Kbal Spean
ក្បាលស្ពាន
Riverbed carvings in a jungle gorge, with Vishnu, Brahma and hundreds of lingas carved beneath the flowing water. The walk takes about 40 minutes.
Kbal Spean lies on the western slope of Phnom Kulen, about 18 km north of Banteay Srei. In the 11th and 12th centuries, craftsmen carved numerous images of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma, as well as lingas and yonis, into the riverbed and banks. The water flowing over these 'sacred stones' was considered holy and was believed to nourish the Angkor plain downstream, which is why it is also called the 'River of a Thousand Lingas.'
From the car park, a jungle trail climbs about 1.5 km, taking about 40 minutes, passing a natural stone bridge and small waterfalls. Some carvings have been damaged by looters.
The site is usually combined with Banteay Srei and the Landmine Museum as a day trip and requires an Angkor Pass (US$37 for 1 day, US$62 for 3 days, US$72 for 7 days). Uphill access is not allowed after 3 p.m.
Opening hours
07:30–15:00 (last ascent time)
Nearby sights
- Banteay Srei
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Cambodia Landmine Museum
- Ta Som
- Banteay Samré
- Neak Pean
- East Mebon
- Preah Khan