Explore
The Explorer’s Map: Unlocking Angkor & Siem Reap Adventures
As Superhost Guides who live to ride and hike the Angkor Archaeological Park, John and Heather have curated the best experiences to ensure your journey is seamless and profound.
This is your guide to the must-see classics, the local secrets, and the best places to relax afterward.
🏛️ The Eighth Wonder: Angkor Wat & The Temples
This is why you are here! Use the Saralya Master Key to get all the information you need for an incredible time in Siem Reap.
| Attraction | Details & Saralya Tip |
|---|---|
| Angkor Wat & Park | Must-Do. Buy your tickets online in advance to save time at the gate! |
| Phnom Kulen National Park & Waterfall | A great day trip if you need a break from temples. Features a massive reclining Buddha and a waterfall for swimming. |
| Wat Bo Temple | A beautiful, quiet, and easily accessible temple right in Siem Reap town. Great for a peaceful afternoon. |
Strategic Proximity Tip
Remember: Our strategic location allows you to easily pop back to Saralya for a midday swim and recharge, ensuring less travel time means more wonder time at the temples.
✨ Local Secrets & Cultural Gems
These are the activities that make Siem Reap a true sanctuary; these are our MUST-DOs.
| Activity | Details & Saralya Tip |
|---|---|
| APOPO Hero Rats | The Best Hour You’ll Spend. Visit the center to see the retired landmine-detecting rats at work: an incredible cause and a powerful experience. This experience offers the opportunity to understand the situation between landmines and Cambodia from past to present. |
| Phare, The Cambodian Circus | HIghly Recommend: Visit the center to see the retired landmine-detecting rats at work: an incredible cause and a powerful experience. |
| Tonle Sap Floating Villages | Ask Us First! This requires our local guidance. There are three areas to choose from, offering different experiences and costs. Message us for the best tour option—we’ll set you up with the safest and most authentic. |
| Satcha Handicrafts | Take a free tour to see how traditional crafts are made—a great place for authentic Cambodian gifts. |
| Sombai Rice Wine Tasting | Such a fun experience tasting 10 different types of flavored rice wine. You learn the process, then taste-test. Fun infused $3 tour. Bonus, they have affordable souvenirs with beautiful handmade art on the bottles. |
| Lotus Silk Farm | A beautiful way to spend a few hours. Learn about the Lotus silk weaving process, take a boat tour on the lotus field, or make your own lotus products in the workshop. They even have a restaurant with food made from Lotus. |
🧘 Wellness & Relaxation (The Sanctuary Vibe)
After all that walking and riding, you need to treat yourself.
| Venue | Details & Saralya Tip |
|---|---|
| Secret Eden Massage | John & Heather’s Favorite. The best massage in Siem Reap for true relaxation. Numerous different spa options, but we love the 90-minute deep tissue for. You can make appointments with them via WhatsApp. |
| Dasa Barber Shop | Need a clean-up? Reliable and friendly. |
| Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre | Monthly Guide Special! Offers unlimited classes for only $25 USD/month. A perfect creative outlet for our Digital Nomads. |
| Senteurs d’Angkor | Monthly Guide Special! Offers unlimited classes for only $25 USD/month—a perfect creative outlet for our Digital Nomads. |
🐊 Gardens, Nature & Adventure
If you need a break from temples, these local spots offer beautiful scenery and unique wildlife encounters.
| Attraction | Details & Saralya Tip |
|---|---|
| Angkor Botanical Gardens | (Free) A vast, peaceful escape right near the city. |
| Butterfly Paradise | Walk among thousands of beautiful native butterflies. |
| Angkor Zip Line | For the adrenaline junkies—see the canopy from above! |
| Angkor Speedway | Go-karts and racing action. |
| Angkor Aquarium & Wildlife | A Beautiful look into the local freshwater ecosystem. |
| House of Crocodiles | A fascinating (and slightly scary) local attraction. |
| Angkor Eye ~ Ferris Wheel | Incredible scenic views. Best to go at dusk and watch the sunset above Siem Reap from the sky. |
🏛️ History & Culture (Deeper Dive)
For those looking to understand Cambodia’s recent past and rich ancient history.
- Angkor National Museum: Essential viewing before or after visiting the temples.
- War Museum Cambodia: A solemn and educational look at Cambodia’s conflicts.
- Killing Fields Siem Reap: A memorial for reflection and understanding.
- Angkor Green Gardens: (5-minute walk from Saralya!) A unique and quirky experience. Spend a few hours strolling through the gardens, and even visiting a Buddhist hell cave! Nearby attraction for quick local cultural exposure.
🛍️ Shopping & Markets: Souvenirs to Local Life
Siem Reap’s markets are vibrant, chaotic, and essential. Here is where to go for what.
| Market | Best For | Saralya Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Made in Cambodia Market | High-Quality Gifts. Authentic, locally made artisan goods (scarves, jewelry, crafts). No cheap imports here. | A bit pricier, but you support real local artists. Great for authentic souvenirs. |
| Old Market (Phsar Chas) | The Real Deal. Half tourist souvenirs, half wet market for locals. | This is also the most significant “market’ section and a fun place to walk around, experiencing both dry and wet areas. Have a great meal and shop until you drop. Make sure to haggle! |
| Angkor Night Market | The Classic Night Out. The original. Stalls of elephant pants, lights, and street food. | Good selection of silk and wood carvings. Also, better prices. |
| Siem Reap Art Center Night Market | Crafts & River Views. Located across the bridge from the Old Market. | Slightly more relaxed than the Old Market. Good selections. Also, better prices. |