Sala Lodges: Authentic Escape in the Heart of Cambodia

Between Rural Charm and Refined Hospitality

On the edge of the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, yet far enough removed to preserve a peaceful atmosphere, Sala Lodges offers a unique experience, between cultural immersion and understated refinement. Far from classic hotel standards, this distinctive address offers a return to basics in a preserved natural setting, just five minutes by tuk-tuk from the Old Market or Pub Street. Located on the other side of the river, where village life continues peacefully, Sala Lodges stands out by harmoniously blending the rural charm of Cambodia with the demands of contemporary comfort.

The concept is based on a strong idea: to preserve a disappearing heritage while reinterpreting it through the lens of high-end hospitality. The founders, Swiss and passionate about Cambodia, traveled through the countryside to select eleven traditional Khmer wooden stilt houses. Each one was dismantled, transported, and then patiently rebuilt in Siem Reap on a carefully arranged plot of land. The result is a true little Cambodian village, where each house — some dating from the late 1950s — retains its original character while offering the expected comfort of a boutique hotel: air conditioning, modern bathrooms, and spacious interiors.

The houses, all different, are distinguished by their architecture, their aged antique furniture, and decorative elements from India, echoing regional cultural influences. They were designed to respect tradition while adapting to modern lifestyles. Inside, the spaces are generous, with high ceilings, large comfortable beds, and a simple decor enhanced by local craftsmanship. Each one has its own name, strengthening the intimate link between the place, its history, and its guests. Some houses have one or two bedrooms, and all benefit from a private terrace of at least 20 m², perfect for contemplation or a moment of reading lulled by the rustling of palm trees.

The landscaped environment plays a full part in the immersive experience. Nestled in a lush garden where sugar palms, banana trees, areca palms, and rice fields coexist, Sala Lodges gives the impression of being immersed in an idealized Cambodian countryside. Herbs and spices are grown there for the restaurant, while local fauna also finds refuge. The 20-meter infinity pool, lined with deckchairs, fits perfectly into the natural setting and becomes a haven of freshness after a day exploring the temples of Angkor.

A Night in Khmer Memory: Our Stay in the Boun House

During our stay at Sala Lodges, we had the privilege of staying in the Boun house, an impressive structure due to its height — its roof peaking at nine meters — and the story it carries. Built in 1983 in the village of Opo, in the heart of Preah Vihear province, this house was once the home of a farming couple. It is also the very first house acquired to bring Sala Lodges to life, thus marking the beginning of a unique project to preserve and pass on Cambodian heritage.

Transferred to Siem Reap in pieces, the Boun house was carefully rebuilt and transformed into a hybrid space, both a place to stay and a place of well-being. Since 2022, its ground floor has housed an intimate spa called SalaSPA by Bodia, where two massage tables are installed in a soothing and warm setting, entirely designed in respect of the original architecture. The upper floor, about 60 m², houses an elegant and spacious lodge suite, where antique furniture, natural materials, and local artisanal touches blend together.

A Gourmet Wake-Up in the Heart of Cambodia

Every morning at Sala Lodges begins with gentleness and generosity, with an à la carte breakfast, freshly prepared and made with carefully selected local produce. Comfortably seated in the dining room open to the garden, we savored a peaceful moment, punctuated by authentic flavors. Homemade yogurt and rich, creamy bircher muesli sat alongside artisanal jams and delicate honey from the mountainous Ratanakiri region. The beautifully presented exotic fruit plate offered a festival of colors and freshness, while the pastries added a gourmet note. The eggs, cooked to our preference, were always perfectly done, accompanied by a hot drink. This breakfast, both simple and refined, reflected the spirit of Sala Lodges: sincere attention to detail, respect for the land, and the desire to delight, gently.

Ma Om, the Culinary Signature of Sala Lodges

In a space with a contemporary aesthetic, the Ma Om restaurant stands out for its bold architecture mixing raw concrete, natural wood, and a green roof made of leaves from Mount Kulen. This deliberate contrast with the traditional stilt houses creates a unique atmosphere, both modern and rooted in local culture. It is in this setting that the creativity of the chef and his team shines, offering subtle cuisine that fuses Khmer flavors with Western influences. Every morning, the chef visits the Siem Reap markets to choose the freshest products, which he combines with fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown directly in the Sala Lodges garden. Whether dining at the large communal table, at the bar, or in the open-air lounge nestled in the heart of the “village”, each meal becomes a celebration of taste, authenticity, and local know-how.

My Opinion

More than just a luxury hotel, Sala Lodges embodies a true travel philosophy, where cultural heritage becomes the very heart of the experience. Here, time seems suspended, enveloped by the murmur of palm trees, birdsong, and the sincere warmth of the welcome. Every detail, from the choice of houses to the peaceful atmosphere of the garden, testifies to a deep respect for Cambodia, its history, its land, and its traditions. This unique address succeeds in combining the rustic charm of the Khmer countryside with the demands of contemporary comfort. A rare haven, intimate and deeply memorable.

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Practical Information

A big thank you to Sala Lodges for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!