Kbal Spean
Kbal Spean
Kbal Spean

Kbal Spean Tours and Tickets

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Nature meets ancient architecture at Kbal Spean, whose phallic symbols and religious imagery are etched straight into a stone riverbank. The site is in Phnom Kulen National Park, where visitors can spot carvings while hiking a riverside trail. With fewer crowds than the main Angkor Temples, here’s the chance to channel your inner explorer.

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Tours and Tickets to Experience Kbal Spean

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People Also Ask
Q:Is visiting Kbal Spean worth it?
A:Yes, it is worth visiting Kbal Spean (also known as the River of a Thousand Lingas), a unique site that pairs archeology and natural beauty. The stone riverbed is carved with countless ancient phallic symbols and Hindu deities, making it a striking attraction in Cambodia’s Phnom Kulen National Park.
Q:How hard is the hike to Kbal Spean?
A:The hike to Kbal Spean is a moderately challenging walk suitable for most visitors, about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) in length from the trailhead. The uphill jungle path can be slippery during the rainy season, making the route more difficult if you aren’t wearing sturdy shoes or boots.
Q:What is the best time of year to visit Kbal Spean?
A:The best time of year to visit Kbal Spean is between July and November, when the river’s low water level makes the carvings visible. During the rainy season from May to July, the high water covers the decorated riverbed, and between November and May the river often runs dry.
Q:Do you need a ticket to visit Kbal Spean?
A:Yes, Kbal Spean is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park and included in the Angkor Pass. A one-day pass costs $USD37 and also covers Angkor Wat and other ancient temples. The Angkor Ticket Office (Angkor Enterprise) is located just outside Siem Reap and accepts cash or credit cards.
Q:What does Kbal Spean mean?
A:Kbal Spean often is called the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” so named for the phallic symbols carved into its riverbed. However, the name can more accurately be translated as “bridgehead,” a reference to the natural stone bridge located nearby that also is decorated with elaborate ancient carvings.
Q:Is Angkor Wat or Kbal Spean better?
A:It depends on your interests. Angkor Wat and Kbal Spean are ancient sites that offer different experiences. Angkor Wat is a vast complex of temples and one of the most famous (and crowded) sites in Cambodia. Kbal Spean is a small, quiet attraction surrounded by lush flora and fewer visitors.