What our guests have said

Testimonials

February 2011
Phnom Penh is an incredible city in its own right with much to see and experience, but there is so much more real Cambodia 'out there' than the casual tourist sees. Four of us Canadians had the amazing experience of learning from a local Khmer, by spending a week with Souen and his partner Frances, from Cambodia Uncovered!

Souen will take you to all the local sites, and has his own vehicle to take in the surrounding attractions such as the Salt Pans, boat tours to the ancient 5th century canals, industry-specific villages producing rice noodles, woven mats, bricks, water vessels, silk products – all of them without automation, using the ingenuity and hand labour of villagers to produce the final product. Much of what we saw was NOT on the usual tourist agendas and was accessible only because Souen is Khmer, can speak to the villagers in their own language, put them at ease, and gain their approval to welcome visitors into their village. This is an incredible authentic experience not open to most who visit this area.

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Souen was born and raised in Cambodia, and has lived through the tragedy of war, displacement to refugee camps and the tremendous effort of putting life back together again in a way that is rewarding and enriching to others. A few years back Souen launched into tourism by having his own boat purpose-built to take visitors down the Mekong River. Souen's incredible in-depth knowledge of the area, his life experiences, his Khmer heritage, and his playful, gentle sense of humour enrich each adventure.

We stayed in their 2 bedroom apartment and then on their boat overnight on the Mekong. Frances is an Australian doctor who has the insight of someone who sees the effects of history in her daily work, and offers the unique perspective of an expat who “has now become Khmer”, as Souen told us. She speaks Khmer and is at ease in a dusty village or the boardrooms of health care policy makers. Her knowledge, experience, and skill enrich and improve the quality of the lives of many Cambodians.

It is hard to describe how extraordinary our experience in Cambodia became, and how much we were deeply enriched by our time in and around Phnom Penh with Frances and Souen. One comes away humbled by all Souen and his family have faced, and enriched by his ability to "bounce back' and now share this reality with his visitors in such a positive enlightening manner.Get onto the website of CAMBODIA UNCOVERED and read before you go to Phnom Penh! Don't miss out on this rare, authentic opportunity to absorb beautifully unique and refreshingly original Cambodian experiences with Souen and Frances. Now back at home in Calgary, there is not a day that has gone by since our return, that I don’t experience a flash-back memory of turning my head in disbelief at something we saw or did with Souen - driving some red-dust country road, swimming in a cool jungle river, checking out unfamiliar foods at roadside food stalls, walking through a remote fishing village, floating down the Mekong, cruising the ancient canals, rowing the Salt pans, watching villagers at their work, or listening to Souen's many stories. With a big smile on my face, I quietly mumble, "Thank you for this Incredible, absolutely amazing experience!" I need to pinch myself to believe I was really there, and am grateful to have had the good fortune to witness some of these great Khmer sights with my own two eyes, and experience everyday Cambodian life with Frances and Souen.

Doug and Carol Ann Kielau, Calgary, Canada.

January 2011
A river trip with Souen is a unique way to gain a better understanding of Cambodia. Being on the Mekong gives a different perspective to the city and the people. Souen enjoys teaching about the river, the people and the culture. Up close and personal views of boats, fishing, a village, and more are truly enjoyable. The informal luncheon consists of local produce and Cambodian dishes and is excellent. All of this is on a boat constructed by Souen which is comfortable and accommodates visitors well. It's nice to be in a small group relaxing and learning.

Catherine Wilfert, USA.

January 2011
A day with Souen was remarkably enjoyable. His boat had all the items to render the voyage on the Mekong River both comfortable and informative.
Several excursions on the land, under his guidance, provided special opportunities to gain an impression of the local inhabitants and to visit a weaving facility where skilled women produced lovely items. A delightful meal aboard the boat was an extra unexpected treat served tastefully.
The crew under his direction managed all details efficiently and pleasantly. He obviously is a skilled and knowledgeable manager of his enterprise.

