Cambodia has thousands of wonders, Angkor Wat being the most famous one. But do you know that you can embrace Khmer culture even in the deepest jungle?

Kbal Spean, or also called River of thousand lingas, is a riverbed located in the Kulen Hills, near Siem Reap. By wandering in its forest, you will find archaeological treasures carved in sandstone. The main representation that can be found is, as you guessed it, lingams, which are phallic symbols of the god Shiva. Several other hindu mythological symbols are lying there since centuries, carved by hermits who lived in the area. The water running through these holy carvings was then considered as fertilized for the temples, located further down the river.

Kept secret until 1968, it soon became one of guerrillas’ territories and has only been open to the public since 1998. The archeological site reflects another aspect of Khmer culture, giving a new set of emotions in your Cambodian trip. The best time to visit the River of thousand lingas is in the morning during the raining season. The waterfall will overflow and highlight the hidden carvings. Hiking to Kbal Spean can take around 45 minutes and upon your arrival, you will feel like an Indiana Jones discovering a wild treasure.