Lake Yeak LaomAbout Lake Yeak Laom
Lake Yeak Laom is a volcanic crater lake in Ratanakiri province, northeastern Cambodia, near the provincial center of Banlung. It is a well-known natural attraction in the region, prized for clear water, a circular shoreline and surrounding rainforest.
The site is managed for conservation and tourism, with trails, a boardwalk and small visitor facilities; traditional indigenous communities live near the lake and host cultural demonstrations. Swimming, canoeing and short nature walks are common visitor activities.
Formed in a volcanic crater, the lake is surrounded by steep forested slopes and is considered an important local ecological and cultural site. It lies a short drive from Banlung in the highland landscape of Ratanakiri.
- Crater lake protection: The lake is a volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense forest and is a protected site with marked paths for short walks and swimming spots.
- Local communities: Local indigenous communities maintain cultural ties to the lake and run small-scale visitor amenities nearby.
What to See#
- Visitor area and local village: A lakeside visitor area with boardwalks and a small cultural center adjacent to a Jarai village that maintains traditional customs and crafts.
Nearby Attractions to Lake Yeak Laom
Best Time to Visit Lake Yeak Laom
Dry season brings the best conditions for walking, swimming and village visits; wet season increases jungle greenery but may hamper road access.
Weather & Climate near Lake Yeak Laom
Lake Yeak Laom's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2500 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 1 mm | some cloud | 62% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.3h |
| February | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 24° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 2.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.6h |
| March | Ideal | 21° - 31° | 26° | 24 mm | some cloud | 55% | 1.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 23° - 32° | 28° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 56% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Good | 23° - 32° | 29° | 270 mm | overcast | 66% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| June | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 376 mm | overcast | 72% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.8h |
| July | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 569 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.7h |
| August | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 521 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 444 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 191 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 24° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 1.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| December | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 10 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.2h |
How to Get to Lake Yeak Laom
Drive: Yeak Laom is a short drive east of Banlung, the provincial town. Local taxis and tuk-tuks offer transfers; some visitors visit on organized day trips from Ratanakiri region lodgings.
Tips for Visiting Lake Yeak Laom
- Hire a local guide from Yeak Laom village who can explain the lake's volcanic origin and local customs.
- Swim in the clear water but avoid introducing soaps or detergents-this is a protected freshwater ecosystem.
- Combine the lake visit with a walk through the nearby indigenous Bunong village for cultural context.