Steve Lidgey
As general manager, I oversee our team in handcrafting unique journeys. We believe in letting our guests experience the destination by, where possible, giving them interaction with local people. Fortunately, in Cambodia, people are very open and eager to meet tourists making interaction easier. I believe travelers should also give something back to the place they are visiting - that can include just being friendly and communicating with local people. As a travel agent, we then help on the rest in order to do things in a responsible manner by supporting as many local people and projects as possible.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Cambodia is a small country so we cover the whole country for all budgets. We specialize in personalized travel, listening to our guests and creating unique itineraries according to the interests, budget and other requirements. Where possible we try to include local interaction, be that stopping at the side of the road to try local snacks with vendors to staying at local community homestays."
How did you get involved in travel?
"After I left college I worked in Germany for a hotel that was only open from Apr-Oct. Working hard I was able to save lots of money and travel to see the world. After visiting 50+ countries I decided to get a job that allows me to help others travel. First I worked back in my home country (England) before moving to Cambodia where I set up my own travel company.
The personal desire to travel is still there. However, instead of counting countries, I prefer to explore places I like in more depth and off the beaten track. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Inevitably I should mention Cambodia. I was lucky enough to visit in 1994 and had Angkor Wat almost all to myself. It wasn't a happy time in Cambodia as the civil war was still going on and there was an air of sadness to the country. Many places were off limits and I hired a motorbike to visit the temples. It was educational more than enjoyable at that time.
Fast forward to 2011 when I next visited Cambodia for a tourism trade show. I was able to see the country developing as a destination with friendly, welcoming people. The dangers were gone and the natural happiness of the Cambodian people returned. I decided to look for work in travel and moved later that year to the capital, Phnom Penh."
Steve's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Dig into the nature, history, and fascinating culture of Cambodia on this two-week trip that takes you from temples to tropical beaches, a lush national park, and the bustling...
Enjoy a different side to Cambodia and learn about the fascinating culture and cuisine of the country on this slow-paced 5-day tour around the colonial city of Siem Reap and...
You can experience every facet of Cambodia in two weeks, from exploring its ancient culture and archaeological treasures to off-the-beaten-path rainforest adventures and a...
Recent trip reviews for Steve
Amazing trip to Cambodia
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Apr 21 - May 4, 2024
Steve did a really nice job planning our trip to Cambodia. We had a few conversations with him to describe what we were interested in doing/seeing and he came up with a suggested itinerary and made all the arrangements. We were really pleased with the accommodations and the guides were professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Drivers were available when we arrived at destinations so we did not lose any time waiting or trying to figure out transport.
It was a great pleasure having you and your travelling companions visiting Cambodia.
Thanks for the 5 star rating which pleases us. Personally, I'm very happy from our discussions I was able to make good suggestions that provided you with a memorable trip.
It sounds like you coped with the heat (record temperatures!)! It did rain yesterday in Siem Reap and a couple of days ago in Phnom Penh!
I will share your comments about the guides and drivers with our Operations team.
Thanks... Read more
Perfect travel, Steve gave amazing advise and...
Cambodia
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Apr 4 - Apr 14, 2024
Welcome back home and thanks for taking the time to review the trip.
I am very happy it was a wonderful family trip and that you felt everything was well organised. Also, excellent to hear you particularly liked guide Dy. It helps she has a daughter the same age as your children. We work regularly with Dy and I will let her know your appreciation.
Looking through the comments two negative points:
(i) meal at Eleven One. I am trying to find out what happened here. The same... Read more
3 fantastic weeks in Cambodia
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Mar 7 - Mar 26, 2024
The next section of our trip took us to Koh Ker which was beyond words. We progressed east to Stung Treng and the Mekong River activities to the most memorable morning. We had breakfast floating down the... Read more
Thank you so much for travelling and seeing 'Cambodia in-depth' with a full on three week tour. It's wonderful you could discover more of the country than many visitors who just come for Angkor. Of course, Cambodia has a lot more to offer. However, it's almost unknown outside the country.
