Kbal Spean

Take a break from the midday crowds in and around Angkor proper and visit Kbal Spean. Kbal Spean is located about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap and takes about an hour to get there by tuk tuk. This location is a series of carved lingams in a river bed deep in the the jungle. Kbal Spean is known as River of Thousand Lingams. Lingams are a phallic representation sacred to Brahmanism as symbols of fertility. There are hundreds of these carved in the river bed along with carvings of deities and animals. If you go during the dry season, there will not be water flowing in the stream. You may find pools of standing water, but that is it.

From the parking area there is a 1,500-meter walk to the river bed. The trail is easy to follow and well worn. There are some steep areas, and there is a sign every 100 meters letting you know how far you have to go. The trail is maintained often by the park service, and they do a very good job.

Most tuk tuk drivers will know how to get here. Expect to pay more if you are visiting in conjunction with a tour to Banteay Srei because Kbal Spean is 18 kilometers farther. Negotiate this into your day. Prices can be between $18 and $35 USD.