3 Best Hotels in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia

It doesn't have the rustic country vibes of the simpler homestays that dot the area, but this modern hotel in the center of Banlung provides a comfortable stay while you plan your forays around the area.

The former residence of the governor of Ratanakiri Province has been transformed into a scenic resort with a beautifully landscaped tropical garden. The charming villa, with ground- and first-floor rooms and suites, most in the main building with a few set in the gardens, are steeped in colonial charm and furnished with Cambodian antiques and decorative items made by local tribes. For a luxurious family experience, the Governor's Suite ($250), which fits five people and has its own large living room with billiard table and private terrace, is highly recommended. The restaurant serves a satisfying selection of Khmer- and French-inspired dishes, while on-site amenities include a spa, a refreshing saltwater pool, and a boules court.

This popular lodge has an eco-friendly philosophy and offers clean, well-maintained wooden cottages and a traditional hill tribe house in a jungle setting at Yeak Laom Lake about 5 km (3 miles) outside the city. The lodge has its own "kitchen in the jungle" serving mainly Khmer dishes, and staffers are more than happy to suggest nearby activities and help you arrange tours of the area. You can enjoy nature right on the property—there are several points with outstanding sunrise and sunset views, and a few short nature trails for when you feel more energetic. Tuk-tuks to and from town cost around $3.