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Discover Cambodia Through Local Eyes – Meet Our Expert Temple Guides
From Rural Roots to Tourism - A Cambodian Guide's Journey Through History
Sina KHAM SEA Journeys Tour Guide
Growing up in a family with a long history of farming for generations in Banteay Mean Chey province, situated 100km northwest of Siem Reap, I am one of five siblings, holding the position of the third born. My mother, aged 73, remains a significant presence in my life. Tragically, my father fell victim to the Pol Pot (Khmer Rouge or Red Khmer) regime around the time of my birth.
In the 1990s, I departed from my hometown to reside with a cousin in Pursat province, where I pursued my studies. Subsequently, I relocated to Phnom Penh and took on a security role at a company. By 1997, I had moved to Siem Reap province to work as a storekeeper during the construction of a hotel. It was during this period that I immersed myself in learning English and Angkor History, driven by my deep admiration for Angkor Wat and the cultural richness embodied in the temple ruins.
In 2004, I applied to become a tour guide through the Ministry of Tourism, thus earning official recognition from the Ministry in this capacity. Subsequently, I conducted tours for hotels, guesthouses, and travel agencies. In the same year, a significant encounter took place with Brandon, the co-founder of Journeys Within and B&B (Bed and Breakfast). Following Brandon’s request for me to provide a tour to guests at the establishment, my interest was piqued, leading to numerous opportunities to guide various groups associated with Journeys Within.
Since 2004, I dedicated myself to working as a tour guide for Southeast Asia Journeys, as well as various hotels and boutiques.
During my guided tours, I take pleasure in capturing photos for guest groups upon their request. My photography skills extend beyond the tour setting, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the touring experience. I have a particular fondness for leading tours for families, children, biking excursions, and various other tour types.
From Farm Fields to Ancient Temples: One Guide's Educational Journey
Saravy SOR SEA Journeys Tour Guide
My name is Sor Saravy. I was born in Battambang province, 130km southwest of Siem Reach Town. I grew up in a farmer’s family. I’m the youngest son in the family. a child living on a farm, it’s not easy. I needed to help the family to plant rice and do anything I could, but my parent never asked me to do that. They said you only do your studies, so in the year 2000, I moved out to Battambang town for high school, 45km away from my village and stayed there for three years. Then, moved to Siem Reap in 2004 to finish my high school degree. After that, I went to Build Bright University in Siem Reap in 2004 for tourism management till I got bachelor’smy degree in 2008. I married a woman who lives in Siem reap, and we were together till we had two children (two boys), 12 years old and 9 years old. Life has changed a lot since we got married. There are more responsible for the family, more new experiences and more expenses. living in the city is not easy for goods, food, and drinks, and we have to pay for kids’ school fees, but we have to do all these things.
I started working as English speaking tour guide in archeological sites of Angkor in 2008 as a freelance tour guide. This job was amazing to me. I never thought I could see and talk to people who travel from different nationalities and different cultures because it’s very different from where I grew up. I can share my culture, religion, food and people’s lifestyle, especially the thousands of temples in Cambodia were built thousands of years ago that, and some of them are still standing in good shape.
I am looking forward to working back as English speaking tour guide like before after two years stuck in the COVID-19 period. I hope everything’s getting better than right now. Since covid-19 has stuck, most of the business industry in Cambodia most in Siem Reap province. During that time, I had more time to explore more history of old cultures carving in sandstone. And sometimes go out with kids to finishing do some sports.
Rising from Struggle: A Guide's Path from Post-Genocide Cambodia
Santhou SEN SEA Journeys Tour Guide
After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime or genocide regime, Santhou was born in the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom, Penh, at a time when everyone was struggling to get their family three meals a day, keep their loved ones away from starvation, survive starvation, was the main factor in the 1980s for Cambodian family.
Living in the city, life was not easy for Santhou’s family, especially in the 80s; he went to school for half a day and worked half a day to financially support his family. In high school, Santhou almost dropped out of school because he needed to work full-time to make a bit more money for the family. Fortunately, while Santhou was working in a wood factory, there was a foreigner buyer and his local translator were talking in English. After listening to their conversation, Santhou realized the difference between physical work and educated work and decided to go back to school and study English until he completed high school and continued to get his Bachelor’s degree.
After graduating from college, Santhou moved to Siem Reap, looking for a suitable job. In 2005, Santhou found his favorite job as a tourist guide; he believed this job would allow him to share the greatness and the sad history of his country with the world.
From 2005 to 2013, Santhou was a freelance English-speaking tour guide. 2014 to the COVID-19 pandemic, he exclusively works for Journeys Within tour company. Many years of doing single work led Santhou to a better understanding of the mysterious architecture of Angkor Wat. They gained more knowledge of the mysterious nature of existence related to temple building. In his free time, Santhou like reading, playing volleyball and soccer.
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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.
