In the capital of the Ratanakiri Province of Cambodia, Banlung, any traveling runner should take the time to run to a volcanic lake known as Yeak Loam. The lake itself is thought to have developed over 700,000 years ago, and is a spiritual and holy place for local Cambodians.
To start out my run, I headed east from the main city down the highway. The lake itself is right over two miles from the city center, and to get there, I had to run down a dusty highway. Though not as chaotic as a major city, the highway portion of my run, with dodging bikes and cars heading the wrong way down the road, was not so much fun.
Once I headed off the main street, I hit the entrance to the lake. If you run during the day, you will be asked to pay the fee for foreigners to enter, but early morning or dusk runners can enter for free. From the gate, the entire run is on dirt. The lake itself is an impeccable bluish green and is surrounded by dense overgrowth. Locals dominant the main dock, with children and adults alike raucously jumping off the wooden structure wearing bright orange life jackets.