Sam Katz, USA.

January 2011
Hi to Souen!!! and thanks a million. As I look back at pictures of our Cambodian trip, our boat trip with Souen was a highlight. It was so deeply personal, fun and funny, educational and enlightening and overall - the best!
It was so family friendly to have Souen's daughter and nephew with us on the boat and be able to share stories with all of them. My daughter and her friend loved swimming in the Mekong and lounging on the hammock.
For me, I was so happy to have so many of my questions answered - about everything from the food to the customs to the details of the weaving and the tropical plants and the food was "over the top" delicious.
It was definitely a unique lifetime experience and one that I would recommend in a heart beat. Thanks Souen for giving us such a unique opportunity.

Dee Dice, Martha's Vineyard, USA.

December 2010
As an expatriate, living in Cambodia for the past 11 years I have seen much of Cambodians scenery and tourist sites, but never motored upstream on the Mekong River. To rectify this omission I took an overnight trip with “Cambodia Uncovered” on their delightful little, but very comfortable boat, aptly named Neang Niak (daughter of the dragon).

The journey started with an 8 am breakfast of fresh almond croissants, fresh fruit and yoghurt and freshly brewed coffee and tea in a china teapot: all served on a delightfully set table, including to my amazement china crockery, as the boat motored upstream, on a glorious sunny, but cool morning.

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Hammocks were set up to laze in and enjoy the view. Several stops were made along the way to visit villages to see the local handiwork in action. However, I was enjoying the boat too much to participate in these ventures.

The luncheon was even more spectacular, with white napkins adding a touch of class to the wonderful array of home cooked Khmer food. Classic icy cold Australian white wine was served with the food, followed by yummy lemon tarts. By this time we had left the metropolis behind and were surrounding by pleasant rural scenery and the occasional fishing boat. It was just sublime.

Eventually we found a secluded spot and anchored in the lee of an island, where we planned to spend the night. The river is quite safe for swimming so rubber tyres were thrown overboard for us to hop into and enjoy a refreshing swim. Drinks were supplied as we drifted around the boat in our tubes.
Later that evening, a coal barbeque was lit on the deck for cooking our next amazing meal – chicken stir fry with rice and fresh vegetables. Delicious wine was obligatory again. Followed by Belgian chocolate, served with Baileys on ice while we watched an amazing array of stars, (not seen in Phnom Penh) followed by an extra bonus of watching an incredible full moon rising out of the river, which continued to dazzle us all night with its beauty twinkling on the water. Mattresses and mosquito nets were set up on the lower and upper deck for sleeping. The toilet and washing facilities were very clean and hygienic.

In the morning we were greeted with a wonderful sunrise across the river and another good Khmer style breakfast. We had more swimming in the morning and later champagne served as we lazed in the hammocks on our way back.

It was, as their advertising says “an exclusive tour”, and I would definitely like to try one of their longer journeys to explore further up the Mekong. I thoroughly recommend you will have a wonderful time, especially if you like your food served with a touch of class, as I do.

Robyn Devenish, Phnom Penh Resident.

Webmaster note: This trip was taken on Christmas Day so there were additional extras such as champagne which may not usually be included in overnight trips.

October 2010
You will find cheaper boat trips in Phnom Penh, but none as good as Souen's from Cambodia Uncovered. This is not just a short trip along a stretch of the river in the centre of town with a visit to a touristy island like many of the boat trips on offer ... but a day trip on a beautiful timber boat (made by Souen), with visits to small villages where you are very unlikely to spot another tourist, but may see mat making, silk weaving, water jar making or visit temples well away from the maddening crowd.
After visits to these sights you arrive back to the boat to be completely surprised by cool drinks and a gourmet lunch! I recommend swimming in the Mekong before lunch and a sleep in a hammock after lunch.
Well worth the money and highly recommended.

