- Address: Stueng Hav, Cambodia (16 km from Sihanoukville)
- Discovery: 1960
Surprisingly beautiful and unique in different seasons, surrounded by mysterious forests, the waterfall Kbal Chai is a favorite place for tourists and local Khmer families who come to Sihanoukville .
A few words about the waterfall
The waterfall of Kbal Chhay is located in Khan Prei Nup on the river Prek Tuk Sap. From the center of Sihanoukville to the waterfall, you need to make a path only 15 km to the north.
The history of the waterfall Kbal Chhai originates in 1960. Three years after its opening, work was carried out to create a reservoir with drinking water for the needs of the residents of Sihanoukville. But these works were not finished, as the civil war began, and this place served as a refuge for local residents.
1997 was a landmark for Kbal Chhay, because it was then that the waterfall was again opened to visitors. A year later, the company Kok An Company was commissioned to build a road to the waterfall and to develop its popularity among tourists who come here. Now the Government of Cambodia has again decided to use Kbal Chhay as a source of clean fresh water for the needs of Sihanoukville.
What is interesting Kbal Chhai?
For local residents - Khmers - waterfalls, including Kbal Chhai, are a sacred place. Therefore, here, as well as in their homes, they establish sanctuaries, where statuettes of gods are placed. Many Khmer families come to Kbal Khai for the weekend to rest from the bustle and relax under the sound of water and the rustling of leaves. After all, there is such a peaceful and romantic atmosphere on Kbal Chae. Tourists, however, are advised to come here on weekdays, when Kbal Chae is not so crowded, which is very important for finding harmony with nature.
Walking along the waterfall is very interesting and exciting. The fullness of the flow is directly dependent on the season in Cambodia . For example, in April, the waterfall Kbal Chai is a very modest and slightly flowing stream, sometimes with rather turbid yellowish water. And if you visit the waterfall during the rainy season (usually from July to October), you will see a powerful, turbulent stream here that causes both admiration for its beauty and fear, as it is quite noisy and blows everything in its path. Waters of Kbal Chhaya flow down the beautifully iridescent in the sun stones. The stones are sometimes very slippery and sharp, so when walking here, you need to be very careful.
The waterfall Kbal Chai consists of several cascades, whose height is from 3 to 5 meters, the highest of the rapids, called Popkok Wil, reaches a height of 25 meters. The waters of the Kbal Chhaya originate in different mountain springs. Unfortunately, tourists can see only three of them. On a sunny day, you can observe the perfectly complementing landscapes of the rainbow waterfall. In the gazebo on the hill it is highly recommended to meet the sunset, this is a spectacle of unique beauty.
On the Kbal Chae there are several pavilions for rest with hammocks suspended in them, where you can lie down and relax after a walk on the waterfall. Also here you can organize a picnic, all the necessary food, fruit, ice cream and drinks you can buy right here. Popularity of Kbal Chhayu was added shooting of the feature film The Giant Snake. Since 2000 and to this day this film is the crown of modern Cambodian cinema.
How to visit?
You can get to the waterfall Kbal Chai in only two ways - on a rented bike or car. There are simply no public transport routes to the waterfall. The road from Sihanoukville to the waterfall will take you about half an hour drive.
So, to get to the waterfall Kbal Chai, you need to move along Highway 4, which takes you from the center of Sihanoukville to the north. The most important on the way to the waterfall is the turn to the left, which is marked by a road sign with a mark of 217 miles. Further, after the turn, you travel about 4.5 km along the dirt road to the checkpoint, and there you will be able to breathe freely, because you are almost there. At the checkpoint for visiting the territory of the waterfall, a fee of about $ 1 is charged. After passing the payment point, you will have to walk 3.5 km. The road will take you to a large dirt area, where you can leave the car or bike for free. For transport near the waterfall, parking is also paid.
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