Kbal Spean

ក្បាលស្ពាន

A forest river in the Kulen foothills with lingas and Hindu gods carved into the bedrock. The visit is a walk, not a drive-up temple.

Quick facts

Pass Type: Separate Ticket
Entry Fee USD: $5
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Commissioning King: Udayadityavarman II
Century Built: 11th Century
Religion & Primary Deity: Hindu · Shiva
Circuit: Outer Temple
Distance from Siem Reap: 50 km
Best Time to Visit: Morning in the wet or early dry season, when water still runs over the carvings

Nicknames and famous highlights

River of a Thousand LingasBridge HeadLingas in the riverbedVishnu reclining on AnantaForest walkSmall waterfall

History and architecture

Kbal Spean means bridge head. Inscriptions place the carvings in the 11th century, under Udayadityavarman II, with work continuing later. Hundreds of lingas were cut into the streambed so the water would be sanctified on its way down to the rice plain. A reclining Vishnu on the serpent Ananta is carved on a boulder above the water. The trail from the parking area takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes each way over roots and rock. It is ticketed separately from the main Angkor Pass. Carry the small fee in cash.

How to get to Kbal Spean

No origin routes are published yet. See every temple in Siem Reap.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to visit Kbal Spean?

Kbal Spean charges a separate ticket of $5. The pass recorded here is Separate Ticket.

What are the opening hours of Kbal Spean?

Kbal Spean is listed as open 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Best time to visit: Morning in the wet or early dry season, when water still runs over the carvings.

Who built Kbal Spean?

Commissioned under Udayadityavarman II, 11th Century, 11th–12th century, dedicated to Shiva. The religion recorded here is Hindu.

What is Kbal Spean known for?

Also called River of a Thousand Lingas, Bridge Head. Known for Lingas in the riverbed, Vishnu reclining on Ananta, Forest walk, Small waterfall

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