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Our Team
Meet the Team at Southeast Asia Journeys – Experts in Custom Cambodia Tours and Southeast Asian Tours
From Local Officer to Global Tourism Leader: A Story of Growth
Nalorss PHAY (Narla) Owner and Business Development Director
Born in the northeast part of Cambodia, as a teenager, Narla dreamt of traveling and learning about and from other cultures. As the oldest son in the family, he pursued studies in tourism and hospitality management in Siem Reap in 2003. Narla worked as a tourist police officer before joining Journeys Within Boutique Hotel in 2006 as a Front Desk Manager. During this time, he received a scholarship from Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC).
His hard work and dedication to his studies paid off, and after graduating, he gained considerable experience as a Country Director for the Journeys Within tour company a few years later. He is now a member of the JWOC Board of Directors and currently serves as the Owner and Business Development Director of Southeast Asia Journeys.
Since venturing on his career in the tourism industry, he has had the privilege of extensively traveling to explore diverse cultural facets across various countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, North America, and Europe. He ensures the smooth operation of the company by maintaining close cooperation and fostering strong personal connections with our agency partners and direct guests.
He establishes valuable relationships with local networks, authorities, and suppliers, which include hotels, restaurants, tour guide associations, and other key stakeholders. He coordinates the team on ground to ensure our guests have the trip of a lifetime. Narla loves photography and is a great host, so if you’re in Siem Reap, make sure he takes you on a night out!
From Working Hard to Leading Others: A Story of Growth
Makara PUT Country Director
Makara was born in a village just outside of Angkor Wat as the third child in a family of eight. From a very young age, Makara worked very hard to support himself and his family, taking jobs various jobs during the school holidays.
After high school, he spent three months studying English and secured a job as a waiter in a restaurant in downtown Siem Reap, eventually being promoted to manager.
It was during this time that he saw an advertisement for a scholarship with Journeys Within Our Community and decided to apply in hopes of one day attending university and was accepted. During his fourth year at the South East Asia University, he was hired at Journeys Within Boutique Hotel as a Front Desk Manager, cementing his place in the Journeys Within family.
Since then, Makara has graduated with a degree in Business Management. In 2015 Makara brought his work ethic and dedication to work with the Journeys Tour Within Tour Company team as Country Director in Cambodia. In his free time, he continues to volunteer, promote education and work on his fitness. Makara likes sharing his experiences and knowledge with people.
Moreover, he likes to develop and give the young generation the opportunity to learn, he believes that no one was born with experiences, so they need to earn it by learning, training, doing and sharing. He’s now full time running Southeast Asia Journeys ground operation.
Numbers Expert with a Heart for Natur
Kanika PEOU Accounting Manager
Born and raised in Battambang province as the second child in her family, Kanika’s journey led her to Siem Reap to pursue her college education.
Over a decade ago, she began her career at Southeast Asia Journeys as an accountant, a role that not only deepened her passion for finance but also intertwined with her love for the dynamic world of tourism.
She now holds the position of Accounting Manager within the company. With a natural aptitude for numbers, Kanika has earned the moniker of the team’s ‘Numbers Cruncher,’ skillfully navigating financial landscapes and ensuring accuracy in all fiscal matters.
Her dedication and expertise have played a crucial role in the success of Southeast Asia Journeys, where her contributions are highly esteemed and recognized. Kanika’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her profound passion for both finance and the travel industry make her an indispensable asset to the company.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kanika finds solace at home, caring for her beloved cats. She spends her evenings walking and cycling, enjoying nature’s tranquility and the feeling of freedom these activities bring.
Rising Student Making His Mark in Tourism
Sophev PHAI Operations Assistant
Born in the western province of Cambodia, Sophev was a scholarship student supported by the Child’s Dream Cambodia Organization (CDCO) during his high school years, a period that significantly shaped his educational path.
Currently in his freshman year, Sophev is pursuing a degree in Law at the University of South-East Asia, with his academic journey bolstered by a scholarship from Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC).
These scholarships not only provide financial support but also serve as gateways to fresh opportunities and personal development, enhancing his overall educational experience.
Furthermore, Sophev holds the position of Operations Assistant at Southeast Asia Journeys, where his responsibilities encompass managing quotations, bookings, and operational tasks within the company. This role has afforded him valuable insights into the intricacies of the tourism industry and operational procedures, further enriching his professional skill set and knowledge base.
Valued Customers
Responsible Travel Active Philanthropy
Transforming Tourism into Positive Change: Your Journey, Their Future
Southeast Asia Journeys specializes in what we call Active Philanthropy.
The idea that when we visit a country or community, our visit has a tangible positive impact.
We believe that our tour company not only has a responsibility to our guests, but also to the countries in which we live and work.
Condé Nast Traveler has recognized our local teams as “a pioneer in philanthropic travel,” while the Educational Travel Community awarded our program with its 2016 Responsible Tourism Showcase Award.
We make sure that when possible we include touring, meals and accommodation that share our same values on community development and sustainability, and we encourage our guests to be involved in the various projects we support throughout the region.
