The Ban Lung market underwent a serious upgrade in 2010. Until 2009, the market was rather dirty and decrepit, featuring “fresh” meats and vegetables, traditional medicines such as the dried pelts of Loris (the world’s smallest primate), and gold and gemstones.
The Loris pelts are no longer offerred (hopefully as a result of education and enforcement rather than over-hunting), but the market still hosts a number of jewelry artisans and gemstone cutters and setters. Aside from the jewelry and gem business it is a typical Cambodian market, but those with an interest in the gem and jewelry trade will find the market quite interesting.
Getting There
As the market is located in the center of Ban Lung it can be reached by foot or bicycle from nearby guesthouses or bicycle/motorbike from guesthouses farther from town.
Need to Know
- What is It?: The Ban Lung town market is unique in that it hosts a thriving gem and jewelry trade.
- When to Go: Anytime, though the market has more activity early in the morning.
- Nearest Town: The market is located in central Ban Lung, Ratanakiri. Ban Lung itself is about 3 hours by road from Stung Treng. The bus ride from Phnom Penh to Ban Lung goes via Stung Treng and takes around 12 hours.
- Don’t Miss: Gold and gem workshops.
- Opening hours: Before dawn to early afternoon.
- Entrance fees: none
- Address: Downtown Ban Lung