Tourism Cambodia Ethnic tourism in Rattanakiri

Ethnic tourism is becoming increasingly important in the region where indigenous people live. Ethnic tourism is related to the more popularly known nature or eco-tourism. In nature tourism, people visit a region, usually in a third world country, in order to enjoy its natural beauty (Boo, 1990, Whelan, 1991).Ratanakiri became a Cambodian Province in 1960, during the reign of King Norodom Sihanouk. The capital city, Banlung, is in the highlands on National Road No.19. The name Banlung actually refers to the District, while the town is known as Labansiek. Rattanakiri. The area of Rattankiri Province is 11,052 Square kilometers and contains of 94243 people. In mineral wealth, Ratanakiri boast gold, gemstones, granite and onyx. Fertile red soil, water sources, wildlife, the weather and the scenery are some of its assets. The province is famous of the ethnic minorities that is uniquely different from others province of Cambodia. There are numerous kinds of ethnic groups living in the province that drive Rattanakiri to be the ethnic tourism site in the northeast of Cambodia. There are 8 hill trip ethnic groups in the site such as :1) Tumpoun 24.13 %, 2) Kreung 18.89 %, 3) Kavet 2.65 %, 4) Kachok 2.65 %, 5) Charay 19.47%, 6) Prou 7.54%, 7) Phnong 0.24%, 8) Lun 0.20% and total percentage of ethnic group is 75.77 %.

They make their living through traditional cultivation and harvesting link directly to the seasons. These people have a good knowledge of the forest. Surprisingly, some of ethnic groups strongly believe in intangible spirit. The province is not only rich in natural resources and agricultural products but also cultural assets of the ethnic groups living there. The cultural assets of the ethnic groups in Rattanakiri such as traditional dressing, way of life, regional festival, houses and handicraft, and the hospitality, could be interesting for visitors to experience a kind of special interest of tourism in Cambodia. By CHHEM Samnang