Lake Yeak Laom

Yeak Laom Lake (បឹងយក្សឡោម) is a crater lake and a tourist destination in Yeak Laom commune, Ban Lung District ក្រុងបានលុង, Ratanakiri Province ខេត្តរតនគីរី, north-eastern Cambodia. It is pronounced in English as "Yak Lom." It is about 5 kilometers south of Banlung provincial town, and is located in a protected area. In 2012, Yeak Laom Lake was selected in the list of the 15 most beautiful crater lakes in the world.[1]

Yeak Laom Lake
Aerial view
Yeak Laom Lake
LocationRatanakiri
Coordinates13.730°N 107.015°E / 13.730; 107.015
Typecrater lake
Native nameបឹងយក្សឡោម
Basin countriesCambodia
Max. length750 metres (2,460 ft)
Max. width750 metres (2,460 ft)
Surface area575.32 square kilometres (222.13 sq mi)
Max. depth48 m (157 ft)

Geology

Around 700,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption resulted in the creation of the lake in Ratanakiri's mountain region.[2] The shore of Yeak Laom Lake forms an almost perfect circle. It is 800 meters in diameter, and about 48 meters deep. Its shape and depth are due to its volcanic's origin.[3]

Local beliefs

The Tampuan folklore, the lake was formed by a giant digging a pit to retrieve his beautiful daughter from a suitor with whom she had run away. Rain filled the pit, creating the lake.[4]

The lake and forest area have spiritual significance for the Tampuan people, who perform ritual offerings during harvesting, planting or family sickness.[5]

Climate

Banlung's rainy season occurs from May–October while it has dry periods from December–February. On average, the warmest month is April, and the coolest month is January. July is the wettest month while January is the driest.[6]

Sitting Area Around The Lake

Tourist activity

Yak Loam is a popular tourist destination, taking only 10 minutes by car or tuktuk from Banlung town. The lake is encircled by a ring of forest, and the clear emerald water is used for swimming, with life-jackets provided. A 3-kilometer path circles around the lake, with a small museum offering insight into Tampuan culture. Handicraft stores selling souvenirs made by the hill tribes living nearby are found at the entrance, and ethnic costumes can be hired for photo shoots.[7] The entrance fee is $0.25 for Cambodian nationals and $2 for international visits. Food can be brought from outside, or purchase from stalls.[8]

Protected area and management

Before 1995, environmental impacts from litter and agriculutural were increasing. That year, the provincial authority and the International Development Research Centre (UK) began environmental protection and education activities with the Tampuen community around the lake, with the community themselves taking over the project in 1997.[5]

The governor of Ratanakiri approved a 25-year agreement for the local Tampuen community to manage the lake and surrounding area. Indigenous land rights were explicity included in land laws introduced in 2001. A Community Based Tourism Committee of ten elders was formed with one man and one woman from each of the five Tampuen villages in the area, with this committee overseeing activities with proceeds from the entry fee going back into supporting the community and the ongoing protection of the lake and the surrounding forest. Tampuen guides provide nature tours around the lake, and community members perform traditional dance to raise money for community development.[5]

A 2018 sub decree from the Ministry of Environment established Boeng Yeak Laom Multiple Use Area covering 362 hectares, which includes the lake and the surrounding ring of forest.[9]

Panorama of Yeak Laom Lake.
gollark: Impressive.
gollark: Strange.
gollark: (If you are okay with selling your soul for 2Gs for lineages)
gollark: Ashy, aren't they?
gollark: *ponders offering on top one instead for whatever reason*

See also

References
  1. "15 Of The Most Beautiful Crater Lakes Around The World". Earth Porm. 2014-07-20. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  2. "Boeng Yeak Lom | Ban Lung, Cambodia Attractions". www.lonelyplanet.com. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  3. "Yeak Laom". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  4. Khmer Historical Place- រឿង ស្រះយក្សឡោម [Yeak Loam Lake], retrieved 2019-11-01
  5. Heather, Zeppel (2006). Indigenous Ecotourism: Sustainable Development and Management. CABI. p. 241.
  6. "Weather and Climate information for every country in the world". weather-and-climate.com. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  7. "Boeng Yeak Loam". angkorfocus.com. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  8. "Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake". Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  9. Sub-decree No. 78 on the establishment of Boeng Yeak Laom Multiple Use Area. https://data.opendevelopmentcambodia.net/en/dataset/076574fb-d01f-4a73-b461-a05832cc99e3
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