Also known as the river of Thousand lingas, Kbal Spean is a pilgrimage place of ancient Angkorians. About 1-hour drive from Siem Reap, it is set in the forested mountain. Visitors trek about 45 minutes uphill through the woods to see impressive carvings of phalluses – the symbol of the God Shiva’s supreme essence – on the riverbed. Its riverbanks are also dotted with sculpted stone lingas on the pedestals. Big brown rocks around the river and the waterfall are carved of Buddha and Hindu gods and goddesses. Due to the distance from Siem Reap, Kbal Spean is less crowded. The best time to visit is between September and December when the river and the waterfall have more water.