Kbal Spean: A Guide to the Hidden Waterfall & River of a Thousand Lingas
Phnom Kulen National Park, approx. 12 km north of Banteay Srei.
Included in your Angkor Pass. No separate ticket needed.
1500 meters (3km round trip) through the jungle. Moderately easy.
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Avoid flip-flops.
Tucked away in the jungle beyond Banteay Srei is one of Angkor's most unique and rewarding adventures: Kbal Spean. This archaeological site requires a bit of a hike, but the payoff is a sacred riverbed covered in ancient carvings and a beautiful, hidden waterfall to cool off by.
The Adventure
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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 uneven in places, with plenty of exposed tree roots. It's a moderately easy hike that takes about 30-40 minutes each way, but be sure to bring water, especially on a hot day.
Part 2: The Reward - River & Waterfall
At the top, you'll discover the "River of a Thousand Lingas." The ancient Khmers carved thousands of sacred lingas and images of Hindu deities directly into the sandstone riverbed. They believed this sanctified the water as it flowed down into the plains of Angkor.
Follow the river a little further, and you will reach the final reward: a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall cascading into a small pool. It's the perfect spot to rest, take photos, and enjoy the serene jungle atmosphere before making your way back down.
Is Kbal Spean Worth It?
If you enjoy nature, hiking, and want to see a truly unique piece of Angkorian history away from the main temple crowds, then absolutely yes. It's the perfect complement to a visit to the nearby Banteay Srei temple.
Visit Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean
The best way to visit these two incredible sites is on a combined day trip. Let a local guide and driver handle the navigation so you can focus on the art and the adventure.
Book a Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean Tour