Siem Reap, Cambodia
Ride with Pov, a former monk who drives a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap
Below are four kinds of day in Siem Reap: the great temples, Buddhism and the monks, the city’s favourites, and everyday Khmer life. Pick what you like from each, and Pov builds it into your trip.
Meet Pov
Pov spent more than twenty years as a Buddhist monk before he ever drove a tuk-tuk. That’s where the calm comes from, and the patience, and the way he can explain a shrine or a chant from the inside instead of off a script. His English is easy and warm, the kind that turns a stop at a temple into a proper conversation. The canopy over his tuk-tuk reads “Happiness Ride”; on YouTube he’s @ridewithpov.
What travellers say
“He is so much more than a remork driver, an incredibly kind, compassionate and knowledgeable guide who loves sharing his home and culture with visitors. You won’t just see Siem Reap, you’ll understand a little more of what makes it special.”A traveller
“He introduced me to other monks, and I had the chance to join a meditation session and a long conversation with them afterwards. After several tours during my time in Cambodia, this was by far my favourite. If you want something more meaningful than a typical tourist tour, this is the one to take.”A traveller in Cambodia
“Pov brought me to the big temples like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon, but also the lesser-seen parts of Siem Reap: the pagodas, street markets, fortune tellers, lotus fields, a local rice-alcohol distillery, and one good local restaurant after another. Pov is a guide, a teacher, and a friend.”A traveller
“Pov taught me history I had no idea about and took me to the most beautiful places. Having travelled a lot through Southeast Asia, this is by far the most personal tour, where you really learn about the local and historical culture.”A traveller through Southeast Asia
“Pov made our trip very special and showed us the culture of Cambodia. He is the friendliest, most respectful and humble soul, he cares about your experience, and he became part of our family. We will always treasure our memories with him.”A family from London