“A long time ago, in a faraway land…”

Do you know any Cambodian folk tales?

Mt. Krom in Siem Reap,

Kratie – where the Mekong runs through,

Oudong – the former capital,

and the ethnic minorities of the Rattanakiri region.

An introduction to 4 local tales passed down through the generations.

Elder Krong Yong’s Cave and Stone Field

A folklore from the Kreung Ethnic Minority, Rattanakiri Province

Once upon a time the Kreung people of Ratanakiri lived on a mountain where stones would roll onto a fl at area. It was an opening inside the jungle, where trees did not grow. In a cave nearby lived their leader, Krong Yong. A creek fl owed into the cave, and his bed was made of stone. He had mysterious powers, and was able to manipulate the weather. Krong Yong had all kinds of things in his cave. The Kreung people came to borrow things like dishes, pots, hunting tools and instruments for festivals. After Kreung couples married, they would Honeymoon in his cave for 7 days. Krong Yong would stay elsewhere and the parents of the couple would provide them with food. After Krong Yong died, the people tried to cremate his body but the upper half would not burn – perhaps due to his powers. It took 3 days to complete the ceremony.

Soon the items in the cave were taken and not returned, and one day an unmarried couple used the cave for their lewd deeds. Krong Yong watched this state of affairs as a spirit. He watched with anger, and made the cave collapse, creating the stone fi eld opening.

Let’s visit the area in the story!

Rattanakiri is a popular eco-tourism spot, a mountainous region with untouched nature, inhabited by ethnic minority groups – each with their own unique culture and language. Living traditionally among the forests, many believe in the spirits of the deceased, and as such these stories are passed down. You can get a glimpse of the various cultures in the mountains not far from the capital – with bamboo houses, baskets and different patterns of clothing for each tribe a feature. The Kreung people have a custom of building huts for young couples to use. The cave and stone field be found north of the capital, Barang. Elder Krong Yong’s spirit might also be there, watching over the people.

ACCESS

● From Phnom Penh

The capital city, Barang, is around 590kms away –about 10 hours by car, bus companies also run services to Rattanakiri. Take National Highway 7 north through Kampong Cham and Kratie, from Stung Treng take

National Highway 78 to the west. From Barang you can take a guided tour or head by bike taxi.

Left : Tradition says, this is the former Krong Yong’s cave

Right : The Stone fi eld