FAQ | Hariharalaya

When should I arrive in Siem Reap?

We recommend arriving at least one day early in order to be well rested for the first morning of the retreat. We also suggest planning a couple of days before or after the retreat to see the temples. We have found it is best to really set aside the retreat days to explore yourself, the classes, the village and to take time to truly relax.

How do I get to Hariharalaya from Siem Reap?

We provide a free shuttle service from downtown Siem Reap on the first morning of the retreat. A team of our teachers and drivers will meet you in front of the Lucky Mall Shopping Center on Sivatha Boulevard at 8:00 am. Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early, as the transportation will leave at 8 am sharp. We will be the only ones in front of the Mall at that time, you can’t miss us.

Can I arrive late?

Our retreats are run as 6 Day Residential Courses. We have put together a program to teach the foundations of yoga and meditation, community living, creativity, nature and silence. Our class curriculum is geared towards learning the tools to set up a daily practice of yoga, breathing and meditation, as well as experience living in the moment, with awareness and creativity. It is important that everyone arrives together and goes through the whole program in order to maintain a cohesive, stable and focused learning/community environment. Please take a look at our daily schedule for more details. We understand that you may need to arrive a few hours late on the first day because of travel arrangements, or to leave early on the last morning or previous evening. We recommend planning to arrive at least one day prior to the retreat in order to be well rested for the first day of the retreat.

Late arrivals and Airport Pick ups

If for whatever reason you are not able to make the free shuttle, please let us know and we can help to arrange alternate transportation. The cost of a tuktuk to/from Siem Reap is $7 and to/from the Siem Reap International Airport is $12. There is an extra $2 charge after 7pm. If you will be arriving by airplane, please send us your detailed flight information. We will have one of our drivers waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it.

What time does the retreat end on the last day?

The morning practice and closing circle ends at 8:30 am on the last day of the retreat. We then close with breakfast and a group picture. The free shuttle back to Siem Reap leaves at 10:00 and you will be back in town by 10:30 am. If you need to leave early or go directly to the airport, we can help arrange transportation at an additional fee.

What is your Payment Policy?

Your remaining balance should be paid upon arrival with either CASH(US$) or CREDIT CARDS. Please note that a 5% transaction fee will be applied to any credit card transactions. Additional charges such as snacks, healing sessions, tours, will be billed at the end of your stay. There are no ATM machines in the village, but there are many in Siem Reap.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our deposits are nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend a retreat, then you can use your deposit towards another retreat valid for up to 1 year. Please inform us that you will not be attending the retreat in advance. You will be charged the full amount for your retreat if you decide to leave early or choose to cancel within 3 days before the start date of the retreat.

Hotel recommendations for before/after the retreat

There are over 700 hotels, hostels and guest houses in Siem Reap. We suggest that you check booking.com to find the best option in your budget range. Most places are only a few minutes from Lucky Mall, where the free shuttle meets on the first morning of the retreat. Nice budget to mid-range options include: Palm Garden Village, Prohm Roth Guest, La Milia, Siem Reap Hostel, Bliss Villa, & The Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel.

Can I arrive before the retreat or extend after the retreat?

We are closed in between retreats for cleaning and preparation. We are unable to host any guests in between the retreat courses.

Do you offer any longer retreats?

All of our retreat courses are 6 day programs. However, we do offer a 10% discount and a free massage if you would like to join us for additional retreats. We have had guests stay for up to 4 retreats in a row. Please note, that you are unable to stay at the center in between retreat courses as we are cleaning and preparing. It is a good time to visit the temples and integrate your retreat experience.

What is the food like?

Your retreat includes three hearty and healthy vegan home cooked meals per day. All of our recipes can be found in our vegan Cookbook – Cooking with Consciousness. Breakfast is served at 9 am, Lunch is at 1 pm and Dinner at 7 pm. Herbal tea, filtered drinking water and bananas are available throughout the day at no additional charge. We also have a Jungle Juice Bar that sells fruit smoothies, coconut cream ice cream and snacks.

Do you offer gluten free options?

The good news is that almost all of our food is gluten free. Traditional Cambodian cuisine does not contain any gluten and we minimize the amount that we use. We are used to travelers with gluten intolerance and Celiac diseases, and we are happy to accommodate you.

Is smoking permitted on retreat?

We offer a small garden area for smoking. Smoking marijuana is not permitted during the retreat.

What is your policy on coffee, drugs and alcohol?

We do not serve coffee or alcohol at the center. Retreat is a good time to slow down and break our daily habits. It is a chance to clean our system and come back to our natural balance. Drug use, including marijuana, and alcohol is strictly prohibited at Hariharalaya.

Are there any snacks or beverages available on site?

Herbal Teas, filtered drinking water and bananas are available all day. We offer a variety of healthy, local vegan snacks such as nuts, raisins, trail mix, banana chips and sweet potato chip. Fresh coconuts, fruit smoothies and coconut cream ice cream available at our Juice Bar. All delicious Cambodian vegan snacks and drinks are $1.

What should I bring with me to Hariharalaya?

