Ban Lung Ratanakiri

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We knew leaving Kratie was going to have a twist, we could tell it in the tone of our ticket-seller's voice. Of course, it was the middle of KNY and everyone was trying to get home for the final celebrations but we didn't expect that they would happily sell us a bus ticket when really there were no seats available. We crammed in anyway and I sat on a kiddy chair in the aisle for the next 8 hours (actually, that is a bit of a lie because a few hours into the journey some people got off and I zipped into the spare chair). We arrived in Banlung about 8.30 that night and after a bit of aimless meandering we checked into a very well appointed guesthouse called Tribal.

We were keen to explore some of the waterfalls and of course take a dip in the volcanic crater lake so we hired some push bikes for the bargain basement price of $1 for the entire day. Then we stocked up on drinking water and set off. We covered about 12km that day but the effort was definately worth it. At the waterfall we happened upon some brave boys who were keen to show off their cliff jumping skills. It made for some excellent photos!

The next day Diana and I went trekking through the nearby jungles on a two day, one night trip with 'The Dutch Couple' group. The owner/ runner Rick was with us that night and it was very interesting talking with him about the sustainable projects he has set up with the money from treks. Projects such as growing fruit trees and renting bungalows to tourists are on the go at the moment.

Our last night was spent at an amazing hotel called Tree Top Ecolodge. It is completely made out of natural materials and for $10/night our room was deluxe in comparison to what we were used to.
Wednesday morning came around too quickly and we were on our way to PP by 6.45am. The journey was 11 hours and by the time we arrived we were well and truly over buses.

Tonight is my last night in PP. Abi, Panha, Diana and I are going to the Pontoon bar tonight. It is a bar on a boat so it should be interesting! I catch the bus to Ho Chi Minh tomorrow at 6.45am. I don't know when or where my next blog will come from but I promise to keep you posted.
Thanks to everyone for tuning in to 'Cambodia Chloe Style', stay tuned for 'Vietnam Ventures!'

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Photos

Brilliant bikes
Riding around Banlung

Crater Lake
The crater lake has azure blue water and is totally refreshing after a scorching hot bike ride up hill.

Chloe and Bowie
Making friends with The Dutch Couples pooch.

Trek Ready
Diana ready to trek - notice the pack very cool!

Off we go
Taking the boat into the depths of the jungle

Breakfast Jungle Style
Our wonderful guide Tot cooks up our breakfast of fried egg sandwiches.

Ecolodge
I think we deserved this glass of wine on our last night.

Comments

[brenda]

Funky hangout!
Hi Chloe, your look like a character from 'Lost' in your hut. Is that the table or a bed you are perched on? I love the photos... it is so nice to be able to see you in situ! Continue to enjoy the adventure and be safe. All my love, Mum