Kbal Spean: The River of a Thousand Lingas
Explore the intricately carved riverbed of Kbal Spean, an ancient Angkorian site with a thousand lingas and Hindu deity carvings.
Kbal Spean, also known as the River of a Thousand Lingas, is an ancient Angkorian site featuring intricately carved riverbeds and sandstone rock formations. Located in the Kulen Hills northeast of Angkor, the site showcases 11th and 12th-century carvings, mainly lingas (phallic symbols dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva) and images of Hindu deities.
A brief summary to Kbal Spean
- M2P8+G76, Phumi Khna Rôngvoas, KH
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear decent clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, as Kbal Spean is considered a religious site.
- Visit during the rainy season to see the river swell and enhance the brilliance of the carvings.
- Be prepared for a 2km uphill hike from the car park to the river carvings.
Getting There
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Tuk-tuk
From Siem Reap, hire a tuk-tuk for a round trip to Kbal Spean. Negotiate the price beforehand, typically ranging from $15 to $25. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. The tuk-tuk will drop you off at the entrance, from where you'll need to walk 1.5 km uphill to reach the carvings.
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Taxi
A taxi from Siem Reap to Kbal Spean costs around $60 for a round trip. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. The taxi will take you to the entrance of Kbal Spean, where you'll need to hike 1.5 km uphill to see the carvings.
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Public Transport
Take a bus from Siem Reap to Bakong town for about $1. From Bakong, hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to Kbal Spean for approximately $10-$15; agree on the fare beforehand. Upon arrival, a 1.5 km uphill walk is required to reach the carvings.
Discover more about Kbal Spean
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