Kbal Spean Attraction in Siem Reap

In a magical of jungle, up in the western section of the Kulen Mountain, Kbal Spean was used by the Khmer as a hill retreat in the mid-eleventh century, when they carved sacred lingas and Hindu gods into the very bedrock of the river, the water flowing through would thus be blessed by the carvings before coursing onto Angkor.

Lingas are phallic representations sacred to Hinduism as symbols of fertility, and hundred of them are carved into rock here. As are several carvings of Gods and animals above the small waterfall. The area was only rediscovered in 1969 when French researcher Jean Boulbet was shown the carving by a local hermit.

A visit to Kbal Spean meaning bridgehead in Khmer a reference to the natural rock bridge here. Is one of the easiest ways to take a short jungle trek in the Angkor area. It is a 30 minutes walk to the carvings through steamy forest and some curious rock formations. It’s best to try and visit between July and December,  At other times of the year the river rapidly dries up.

Kbal Spean lies 50km northeast of Siem Reap or 18km from Banteay Srey on a dirt road. It take from 1-2 hours to get there from Siem Reap. There is no charge to visit, but access to the trail isn’t permitted after 3.30pm. it makes a half day trip from Siem Reap or may be combined with Beng Mealea in a day trip. Food and water are available at the base of the trail.

Note: For more detail about trip to Kbal Spean by Angkor Tuk Tuk Travel Click Here