Brian Raleigh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

March 2010
I live in Cambodia and have recommended Souen's cooking classes to a number of our visitors, as well as doing it myself. I thoroughly enjoyed it - especially the trip to the local market to purchase ingredients, where Souen has a great rapport with stall holders and makes the experience great fun as well as seeing daily life first hand.
Without exception our visitors have loved it and the fish amok in a coconut always gets rave reviews.

Andy Ryan, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

January 2010
.....Souen and Frances were a delight, and we loved our time on the boat with Souen. We loved going into the little villages via the boat, and Phnom Penh itself was very interesting.

Linda Sue Strang, California, USA

August 2009
Just wanted to thank you and Souen again for a fantastic trip, really enjoyed the Mekong, the boat and the surprise visit to the village - not sure who was more surprised, us, Souen or the villagers...

Anna Fieldhouse, Canberra, Australia

May 2009
Thanks Souen for your fantastic trips - the day trip to Takeo was spectacular - the old temple with great carving and wonderful view, the boat trip down the canals was a real eye opener seeing daily life on the water. But the highlight that day was the amazing lunch we had in the rice field which was totally unexpected - from the great green location to the bamboo table and chairs to the scrumptious food made with love and those white linen napkins! It truly was a treat.
The cooking class gave us a chance to see how the ingredients are woven together to make such delicious and often delicate tastes and it was fun to eat it all after our efforts. The amok was the most delicious and we will surely try that at home.
The boat trip and village vists were also really amazing and unexpected - so good to see your small but highly effective biogas plant in your mother's village as well as the various animals, trees and plants you have organised; the water jar making was wonderful to see and the weaving was so much more complicated than I had imagined it would be.
Thanks for such a wonderful experience. We haven't had such a personal tour like this ever during our travels and it really was the highlight of our trip to SE Asia.

Luke and Helen Martin, London, UK

February 2009
Well here we are home after a trip of a lifetime. Everything went exactly to plan and the holiday was everything we wanted and more.
I am writing to thank you for both being such wonderful hosts to Josh and myself.
Josh and I cannot thank you, Souen, enough for the time we shared with you. Your knowledge of your country and its people and vegetation was amazing and has made us hungry to come back and see and learn more with you.
We would particularly like to thank you, Souen, for sharing with us the very private, sad and extremely painful period of your life. This could not have been easy for you to do and we will always treasure this special time with you. It has helped us to try and understand the terrible things Cambodian families endured for many years and to appreciate that people like you who lived through these years can still smile and bring such joy to the likes of Josh and me.
We saw many wonderful places and particularly loved the mountain areas (of Vietnam) and sharing time with the minority groups but throughout our trip we talked about Cambodia and how much we loved our time there and wished we had planned more time in Cambodia and less in Siagon for you to be able to show us much more and to have experienced more time with the people of your country.
Cambodia touched our hearts.
Now it is time for me to get back to my life in Adelaide but my mind keeps drifting back to Cambodia and Vietnam.
WHAT WONDERFUL THOUGHTS.

Colleen Dent, Adelaide, South Australia

February 2009
We greatly enjoyed our time with you, the apartment, the country trips and the Mekong, and were very pleased we started our journey in Phnom Penh.
You gave us a valuable introduction to Cambodia's recent sad history and first-hand insights into the present way of life and social/economic/political issues. I dont think we've ever spent so many dinners discussing such issues on our travels, even when travelling to other third-world countries...
We thoroughly enjoyed the boating experience, the sunset G&Ts and Souen's food - among the best meals we had on the whole trip.
....once again - many thanks for the never-to-be-forgotten experience you gave us.

David and Eliazabeth Luke, Sydney, New South Wales

October 2008
The boat trip on the Mekong was really spectacular and exciting and the food which Souen prepared played a really important part. We all enjoyed it immensely.
My photos remind me of the several times Souen stopped by the road and encouraged us to eat food – delicious food – which we probably would not have touched were we on our own - one of the advantages of having someone like Souen with local knowledge and a strong desire to have guests appreciate the real Cambodia.
The highlight was definitely the cooking class. Full marks. Brilliant to start with buying the ingredients and essential to give guests the recipe to take away.

