Religiously inspired stone engravings on a river bed and its banks make up this unique archaeological site in Cambodia. Running along a 50 metre stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River, these myriad of stone motifs are known as the ‘valley of thousand lingas’. They are actually a neat collection of stone bumps at the river bed and on its banks which are carved in phallic symbols of a hindu god ‘shiva’. In addition, it includes a number of Hindu mythological motifs, including representation of the gods Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma,Rama, Hanuman and Lakshmi.
This famous river bed of exotic carvings is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites found in the world and is located about 25 km away from the well known Angkor monuments found in the seam reap district of Cambodia. There is a small stone bridge where the engravings begin and stretch from that point to end at a tiny, delightful waterfall which once served the purpose of carrying out rituals of the king. The surrounding scenery down the river is ravishing as the river banks are guarded by strange but sturdy rocks of a multitude of shapes while some of the boulders found along the river also carry further engravings and motifs.
As a prelude to this exotic monumental river area, there is a jungle trek that includes an ascent along the river and is enthralling in itself with its surrounding thickly woven greenery.
While visiting this historic neighbourhood, one cannot forget the availability of some fabulous Siem Reap Hotels. Stay indoors and get pampered by cozy luxuries and get spoilt to your heart’s content at the well known Alila Sothea Siem Reap. So homely with its hospitality, yet the resort also exudes the elegance of a grand khmer villa that is ever ready to accommodate your wishes and whims and let you indulge yourself to the utmost. This is one Angkor hotel that you will not regret stepping into at any time of year during a visit to this region of Cambodia. The possibilities are simply endless from invigorating culinary delights to soothing natural spa therapies to relax and rejuvenate.
