Lake Yeak Laom

The Yeak Laom Lake Shores form a near-perfect circle. Despite its tiny radius, the lake is only around 160 feet (48 meters) deep. Its volcanic origins account for its shape and depth.

A volcanic explosion 4,000 years ago is thought to have created a crater that filled with water over time. The lake was previously bordered by thick forest on all sides, but just a thin layer exists today, with the majority of the land farmed.

If you visit Yeak Laom during or just after the rainy season, the waters are beautifully clear and show out sharply against the vivid green backdrop. Wild pigs and exotic birds like butterflies can occasionally be seen.

Even though the lake is revered by the locals, both locals and visitors frequently swim or play in the water there. To make access easier, wooden docks with steps have been constructed. In order to better safeguard the ecosystem, formal processes were launched in 2018 to register Yeak Laom and the surrounding territory as state land. Other safeguards for the lake prohibit the use of detergents, gambling, or argumentative behavior while in the water.

The lake is surrounded by five communities. The lake's 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) shoreline is surrounded by a network of pathways and wooden planks. Along the way, there is a small visitor center with lake information and handicrafts for sale.

You should be aware of this before you travel. Yeak Laom lies around three miles (five kilometers) from Banlung, the provincial capital of Ratanakiri, and is suitable for a bike trip. This location is also easily accessible by taxis or motorcycles. During the Second Indochina War, Ratanakiri was frequently attacked, and unexploded ordnance is periodically discovered in the area. Going off the (actual) beaten road may not be the best decision in this case.

Location: Yeak Laom Commune, Banlung Municipality, Ratanakiri Province, north-eastern Cambodia