It is advisable to bring your own flashlight, mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, a padlock for your locker, a journal, and in the rainy season, an umbrella or a rain coat. For women we recommend bringing any sanitary items you may need, as they are not readily available in the village.

Are towels and toiletries provided?

Each guest is provided with a bath towel for the retreat. Please bring your own toiletries. Basic items are available in the local market, with the exception of feminine hygiene products.

Do you offer laundry service during the retreat?

We provide laundry service at $2 per kilo. It usually takes between 24-36 hours to have your clothes returned.

Do the rooms come equipped with fans or A/C?

All of our rooms come with a fan and a mosquito net. None of our rooms are equipped with A/C. Our rooms and huts are built with natural materials and we are surrounded by trees and nature, so it stays naturally cool throughout the year.

Do any rooms have private bathrooms?

All of our bathrooms are shared.

Do you have wifi?

As part of our commitment to conscious living, we follow a strict Digital Detox Policy. We encourage retreat participants to step away from the digital world and come back to the flow of the present moment. We do have a guest computer available that can be used in case of emergency. On the afternoon of Day 5, we allow everyone to take out their digital devices in order to capture pictures or video of their experience.

What style of yoga is practiced?

At Hariharalaya we practice Integral Yoga – an integrated approach to health through the body, heart and mind. Our classes cover the physical postures (asana), breathing, meditation, chanting and non-duality. We have at least 5 yoga/meditation teachers on staff at any given time. Our teachers are trained in different styles and approaches to yoga. We offer hands on adjustments during the asana and meditation practice. We promote and encourage setting up a daily practice of yoga and meditation.

What type of meditation do you do?

We practice silent sitting meditation – Learning to relax back into the center of our being through stillness, strengthening our basic awareness, and releasing the heaviness of the past. The central meditation teaching is – Just Be Still. We also teach the importance of mindfulness or cultivating awareness throughout the whole day.

Is the yoga/meditation suitable for beginners?

Our classes and retreat program are accessible for all levels of experience. Many of our guests are trying yoga and meditation for the first time. Our program is geared to give you the tools to set up your own yoga, breathing and meditation practice. We have at least 5 yoga/meditation teachers on staff at any given time. Our teachers are trained in different styles and approaches to yoga. We offer hands on adjustments during the asana and meditation practice.

Are you retreats suitable for advanced practitioners?

Our retreats are ideal for all levels of experience. Our focus is on applying yoga and meditation to living creatively in the present moment. Through community, learning, relaxation and creativity, we tap back into our passion for life and reawaken new possibilities. 6 days for refreshing and reinvigorating.

Am I required to attend all yoga and meditation classes and activities on the schedule?

Everyone is required and expected to participate in the morning practice and evening meditation. Afternoon yoga classes, dharma talks and other community activities are optional. If for whatever reason you are unable to participate, please speak with a member of our staff or one of our yoga teachers to discuss other options.

Do I need to bring my own yoga gear?

All yoga and meditation gear (yoga mats, meditation benches and cushions) are supplied on site. If you prefer to bring your own yoga mat or other gear you are welcome to do so.

Do I need to take malaria pills?

Siem Reap is a low risk malaria zone. We have not had a single case of malaria.

What is the atmosphere at Hariharalaya like?

Hariharalaya is located in rural and natural Cambodian farming village. With over 2 acres of land, huts, jungle gardens, quiet corners, and inspiring facilities, it is the perfect place to reconnect with Nature and your True Self. Walk barefoot on the earth, take time to just be with Life, observing and feeling it deeply. Take a digital detox and come back to the present moment.

What is the weather like in hot or rainy seasons?

It is a beautiful tropical paradise all year round in Cambodia. As we are located out in a traditional farming village, surrounded by trees and nature, it is naturally cool all year. Our structures are built with natural materials and provide a good flow of air. During the rainy season everything is green and alive. It usually only rains for an hour or two per day.

Will there be any music playing in the village?

Cambodian weddings and funerals are traditionally celebrated at home as a village event. Loud music and chanting can be played late in the evening and very early in the morning. Weddings and funerals can take place nearby and the music can be heard from Hariharalaya. This is part of the immersion in an authentic experience of Cambodian culture.

Do you have bicycles to explore the villages around Hariharalaya?

Yes. There are plenty of interesting places to explore just around the corner – including a 150 year old local market, weaving and pottery workshops, ancient temples, traditional farming villages, the floating village, several local pagodas and more. Many sites are easily reached on foot or by bike. We have a fleet of 10 bicycles available free of charge.

Is Hariharalaya located near the Angkor Temples?

Hariharalaya is located among the Rolous Group of Temples (circa 800 AD). Note that you need a valid Angkor Wat Park Pass in order to visit these main temples.

Can I visit the Angkor Temples during the retreat?

We recommend planning a few days before or after the retreat for exploring the temples. We have a full day schedule of learning, relaxation, community and creativity. It is best to give yourself the time to really be on retreat. We offer a Yoga and Meditation Tour at one of the local temples on Day 5 of the retreat, which also includes a 7 course Cambodian picnic.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions