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
If I could give Steve more than 5 stars, I wo...
Cambodia
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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
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
Cambodia
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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
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
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.
We had a tremendously interesting and enjoyab...
Cambodia
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Nov 29 - Dec 12, 2023
Thank you so much for the comprehensive review. The most comprehensive ever! I can tell you like reviewing and sharing advice for future travellers. Great stuff, and of course not everything is 5/5. (from the comments we will share with Long Set Resort and hope they take on board (some work was done post-Covid but a little more required). We will also share all the positive comments with the lovely hotels with character, such as Hotel Old Cinema and Sokkhak Boutique.
It was... Read more
Wonderful trip to Cambodia
Cambodia
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Oct 17 - Oct 23, 2023
Thank you Debbie, David & Barb for travelling with us in Cambodia and taking the time to share these glowing comments.
The quality of the tour guide is for me the most important part of a trip. It doesn't matter how well I plan tours to match guest requirements if the guide does not deliver the essence of the itinerary and services. It's wonderful to hear Sreylen and Sukin did such great jobs and I will thank them again.
Please share Cambodia's magic with your friends and encourage them to visit us.
Thanks again.
Steve.
Our trip was amazing! We were taken care of f...
Cambodia
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Oct 25 - Oct 31, 2023
Our trip was amazing! We were taken care of from start to finish. Smey was our guide in Siem Reap and he was amazing - he knew everything about every carving and piece of symbolism in every temple and monument. Sopheak was with us in Phenom Penh and she was very helpful and knowledgeable about the city and its history.
Hi Eliza & Cody,
Thanks for travelling with Kimkim/Travel Asia a la carte in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
I'm delighted to ready that our guides took excellent care of you, and were also very knowledgeable. Exactly as planned.
It was also great to meet you before the trekking day at Kulen Mountain. Guide Smey had a good workout over the few days...haha.
A great week in Cambodia
Cambodia
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Jul 8 - Jul 13, 2023
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for travelling with us in Cambodia, and also for your very sweet words. I'm glad you wanted to stay longer! Please come again and see more of the country.
I agree, Phum Baitang is a lovely place to stay and get a feel for the Cambodian countryside. And the lodges are wonderful.
It was also great to catch up with you during the market visit before the cookery class. Please send my regards to Joe.