0964455551
info@cambodiantravelimmersion.com
Founder & Tour Director, Cambodian Travel Immersion (CTI)
My name is Sorn Samnang, and my journey into the travel industry began far from city lights or tourism offices, it started in a small riverside village in the Cambodian countryside. Born into a humble fishing family, I spent my early years on the water, casting nets alongside my parents and learning the rhythms of rural life. These experiences taught me the value of hard work, the importance of community, and a deep respect for Cambodia’s natural and cultural heritage—values that continue to shape my life and business today.
In 2007, I made the bold decision to leave my village and pursue education in the city. I moved to Siem Reap, where I lived in a Buddhist pagoda for three years during high school. Life as a student monk instilled discipline, patience, and reflection—qualities that would guide my personal and professional journey. I went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business of Art in 2012, but even before graduation, I began working in the hospitality industry to support myself and gain real-world experience. From my first job as a waiter on Pub Street in 2008, I steadily built my career, becoming a hotel receptionist in 2010, then Assistant Human Resources Manager in 2011. I even ventured into small business ownership, running a night market snow ice stall in 2012.
My passion for the travel industry grew stronger when I joined the reservations team for the Spanish market in 2013, followed by a major role as Operations Manager for U.S. Market from 2015 to 2019. This position allowed me to work directly with international tour companies, lead complex operations, manage guest experiences, and handle logistics with professionalism and care. However, like many around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a dramatic shift. During those years, I pivoted into a more creative role working as a professional photographer and videographer in Phnom Penh. This period helped me reconnect with my artistic passions and rediscover Cambodia’s beauty through the lens of a camera.
In 2022, combining all my skills—tour management, visual storytelling, cultural knowledge, and business leadership—I launched Cambodian Travel Immersion (CTI). CTI was born from a dream to offer more than just sightseeing tours. I wanted to create experiences that truly immerse travelers in Cambodia’s living culture—its ancient temples, hidden villages, sacred rituals, and everyday life. I believe that travel should not only be educational and enriching, but also deeply personal and human. Every itinerary I design reflects my own story, and every guest I guide becomes a part of it.
CTI is not just a tour company it is a bridge between cultures. It exists to give travelers access to the real Cambodia, beyond the tourist zones. Our tours focus on connection: meeting local families, understanding temple symbolism, exploring countryside traditions, and sharing meals with people who live these stories every day. My goal is to break the distance between visitor and host, turning every tour into a meaningful exchange. Whether you are capturing golden hour at Angkor with your camera, learning to cook traditional Khmer dishes with a village grandmother, or exploring floating communities along the river, you are not just observing you are participating.
With over 15 years of experience in tourism, I lead CTI with a clear philosophy: authenticity, responsibility, and heart. I hold a professional English-speaking tour guide license and have developed skills in photography, videography, and graphic design to enhance the experience for every guest. Some of our tours include complimentary photographs, ensuring you take home more than memories you take home moments captured with care.
Our company operates with ethical and sustainable practices. We work directly with local artisans, families, and community leaders to ensure that your travel contributes positively to the lives of Cambodians. We avoid mass tourism, respect sacred sites, and provide insight into the country’s history and future.
Choosing to travel with Cambodian Travel Immersion means more than booking a tour it means stepping into a story. As someone who has lived every layer of Cambodian life from a village fisherman to a student monk, from a tour operator to a creative artist, I offer travelers a perspective that cannot be found in guidebooks or large tour companies. I lead each tour personally or train my team with the same care and knowledge that has guided me for years.
I invite you to explore Cambodia not as a tourist, but as a guest, a learner, and a friend. Let’s walk ancient temple paths, listen to the quiet wisdom of the countryside, and discover the heart of a culture that has endured for centuries. Through CTI, I promise you a journey that is immersive, respectful, and truly unforgettable.
👉 Start your Cambodian journey with CTI – where every tour is a story worth telling.