Kbal Spean, Wildlife Center & Banteay Srei

The most beautiful, pink sandstone temple with detailed caving. Its 35 kilometers away from grand tour site. Because of its delicate carvings Banteay Srei is also known as “Lady Temple”. You can stop mid-way to see locals making the natural sugar products from the sugar palm. Maybe you have never seen this before so take the opportunity while in this in this area.

This mountain is 48K from Siem Reap city. At the top of the mountain there is a temple dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu built by King Survarman I and King Udayadit Yavarman II who ruled between 11th and 12th century. You will enjoy your hike if you take your time and look around. In the wet season you will see the waterfall and in summer it is easier to see the figures and depictions carved in the rocks. Your guide can explain the Hindu stories carved in the sandstone at the side of the river. Be sure to look for the 1000 lingams in the stream which are a symbol of Hindu and Shiva gods. Before you start your adventure on Kbal Spean, you can visit the wildlife centre at the foot of the mountain.

While in Kbal Spean, please don’t miss a great opportunity to visit The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) which is one of the first nature conservation and endangered wildlife rescue and breeding centres in Cambodia. Here you will see many types of wildlife. The ACCB’s guide will explain the background of the birds and animals and give you an appreciation of the work ACCB carry out protecting Cambodia’s wildlife. Your donation will support the centre. As part of ACCB’s program they educate locals to love and protect the wildlife around them, and encourage them not to hunt the birds and animals.