Morag and I would like to thank you both once again for a most memorable experience. I think you achieved your objective of uncovering Cambodia.

Stuart and Morag Robertson, Scotland

September 2008
Thankyou for the best day we had in Cambodia, on your boat floating down the Mekong. The food was fantastic especially the banana blossom salad and we enjoyed the visit to the village where that family was producing the cement water tanks.
You showed us the real Cambodia in extremely relaxing circumstances
Souen needs to know, he’s not just a great cook and tour guide, but we really appreciated the fact that we could ask often quite painful questions of him and he was so generous in his response and sharing of knowledge. We hope to enjoy your hospitality again soon.

Richard Coates and Annie Gastin, Darwin, Australia

September 2008
...thanks to Souen for a great day trip. It was ideal for us and our visitors to get out and about and learn more about real Cambodia. The food was a particular highlight, despite the rain!

Rebecca Keatinge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

September 2008
An overdue note to thank you for a great stay. If I'm ever back in PP I'll definitely look you both up

Gillian Perrett, Brunei

July 2008
We have now returned home and we have such wonderful memories of our time in Cambodia. Thank you so much for your hospitality

The Malone Family, Switzerland

July 2008
Once again thanks for the cooking.....I enjoyed it and learnt alot

Daniel Myers, Melbourne, Australia

July 2008
Thanks again for such a memorable time, we are still talking about how much fun we had and what a great time you guys gave us

Karina Parker, Dili, East Timor

February 2008
Thank you both very much for making our stay in PP so enjoyable. It was great to meet you both and do everything we did.
As I begin telling friends about our holiday I have realized that our time in PP with you both was certainly the highlight.
Thank you again for all your hospitality and friendship.

Lesley and Frank Cole, Vancouver, Canada

February 2008
And from a guest who wrote an article for a newspaper................
Perhaps the best way to see the real Cambodia is with a Khmer guide who can take you on road and river trips to small villages where people go about their daily activities of weaving, fishing, cooking, farming etc. You will be fascinated by the skills needed to eek out a living, and humbled by the genuine warmth of engaging people. This experience can be provided by Cambodia Uncovered, a small boutique business that tailors your travel and accommodation to suit your interests.

Roger Hunt, Adelaide, Australia

February 2008
Dear Sok Souen
This is to belatedly thank you for the trip you organised for us to see some aspects of Cambodian life and country side in January. We have only recently returned to Australia and your day trip was one of the highlights of our time in Cambodia.
We thought your boat was beautiful and obviously much thought and care had gone into preparation for the day. We have some wonderful photos of our time on the river, the fishing families and the aspects of village life you were able to show us.
We do hope that others enjoy your trips as much as we did.
With our very best wishes,

Gary and Carolyn Hutchens, Melbourne, Australia

January 2008
........a huge thanks for showing us around. Fin and I both agreed that the #1 highlight was the visit to the school in your home village on the first day. It may seem a strange choice, and we were surprised at each other!! And I am sure that many of your customers would not agree - but we both enjoyed the brief engagement with the kids.
Best wishes to you, and every success to Cambodia Uncovered.

Matt Desmond, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

December 2007
Hi you 2,
Have been thinking of you. The trip was really fabulous.

Michelle Heine, Vancouver, Canada

August 2007
We were most appreciative of our 2 great days with Souen. My guests were particularly pleased as they only had a few short days and were very eager to ‘uncover’ a little of Cambodia – we enjoyed the food too!

Rosemary Ebbs, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

September 2007
Dear Souen,
This is to let you know how much my wife and I enjoyed our recent holiday with you in Cambodia. We were most impressed with the effort you made to ensure that we got all that we wanted from our vacation and we left feeling that we had seen Cambodia in a way that we could not have done without your expert guidance. We will soon be booking again for next year!

