Kbal Spean, Oddar Meanchey Travel Guide

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Discover the sacred River of a Thousand Lingas at Kbal Spean, an ancient Angkorian site with intricately carved riverbeds and stunning natural beauty.

Kbal Spean, also known as the River of a Thousand Lingas, is an ancient Angkorian site located in the Kulen Hills, northeast of Angkor. The riverbed is intricately carved with lingas and other Hindu deities, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, during the reigns of King Suryavarman I and King Udayadityavarman II.

A brief summary to Kbal Spean

M2P8+G76, Phumi Khna Rôngvoas, KH
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Monday 7 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 7 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 7 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 7 am-5:30 pm
Friday 7 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 7 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 7 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kbal Spean.

Wear comfortable shoes for the 45-minute uphill hike through the jungle to reach the river carvings.
Visit during the dry season (November to May) for the best visibility of the carvings when the water level is lower.
Bring water and be prepared for some climbing during the trek.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Banteay Srei Temple or Phnom Kulen National Park.

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Explore Kbal Spean on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kbal Spean, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car/Tuk-tuk

From Siem Reap, hire a car or tuk-tuk to Kbal Spean, approximately 50km northeast of the city. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Follow the road towards Banteay Srei Temple, then continue towards Phnom Kulen National Park. After arriving at the car park at the foot of the mountain, a 45-minute uphill walk is required to reach the archaeological site. Typical tuk-tuk ভাড়া cost around $28 - $60 for a round trip including visits to other temples. Car rentals may cost more. Entrance to the area requires an Angkor Pass, or a separate $5 ticket can be purchased at Banteay Srei specifically for Kbal Spean. Additionally, there is a $20 fee to enter Phnom Kulen National Park if you are coming from that direction.
Hiking

Once you arrive at the parking area, begin the 1.5km uphill hike to Kbal Spean. The trail is well-marked with wooden stairs in steeper sections. The hike takes approximately 45 minutes, so wear appropriate footwear and bring water. The path passes through a jungle with some rocky areas. There is no additional cost for the hiking portion, as it is included within the Angkor Pass or the separate Kbal Spean ticket purchased at Banteay Srei.

Discover more about Kbal Spean

Kbal Spean, meaning "Bridge Head," is a unique archaeological site where the riverbed of the Stung Kbal Spean River is carved with hundreds of lingas (phallic symbols representing Shiva) and yonis (representing the female principle). This sacred site, nestled in the Kulen Hills, was established during the Angkor period, primarily in the 11th and 12th centuries. The carvings were commissioned by King Suryavarman I and King Udayadityavarman II, with hermits believed to have contributed to the sculpting.The purpose of these carvings was to sanctify the river water as it flowed over the lingas and yonis, symbolizing the blessing and purification of the Earth, ultimately flowing into the Siem Reap River. Besides the numerous lingas, you can also find carvings of Hindu deities like Vishnu reclining on Ananta, Brahma on a lotus, and various animal motifs. The site was rediscovered in 1969 by French ethnologist Jean Boulbet and has since been restored, opening to visitors in the late 1980s.To fully appreciate the carvings, visit after the rainy season (May to October) when the water level is lower, revealing more of the intricate details. The site is accessible via a 1.5km uphill trek through the jungle, which takes about 45 minutes. Along the way, you'll also pass a small waterfall. Kbal Spean can be combined with a visit to other nearby attractions such as Phnom Kulen National Park, Banteay Srei Temple, and the Cambodia Landmine Museum.