Boeng Yeak Laom is a stunning crater lake in the wilds of northeast Cambodia and is ideal for those with a sense of adventure, who are not too bothered about spending long stretches on a bus.
The dormant volcanic crater is located a few miles east of Ban Lung, the capital of Ratanakiri, in an area surrounded by dense jungle and waterfalls. The lake is perfectly circular in shape, half-mile (800-m) in diameter and 165-foot (50-m) deep. The lake, as well as nearby Boeng Lum Kut, is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred around 700,000 years ago.
At the entrance to the lake there are a number of concession stands that sell food and drink, including large containers of local rice wine that you drink through wooden straws!
There is a walking trail that leads around the lake, and there are several piers for swimming and hanging out, as well as a number of shady picnic spots. The lake takes less than an hour to walk around and if you head to your left first you can finish your trip with a stop at one of the piers, which are off to the right.
Near the piers, around 1/2 mile after the concession stands, there is also a cultural center sponsored by the Cambodian Community Based Ecotourism Network that provides a fascinating look into the local culture and sells various handicrafts made by local minority groups.
When to Go
Yak Laom is enjoyable year round, though in the rainy season, particularly August and September, you may not get enough sunshine to truly enjoy the lake. November through March has the nicest weather.
Getting There
Boeng Yak Laom is about an hour’s walk from Ban Lung or around 10 minutes by moto; traveling east on Route 78, turn right at the “Yak Laom Roundabout” (with the statues of tribal people in the center) and continue down the road to the lake (staying right when the road forks).
Ban Lung is accessible from Phnom Penh, Kratie, and Stung Treng, trips of 11, 6, and 4 hours respectively (these are ball-park travel times; actual times vary greatly depending on your form of transportation and the weather/road conditions).
Need to Know
- What is it?: A spectacular volcanic lake in the middle of the jungle.
- Nearest Town: Ban Lung, the capital of Ratanakiri Province is 3-4km from the lake. Ban Lung is accessible from Phnom Penh, Kratie, and Stung Treng, trips of 11, 6, and 4 hours respectively (give or take 25%).
- Don’t Miss: Walking around the lake, visiting the cultural center, drinking local whiskey, and swimming in the clear water.
- Trivia: Yak Laom Lake, as well as nearby |Boeng Lum Kut, is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred around 700,000 years ago.
- Opening hours: Never officially “closes”, though admission gates are open from 630am to 6pm.
- Entrance fees: $1 foreigner: 1000 real for motorbike parking