Banlung

Introduction

Stef fiets Banlung

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Most of north-eastern Cambodia has yet to be discovered by the outside world. The city of Banlung is the jumping point to this area of the country to this remote area where hill tribes live in isolation. Each tribe has its own language, culture and traditions. Although their traditional dress isn't as colourful as that of the mountain tribes in Thailand or Vietnam, their culture is just as interesting and perhaps even more rustic and authentic. The city is also the capital of Banlung District.

Sights and Activities

From Banlung, refreshing waterfalls and the Tampuan mountain tribes can be visited. Tampuan graves are marked with wooden totem poles carrying every day articles. The cemetery is located on the banks of the river and it is overgrown by plants, giving it a very mysterious feel.

It's also possible to arrange an elephant ride or a trek through the National Park.

The volcanic Yaklom Lake ($1 entry fee for foreigners) is only a five-minute drive away and not far from the cool waters of the vine-covered Cha Ung waterfall.

Events and Festivals

Getting There

By Plane

The airport in Banlung is not currently in operation.

By Car

A private minibus service operates between Stung Treng and Bunlung. The journey takes around 4 hours.

By Bus

From Kratie, minibuses leave early in morning and a full size bus leaves around midday. The price for a ticket on each is 30,000 riel. Buses also make the full trip from Phnom Penh.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Bicycles can be rented in the middle of town or from your accommodations for $1 per day. Motorycles can also be rented for from $5-6 per day.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet bars are starting to appear in most major towns in Cambodia. Connection speeds vary as does the quality of the computers. The best places to go online definately are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and outside of these centers it's generally also more expensive. In general prices are not much more than US1-2 an hour. Remember to take off your shoes when you enter as a sign of respect and to watch out for small shrines that are on the ground.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

The country code of Cambodia is 855. To call out of Cambodia, dial 001 followed by the country code and telephone number of the other party. Many of the internet bars also have international calling options and you can also arrange calls at post offices. Services are usually run by the governmental telecommunication network Camintel. You can find telephone cards in many shops, starting from serveral US dollars to around US$50. Samart, Mobitel and Shinawrata are the main mobile phone providers, with Mobitel offering the best and most widespread services, although calling from outside towns (countryside) is still tricky.

Post

Cambodia's national postal service offers a wide range of services, though in general things go slowly and are not always very reliable. That said, things have been getting better over the years, and you can expect for your postcard or letter to finally arrive after 5-10, depending from where you send it (avoid small towns) and to where you send it. Prices are around 2000-2,500 Riel to countries in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, and it's slightly more expensive sending it from more remote places in the provinces. Post offices in Cambodia generally are open from around 8:00am to 5:00pm, with some regional variations. Sendings parcels is only possible from the capital Phnom Penh and it's very expensive as well. You might be better to send it from Thailand, or otherwise check private companies like DHL, TNT or UPS, which are more reliable and might even be cheaper!