Kbal Spean: The River of a Thousand Lingas
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
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Banteay Srei Temple
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Krol Ko
27.5 km
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Banteay Thom Temple
30.0 km
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Prasat Top (East)
30.5 km
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The Goddess Prajnaparamita
31.1 km
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Prasat Chrung Southeast
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temple remains
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Tonle Om Gate (Southern Gate)
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Chey Non Stupa
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Battle of Lanka Gallery
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Unmissable attractions to see
Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
1.4 km
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Poeng Ta Kho (Amazing Cliff)
9.5 km
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Banteay Srei
10.7 km
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Phnom Kulen
13.9 km
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Phnom Kulen National Park
14.9 km
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Kulen waterfall
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Cambodia Landmine Museum
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Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (BBC)
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Elephant Pond-Srah Damrei
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Phnom Bok Temple
24.7 km
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Phnom Bok
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Ta Som
27.0 km
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Banteay Samre
27.8 km
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Neak Poan Temple
28.0 km
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ស្ពានតាគ្រុយ
28.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Prasat Banteay srey restaurant
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Mey Mey Local restaurant
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16.4 km
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Ptes Borann Restaurant
30.5 km
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Khmer Village Restaurant
30.6 km
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Khmer Family Restaurant
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Triple K Angkor Restaurant
31.0 km
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Chita’s cafe
31.2 km
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Ktom Sre Khmer Food - អាហារដ្ឋាន ខ្ទមស្រែ ស្រះស្រង់ខាងត្បូង
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New Hope Restaurant
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LUM ORNG Farm to Table Restaurant
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Buffet Phum Yerng
38.2 km
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Mouhot's Dream
38.5 km
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Mahob Cuisine
38.5 km
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Changkran Khmer Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Angkor Pavis Souvenir & Mart 2
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Jayav Art
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The Cocoon House Art Gallery, Concept Store, Skateshop and Vintage - by Cocoon Limited
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Sam Orn silver handicraft souvenir shop
38.6 km
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Angkor Wat Boutique
38.8 km
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Chum Theany Angkor Souvenir Shop
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Vin Vin Shop2
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MINISO The Heritage Walk
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JD's Siem reap
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Creative Cocktails
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SO 26
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Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
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Laundry
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TREE bar
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The Best Friend Bar & Cafe
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Cozy Bar
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Long's Bar
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Silk Garden Bar and Restaurant
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ASANA OLD WOODEN HOUSE Cocktail Bar
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Siem Reap Cocktails and Cafe
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