp out for the night at the forest and also near the indigenous community’s village.

Kindly refer to the website for the rates as well as the different types of tour packages. If you decide to join this tour ensure that you are physically and mentally fit as it is not for everyone.

Ratanakiri Smiling Tours

Address: Banlung 16452, Cambodia

Duration: Depends on the tour you choose

Website: Ratanakiri Smiling Tours

7. Buffalo Cowboys

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For night owls, Buffalo Cowboys is the place to hang out with friends or for a drink. If you have problems sleeping early, just head over to the pub for a glass of wine or beer. You can even stay until the wee hours the next day. Sit back and relax at the pub and listen to the live music at this place. You get to eat various seafood and traditional Cambodian dishes. You can refer to the owner of the pub for more details. In terms of pricing it is reasonable and service is indeed excellent. It is a surprise to come across one such pub in Banlung after all.

Buffalo Cowboys

Address: Boeung Kan Saeng, Banlung 16453, Cambodia

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (11am-3am)

Facebook: Buffalo Cowboys

8. Apple Club

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you want to dance to the tune of the music, go clubbing or have even more fun, you should visit the Apple night club in Banlung. This is the only night club in Banlung. Take a look at the picture above and you will want to join the locals and other tourists to have a fun night. While partying, do remember to order some drinks as well as food to eat. Try not to party too hard. Drink moderately so that you can remember the way back to your hotel.

Apple Club

Address: Phum Chey Chumnas, Songkat Labaseak, Krong Banlung, Rathanakiri Province, Banlung

Facebook: Apple Club

A truly unique experience for all

Banlung is the only place in Cambodia where you can see the majestic Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake, so do not miss this opportunity to have your vacation in this city. Apart from its nature and wildlife, there are various restaurants and a night club worth visiting in Banlung. So, you can have all day fun from the morning till late at night.