TOUR GUIDE - SIEM REAP

Mr. Sambath Meas

In appreciation of Sambath

Early 2009, my family and I traveled to Siem Reap to see the great Angkor Wat. We were recommended Sambath as our tour guide. Even though our itinerary was pre-arranged by the tour company, on our first day, Sambath was patiently open to hear our 13-member strong party’s many queries and interests.

We had the most enjoyable time visiting the many temples around Siem Reap and Tonle Sap. Sambath was knowledgeable, humble, funny and so willing to answer very personal questions about his family during the revolution. The visit to the museum of the “killing fields” brought home the point. Sambath went out of his way to meet our special and sometimes fussy requests. He suggested sunrise at Angkor and knew exactly where to go for the best views. We were so proud to be at our special spot before the crowd arrived! We tried wonderful Cambodian foods and fruits at our stops with Sambath always watching that we stay within “traveler’s standards” to avoid illness.

Sambath’s commentaries about his country’s situation were unabashedly honest. He believed in education for Cambodia’s children and made the observation that Cambodians, even the poorest, would give more money to build temples than schools.

That evening, with special arrangements by Sambath to make sure we were safe, my sister and I went to listen to Dr. Beat Richner play his cello at the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital--simply a beautiful experience that words cannot justifiably describe. Dr. Beat reminded me of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, another remarkable Swiss musician-physician who dedicated his life to the care of the world’s most under-served peoples. His story is compelling.

We talk about returning to Siem Reap. Sambath has kept in touch, sharing his beautiful wedding pictures with us. Our visit there under the guidance of Sambath was an incredible experience. It was thoroughly enjoyable, enlightening, eye-opening, and so humbling. It reminded us to give thanks for our lives, to take time to smell the roses, and make time for others in need. We thank Sambath, and wish him all the very best on his new endeavor, Bayon Guides.

Sincerely
Chenit Flaherty
Santa Rosa, California
June 2010

If you have any tour services in Siem Reap, please do not hesitate to contact him via:

Address: Mondul I, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 12 664 224
Email: meas.sambath@yahoo.com
Web: www.bayonguides.com

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