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About this place
Explore and ancient location used as a spa and tribute to the gods of fertility. Best to visit in the rainy season if you want to see with water in the river bed and waterfall.
Kbal Spean is located about 50 Kilometers from Siem Reap and takes about one 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 in various areas along with carvings of gods and animals. I was here just at the end of the dry season and there was no water in the stream. There is a water fall here as well but with the lack of rain, it was not flowing.
From the parking area there is a 1500 meter hike to the river bed. The trail is easy to follow and well worn with many exposed roots and wood stairs install at some difficult areas. Every 100 meters there is a sign letting you know how far you have to go.
Most if not all Tuk Tuk drivers will know how to get here. Expect to pay more money if in conjunction with a trip to Banteay Srei as Kbal Spean is 18 kilometers farther. Negotiate this into your day. Price can be between $18 and $35 USD as of May 2015.