Trip Planner:   Asia  /  Cambodia  /  Siem Reap Province  /  Siem Reap  /  Kbal Spean

Kbal Spean, Siem Reap

4.2
#2 of 25 in Parks in Siem Reap
Water Body · Hidden Gem · Waterfall
Create an itinerary including Kbal Spean
Carved into a terraced sandstone riverbed deep in the jungle, Kbal Spean features elaborate scenes from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. Follow a 2 km (1.2 mi) uphill walk to the site, pausing to see a balancing rock and waterfalls en route. Once there, admire the exquisite carving of Vishnu cut into the bank, as well as intricate floral motives washed by the clear water cutting through the rock. Search for the pink sandstone's countless lingas, rendered in the 10th and 11th centuries to bless the waters, and look for board game-like carvings on the very bed. Wash your hands here for good luck. Hire a guide to explain the Hindu tradition to you, and bring plenty of water. Add Kbal Spean to your Siem Reap travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Siem Reap road trip planner.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Kbal Spean reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
993 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • From parking to carving on river is 3 kilometres and hiking through jungle and Clif, there are a lot of huge stone block on the hiking way but it is very good to do here . 
    From parking to carving on river is 3 kilometres and hiking through jungle and Clif, there are a lot of huge stone block on the hiking way but it is very good to do here .  more »
  • One nice hiking site in Angkor park , we hiked about 4 kilometers from parking through rain forest and it is good to do hiking to see waterfall and carving. 
    One nice hiking site in Angkor park , we hiked about 4 kilometers from parking through rain forest and it is good to do hiking to see waterfall and carving.  more »
  • It is very nice place for a little hiking through rain forest and it is good to see jungle around. It has waterfall and carving on River with many linga. 
    It is very nice place for a little hiking through rain forest and it is good to see jungle around. It has waterfall and carving on River with many linga.  more »
Google
  • Kbal Spean is nice to visit caving on the rocks 1000lingas , waterfall, up to the hill by walking.
  • Best waterfall I've seen in a while: Can swim in it without fearing for your life; it's largely shaded so you won't be scortched; you can actually get behind the waterfall if you want to; is not too far up the mountain so you can get their easily; and there's no trash (unlike other waterfalls I've visited around the world). It rained the morning we went so, while we could see the sculptures, they were largely covered by water and just barely poking out. The waterfall, by contrast, was made a lot better because of the rain.
  • If you already bought the day pass to angkor. It’s still valid for another day so I would highly recommend renting a bike to head to this site. It was definitely very spiritual for me. Experiences may vary because I did see some other tourists looking rather disappointed at the trip though.
  • Well off the beaten path but very interesting. If you’re looking for grand architecture and temples this isn’t the place for you. But if you don’t mind a hot and steamy hike to see something very unusual, this is very neat. Read up about lingas and water before you visit; then when you get to the waterfall take the side path down along the stream as then you can actually see the 1000 lingas. It’s not well marked but just go south from the waterfall, there’s a trail there and a pool at the bottom to cool off in!
  • My first ever trip to the place and was totally worth it even during raining season. It was breathtaking to breath fresh air, enjoy the greenery, smell the woody scent, explore the landscape of mountain and waterfall. Especially it's a historical tourist attraction of our country. I strongly recommend everyone to visit the place once the Covid situation fully under control.

Plan your trip to Siem Reap

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.