Bo Keo is a district of Ratanakiri that is best known for its gem mining in the surrounding countryside, though the town has grown significantly larger in recent years from the opening of the nearby border with Vietnam and the trade that has resulted from the new crossing.
While much of the mining in Ratanakiri is currently operated by international mining concessions, many locals still dig the traditional way: getting lowered down a hole straight into the earth and digging with a pick. There aren’t a lot of miners getting rich this way, but there is gold in them thar hills (as well as a variety of other gems and minerals that were produced by volcanic activity hundreds of thousands of years ago).
When to Go
Anytime, though its best during the cool, dry months between November and January.
Getting There
Bo Keo is located 25 miles (40 km) east of Ban Lung on Route 78. You should inquire about visiting Bo Keo at your guesthouse or hotel who can arrange transportation for you. If you want to go on your own, simply hire a motorbike and drive east along the nicely paved highway.
Need to Know
- What is It?: A mining town turned border crossing town on the easternmost edge of Ratanakiri Province.
- Nearest Town: Ban Lung, Ratanakiri: 25 miles (40km) Ban Lung is about 3-4 hours east of Stung Treng. The bus ride from Phnom Penh to Ban Lung goes via Stung Treng and takes around 12 hours.
- Don’t Miss: The town market and traditional mining techniques.