Kbal Spean: The River of a Thousand Lingas

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Location

Phnom Kulen National Park (50km from Siem Reap).

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Ticket

Included in Angkor Pass. (No extra fee).

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The Hike

1.5 km (30-45 mins) uphill through the jungle.

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Gear

Wear sneakers! The path is rocky and uneven.

Tucked away in the jungle beyond Banteay Srei is one of Angkor's most unique adventures: Kbal Spean. Unlike the other temples, this is not a building, but an archaeological site carved directly into a riverbed. It requires a bit of a hike, but the reward is a beautiful waterfall and ancient carvings hidden under the water.

⚠️ Important Timing Tip

The trail closes early! Visitors are usually not allowed to start hiking up after 3:30 PM because it gets dark quickly in the forest. Plan to arrive in the morning or early afternoon.

The Adventure

Part 1: The Hike

Your journey begins with a 1500-meter walk up the hillside through a beautiful, shaded forest. The path is well-marked but can be rocky and full of tree roots. It is a moderately easy hike, but the humidity can make it sweaty work. Take your time and enjoy the butterflies and bird calls along the way.

Part 2: The Reward

At the top, you'll reach the "River of a Thousand Lingas." The ancient Khmers carved thousands of sacred symbols and images of Hindu deities like Vishnu and Shiva directly into the sandstone riverbed. They believed this sanctified the water as it flowed down to feed the rice fields of Angkor.

Keep following the river to find a small but refreshing waterfall. It's the perfect spot to cool your feet or take a quick dip (if the water level is high enough).

Find Your Way