There are many great hotels in Siem Reap. But if you’re looking for a romantic, quiet boutique hotel close to the center of town, Sala Lodges might be the place for you. It offers friendly service with smiles from morning to night, an amazing authentic atmosphere, and a cozy restaurant serving delicious Cambodian food.
Getting There
Siem Reap is well connected with the rest of Cambodia and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is approximately 45 km from the city center. In light traffic, this journey takes a little under an hour.
From Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, you can either take a bus, a private taxi, or a flight.
- By bus: This is the most affordable option and takes about 6 hours. Modern buses with air conditioning make this a comfortable journey.
- By private taxi: Get door-to-door service with a scenic 5-hour drive through the Cambodian countryside. You’ll have the flexibility to stop for photo opportunities along the way.
- By plane: Air Cambodia operates direct flights that take just 35 minutes.
Traditional Cambodian Homes
Inspired by the unique beauty of Cambodian architecture, Sala Lodges’ founders have carefully collected, restored, and transported 11 authentic houses from different parts of Cambodia. Some over fifty years old, these traditional stilted homes were once at risk of disappearing, but now they’ve been given new life as boutique hotel accommodation.
Staying in a traditional Khmer house offers a beautiful way to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture. Each house has its own fascinating story, unique design, and layout. We stayed in house No. 5 – “Bram,” a high-stilt home built in 1985 in Kompong Thom province, about 150 km east of Siem Reap. Its previous owners were farmers who worked on rubber tree and cassava plantations, and you can still sense that connection to the land when you stay there.
With only a few houses spread across spacious grounds, guests rarely cross paths, creating a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. While the homes keep their original exterior and rustic charm, they’ve been thoughtfully renovated to meet modern luxury standards with air conditioning, rain showers, and Western-style bathrooms.
Property Overview
Once you step past the traditional houses, Sala Lodges reveals a thoughtfully designed modern side. The communal areas embrace a minimalistic contemporary style that provides an elegant contrast to the historic homes. The restaurant and bar greet you at the entrance, while an open-air lounge sits at the heart of this recreated village.
One of the highlights is the gorgeous swimming pool, beautifully shaded by frangipani trees – a perfect spot to cool off between temple visits.
The entire property feels like stepping into a living museum of Cambodian tradition. Beautiful gardens brimming with native plants and rice paddies create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and deeply connected to the local landscape. The sight of rice paddies within the property grounds is a constant reminder of Cambodia’s agricultural heritage.
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Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Sala Lodges shows a strong commitment to sustainability. The team has integrated several eco-friendly practices into their daily operations, including avoiding single-use plastics, improving waste management, and conserving energy and water. They consistently source local products and adopt responsible tourism practices, ensuring their impact on the community and environment remains positive. This thoughtful approach to hospitality enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to enjoy luxury accommodation while supporting sustainable tourism in Cambodia.
Food & Dining Options
Sala Lodges takes food as seriously as historic architecture, and it shows. Each morning starts perfectly with breakfast tailored to your preference, including freshly squeezed fruit juice and warm pastries. Their croissants are exceptional – some of the best you’re likely to find in Southeast Asia.
MA OM Restaurant offers some of the most genuine and flavorful traditional Cambodian dishes we have tried in Siem Reap. The menu features authentic local specialties prepared with fresh ingredients, giving guests an authentic taste of Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage. The open-air dining area allows you to enjoy your meals while surrounded by the traditional village atmosphere.
There’s also a bar where you can unwind with a cocktail after a day of exploring, especially as the sun sets and traditional lanterns light up the property.
Activities
Located close to the town center, Sala Lodges puts everything Siem Reap has to offer within easy reach. Whether you want to explore bustling markets, discover local restaurants, or arrange transport to distant attractions, the convenience of this location can’t be overstated.
Of course, no visit to Siem Reap is complete without a day trip to Angkor and its famous temples. But Sala Lodges goes beyond the typical tourist experience by offering unique off-the-beaten-path excursions.
