Boeung Yeak Lom

Boeung Yeak Lom is an extraordinarily beautiful circular volcanic crater lake located 5 kilometers east of Banlung town in Ratanakiri province, widely regarded as one of the most pristine natural swimming holes in all of Southeast Asia. The lake was formed tens of thousands of years ago when a volcanic eruption created a near-perfect circular crater that subsequently filled with rainwater. The water is exceptionally clear with a striking turquoise-blue color, and the circular shoreline is ringed by dense primary rainforest home to diverse bird and wildlife species. A wooden boardwalk follows the forest edge around part of the lake and small jetties allow swimming access. The lake is managed and protected by the surrounding Tompoun indigenous community, and entry fees go directly to community conservation funds.