Explore Ratanakiri

Trip to Andong Meas

Visit remote indigenous villages, gem mines and the crater lake

Tour Type:
Daytour
Travel Agency:
Parrot Tour
Time:
8:30 AM
Highlights

- Visit Toumboun tribe village and learn about their culture and handicraft
- See the blue zircon mining process at an active mining site
- Spend time at a remote Jarai tribe village by the Tonle San River
- Learn about the Jarai's peoples culture, believes and traditions
- Swim in the Yeak Laom crater lake

Location(s)
Yeak Laom Lake, Andong Maes
This tour not only takes you to Andong Meas, you also get to see several excisting several spots on the way. We depature from Banlung at 8:30 and first visit a village of the Tomboun tribe where we arrive at about 9:00 AM. On the way you get to adore the unique landscape of rural northeastern Cambodia and how the indigenous people go about their day by day life. Some are walking around barefoot carring traditional baskets containing different kind of vegetables, herbs and leavs to the markets. The village is known for its handicraft. Until today they have been following their traditional way of making clothes and scarves by hand. We will spend around one hour there during which the guide will tell you about the Tomboun's traditions, culture and lifestyle. The locals are used to foreigners visiting their village and are happy and proud to share their lifestyle.

Between 10 and 11 AM we visit a gem mining spot, which are mostly hidden deep in rubber plantations. The whole gem mining process here is done by hand, no machinery at all. The miners are diggin mainly for blue Zircon and occacionally they find sapphires and amethysts as well. The blue zircon gemstone industry is very important and Ratanakiri is well renowned for their spectacular zircons. You will get to see the mingin and gem gravel sorting process and if you like you can even buy a gem as a souvenir.

The next destination is the Jarai's tribe village Andong Meas where we will have a lunch break for an hour. From the village we will walk for 15 minutes to a Jarai cementery, where you learn about their traditions, culture and believes. At about 3:00 PM we will continue to visit two more villages of the Jarai tribe and then begin our journey back to Banlung. Before we reach the town though, we will visit the Yeak Loum crater lake for a refreshing swim. If you like we can relax by the lake for a while. We will get back to Banlung in the late afternoon / early evening.
The tour price includes
Transportation by car or moto, English or French speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch and drinking water
About Parrot Tour
Parrot Tours Jungle Trekking is one of the oldest travel agencies and tour operators in Ratanakiri and very established. The agency was founded 8 years ago by Jammie and has been growing ever since by offering unique tour options.