Yeak Laom Crater Lake

Five kilometres east of Ban Lung, Yeak Laom is a perfectly circular crater lake nearly a kilometre wide, ringed by tall jungle and filled with strikingly clear, jade-green water — the result of being fed entirely by rain and underground springs, with no streams running in or out. There are three small wooden swimming jetties around the rim and a footpath that circles the whole lake in about 90 minutes through deep shade.

This is one of the few places in Cambodia where you can swim in genuinely clean fresh water. Bring a sarong and a packed lunch from town; there's a small craft shop selling Tampuan textiles near the entrance. Sites are managed by the local Tampuan community, who collect a modest entry fee that funds the upkeep.

things to do sight
A story
Yeak Laom is one of the world's most perfectly round volcanic crater lakes — almost exactly 700 metres across and an estimated 50 metres deep. The local Tampuan people believe the lake is the home of a guardian spirit and managed it as a community-owned reserve long before the government took an interest. They still collect the modest entrance fee.