Siem Reap : Kbal Spean
It's a long drive through lovely countryside to Kbal Spean, popularly known as the River of the Thousand Lingams. Lots of dust on the ride there ; glad I was not in a tuk tuk. Steep 45 minute climb up mountain; dust on the smooth rocks made them slippery. Well worth the climb, there is a lovely forest setting with a small stream. Many 11th and 13th Century carvings into rock on the sides of the stream and into the rock over which the stream flows. Lingas, Vishnu .. and other references to Hinduism. The stream vanishes for about 50 yards, then surfaces again before dropping 20 or 30 feet into a pool where several Cambodians were bathing. The water from this stream is thought to be sacred, so it is special place for them. We followed the river along as it continues downhill.
There are also impressive views from the hill top towards Kulen Mountains in the distance.
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The fine print
Date of travel : December 2008
Country information (with a map) : CIA Handbook
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