Also, appreciate sharing comments about the three guides. All very different characters but excellent at their jobs. And great to hear the driver, Mr Ya took excellent care of you throughout. We... Read more
Everyone was wonderful, especially Horn. He w...
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Mar 10 - Mar 17, 2024
Hi Christian,
Thanks for taking the time to share the review. It's much appreciated. I'm sorry there was no opportunity to greet you as I was in Europe during your visit.
Also, I will let Horn know that again he did a great job.
Hopefully, you can share with your friends and family about your adventures in Cambodia and encourage them to visit one day.
Muchas gracias de nuevo,
Steve.
If I could give Steve more than 5 stars, I wo...
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Feb 14 - Feb 29, 2024
Steve was super responsive, even booking restaurant reservations for us. Read more
Hi Jason & Carol,
Thank you for your kind words! It's wonderful you appreciated the work put in by myself, our guides, and of course the other staff who made sure that all went well as intended.
It was a pleasure to have you travel with us in Cambodia and I hope you will return one day. Failing that, please help to recommend the country to your family and friends as a future travel destination.
Best regards,
Steve.
Family's trip to Cambodia
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Jan 7 - Jan 18, 2024
From the first contact with Steve to the fairwell at the airport we could not fault the professionalism the willingness to help for one minute. Our guides Len and Horn where "the best" and our driver "Mr.T" was an absolute gentleman.
We all agreed that Cambodia was our favourite country as the people where so welcoming and kind and not jaded.
Cambodia is an absolute gem and my heart is full of joy when my mind goes back there. Read more
Dear Meredith,
Thank you for writing such nice words about Cambodia and also taking the time to make so many helpful and positive comments. You really did hit the nail on the head by commenting about how lovely and genuine the Cambodian people are - naturally something you wouldn't know from any guidebook or online review site.
I'm glad the whole family of varying ages had a great time and thank you for your visit. We hope you can return one day and see more of authentic Cambodia.
Best regards,
Steve.
Angkor Wat Bucket List Trip -- January 2024
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Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2024
It was a pleasure to welcome you and your mother to Cambodia. Naturally, we arranged for patient, sociable, and knowledgeable guides to make sure everything went to plan. I will let Pich and Kin know you appreciated them very much. Also to the driver Ra.
It's great you booked a private tour, meaning we could do things at your pace and not having to rush any visits. We only arrange private tours via Kimkim and is the best way to personalise a tour.
Both the guides mentioned the joy of... Read more
Perfect trip to Cambodia
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Dec 30 - Jan 14, 2024
Thanks a lot, Charlotte for the kind words. I'm so happy that all went smoothly and most of all that you feel Cambodia is an underappreciated destination. The country is not well known besides Angkor of course. Thanks to both you and Giulia for travelling with us and hope you can encourage your friends to also visit Cambodia one day!
Wonderful First-Time Family Trip to Cambodia
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Dec 26 - Jan 3, 2024
Thanks Claudia for the review. And lots of information to see that the experiences were not just enjoyed, but remembered for a lifetime. We do love Battambang and after 'temple town' (Siem Reap) and the 'big city' (Phnom Penh) it's a great place to experience Cambodian culture, especially in the small villages.
It was great to meet you and the family at Haven in Siem Reap and check all was going well.
Thanks for travelling with Travel Asia a la carte and Kimkim and we very much forward to you returning again.
Amazing vacation thanks to Steve and his tem!
Cambodia
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Dec 8 - Dec 19, 2023
Thank you Nick for the wonderful feedback. We loved that all of your family wanted to experience Cambodia most authentically, and were happy to take part in rice harvests, pottery making, and meeting the landmine detecting rats, amongst many, many local interactions. In the planning stage you said you wanted as local as possible which we were delighted to provide you.
I will let the guides know about your kind comments also.
Please do share your love of Cambodia with friends and family so that they can discover this authentic country as well.