Mike Bleaney, St Helens, Australia

August 2007
Still remembering our great trip to Takeo! It helped me arriving in Cambodia very much and I enjoyed your company and the hours with all of you

Susann Schwarz, Germany

July 2007
Souen and Frances are welcoming hosts with lots of helpful advice and added extras
The clean tasteful accommodation has all the comforts of home with many thoughtful touches. Both the tours and cooking class were fun and exciting and planned to my individual needs and interests
Souen is a wonderful guide and provides a unique opportunity to see a different side of Cambodia

Outstanding! Thank you!
Finley Clare
Barry's Bay, Ontario, Canada

March 2007
Cambodia Uncovered - the Highlights
Anything to do with boats and water! We really enjoyed your boat and wished we had spent more time travelling in that way.
The boat trip from Takeo was worthy of a TV documentary. From our point of view it was an amazing insight to a world we didn’t know existed.
We packed in so much that day with the pre-angkorian temples, the museum, not to mention a picnic lunch on the banks of the river. Before we had even got to the boat I think we had visited a salt farm and training school as well. The boat trip warranted a full day in itself.

A surprising thrill for us was riding on the back of motorbikes- so much so that we thought of taking lessons here until Mike said he had given up riding in this country because it is so dangerous.

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Anything to do with textiles and silk. Being able to go into villages and see the weaving being done was priceless and something we wouldn’t have been able to do on our own I suspect.

Souen’s cooking. His picnics and cooking lessons were a pleasure. It was interesting to hear from him that rice outside Cambodia tastes stale.

Souen’s deep knowledge of plants and the country and history that saved the Killing Fields from being a totally depressing experience.

We very much appreciated the local information you both gave us and the use of the mobile phone which was a little life line for us

Your Flat - was decorated in a way which reflected Cambodia nicely and it was good to have the back up of dvds and books. The flat was well equipped. You are in a good location, close to facilities and we felt safe! It was great not to have to go far in the evening to get to a decent restaurant –in fact to have quite a choice!

We appreciated your flexibility in wishing to accommodate our needs. We felt you both went out of your way to find out information for us. We were also grateful for the back up medical advice that stopped us panicking.

And finally we enjoyed your friendly laidback attitudes that did not interfere with the professional way you looked after us.

Mary and Rodney Vormawah, England

March 2007
We have never had an experience that measures up to this one. Cambodia would have been out of the question for us without support and local knowledge

Souen's delightful sense of humour and compassionate local experience has given us the holiday of a lifetime. Take a camera!

Talina and Winston Vizard
Victor Harbour, Australia

January 2006
I was one of Souen’s first customers, in January 2006

Being my first trip to Cambodia and because I only had two weeks there, I wanted to understand as much as possible about the country while visiting the popular sites

With Souen as teacher I was given a delightful, “insider” account of the history, culture, events, the food, and the way Cambodian people think. But touring with Souen was not like a lesson – it was fun – and importantly, it was flexible. If I decided I wanted some time out, or something more active, there was no problem. Always cheerful and thoughtful, Souen is the ideal host. With his beautiful river boat and gourmet picnics you can laze away on the Mekong going where a whim takes you or you can plan a tight action packed schedule that fills the day and night. There were lots of times for laughter, despite the tears that were unavoidable at some of the massacre sites

Souen’s partner Frances is Australian and when she has time to spare from her medical work, she joins him as a generous host. She also provides interesting insider information about Cambodia – but through the eyes of an expat! She is also on hand for medical attention if ever needed

Travelling alone was no problem - I felt pampered and safe on my memorable trip to Cambodia. I learned about the terrible suffering the people have endured, but saw how strongly they are returning from the brink. Supporting enterprises like Souen’s not only means that you have a good time, but that you are also doing something for Cambodian development
Helen Morris
Melbourne, Australia

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