Banlung is situated near several spectacular natural attractions, including waterfalls, lakes and natural parks, and has hill tribe villages.

• Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake is a 700,000 year old volcanic crater lake in the Yeak Laom (Yaklom) Commune Protected Area. The lake itself, as well as the surrounding areas, are considered sacred by the local tribal minorities, and many a legend abound about this lake. There are docks on the lake, and swimming and picnicking are options here. There is also a hiking trail which winds around the lake. Along the trail there is a visitors centre displaying some objects and folklore of the local hill tribes. There is a entrance fee of 4,000 riel (US$1) per day for this area.

• Wat Rahtanharahm is located about 1 kilometre out of town at the base of Eisey Patamak Mountain. Inside is a large reclining Buddha situated amongst a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

• There are several local waterfalls, and they are best seen during the rainy season when the water volume is at its highest and the vegetation is lush and green. Cha Ong is the most toured waterfall in the area, and is 18 metres high. The rock area behind the waterfall has been eroded away over the centuries by the waterfall, thus allowing you to walk behind the fall. Kan Chang is another fall, this one approximately 7 metres in height. It empties into a large pool in which it is possible to swim. Ka Tieng is a third waterfall, this one 10 metres tall, in the jungle which also allows swimming. Each of these charge a 2,000 riel entry fee in addition to whatever you shell out to get there in the first place.

• On the way to the waterfalls, there are a few large rubber plantations.

• As you might have figured out from all the gem dealers in town, Banlung and the Ratanakiri province is a significant gem mining area. Miners work in the Bokeo mines about 36 kilometres from the town extracting the gems which sometimes end up for sale in Banlung's market. For more information on a tour, ask your guesthouse.

• Virachey National Park is about 37 kilometres northeast of town, and borders Laos and Vietnam. It's chock full of jungle and mountains, and hasn't been completely explored yet. In the wet season, not all areas of the park are accessible. The Ministery of Environment (Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Project) offers jungle treks into the park, guided by a park ranger and community guide. Their office is located near the center of Banlung.

The best way to get around Ratanakiri is by motorcycle, either by renting one and then driving it yourself, or by hiring one of the ubiquitous motodop drivers hanging all around town. Be mindful of the fact that almost no one outside the town will speak English, so it may be a good idea to hire a guide to go with you to some of the villages.

• You can rent bicycles near the roundabout.

• For motorbike rentals, the best place to do so is at the Ratanak Hotel, detailed below. Readily available are the smaller 125cc step through bikes for about US$6/day, these are the types that you will be seeing every Khmer driving. If you'd prefer a bigger bike, they will be able to track down a 250cc bike for US$10/day.

• You can also rent trucks or 4 wheel drive vehicles if you'd like, but the cost (US$30-40/day) is often quite prohibitive.

• Most guesthouses will arrange guides and these seem to get good reviews generally. Sitha has a 4WD Pajero for tours and is happy to recommend other guides; ask at the A'dam restaurant.

Banlung's market, Phsar Banlung, is your standard Cambodian market, carrying everything you've come to expect from a Cambodian market. At the crack of dawn, many of the Khmer Loeu people come laden with fruits, vegetables, and forest products from their villages. Not only is this a good shopping opportunity, it makes for a very photogenic scene (if you can get permission, of course).

There is only one (Acleda) bank in Banlung, and (as of Sept '08) it had an ATM with a new international Visa card link. There are no Cirrus/Mastercard facilities. Since the guesthouses in town that will cash your traveller's cheques do so with a stiff commission and ATMs go offline, you should come here with enough cash to get you back to whatever major urban centre you're headed to next.

There's nothing to differentiate Banlung cuisine from other Cambodian towns and cities. Aside from restaurants located in guesthouses, there are several eateries that serve western food.

All of these serve a variety of Cambodian and Western food and drinks, the staff are very friendly and dishes start at around US$1.50 or R6000:

• A'Dam, east of the market (turn right just before Tribal Lodge, look for the sign on the corner) is the cheapest of these, with a basic pub-like feel, and boasts a pool table, big screen television and draft beer.

• Gecko House, also east of the market (on the left past Tribal Lodge), has a more relaxed upmarket ambience, good food at competitive prices, some Thai dishes, pizza and also offers draft beer.

• Sal's is tucked away a block south from the highway, west of the airport, in a delightful new elevated wooden building. The menu has a couple of English and Mexican specialities (like Shepherd's Pie) and pizza. If you take a moto from the town centre they will pay the motodop.

• Lake View, Star, Ratanakiri (the former American Restaurant) and Tribal Guesthouses all have in-house eateries.

• Nature Cafe is a new venture 2 blocks east and one north of the roundabout. Initially a cafe/bar specialising in quality local coffee and cakes, served in an open air setting.

There are a growing number of Khmer restaurants in town:

• At the Breakfast Restaurant Cambodian breakfast dishes are served. It's a very noisy place, and inside it are four televisions that stay on as long as business is open.

• Heading east from the intersection in front of the market: on the right are a couple of good soup restaurants, while further out on the left are a couple of Khmer places that have gone beyond plastic chairs and strip lights to a more pleasant decor.

There are a couple of more upmarket Western style restaurants, both located at foreign-owned hotels.

• Le Jovial Jarai in Terres Rouges Lodge by Kan Siang lake is arguably the finest restaurant in town, famous for its garden setting and music. It serves a variety of Cambodian, Thai, Chinese, and Western dishes and has a full bar. Prices average $4.50 per main with more expensive imported steaks etc.

• Norden Lodge on Yeak Lom Road has some Scandinavian specialties such as Salmon Salad at around $5.

South of the roundabout are four shops selling beer, wine and spirits. All the restaurants and most hotels and lodges have bar service, with A'Dam offering the cheapest draft beer in town.