Kimthet* was a wonderful tour guide for the two days our group spent with him. He knows a good amount about the ancient history of Angkor Wat and he has the recent history of the Khmer Rouge to share as well. We visited all of the sites that we wanted and he even recommended an evening circus that was fun to see. Touring with him is like touring with a a friend. In fact, by the end of our tour we were friends! I have already recommended him to another friend of mine touring Cambodia this year. His English skills are very good and I can tell that him wants to keep improving. * Helpful note: his first name is "Kimthet" and "Lay" is his family name. The Khmer pronounce their names in the reverse order of the English language.

Lay Kimthet guided us during a week from Angkor Wat to Koh Ker temple via Vihear Temple, Kratie to Pnom Penh. He was one of THE best guides we had during our trips in Asia and South America. He is intelligent, knowledgeable, very friendly and knows his way around showing us THE spots matching with our desires. He clearly has a sense what his customer prefers. Taking time if we want THE time but also hurry up to avoid crowds or we felt like moving forwards. Telling a lot about history and other background but also slow down in information if needed. He always found THE right balance. Very special talent! His English is very good. If you are planning to experience Cambodia , Lay Kimthet is a very advisable guide. Contact HIM and dicuss your preferences. I am quite sure he Will come up with a customised program you will value and Enjoy

I have had many guides on different continents over 15 years of travel and very simply put, Lay Kimthet is the best guide I have had. I booked an Angkor Wat tour, slightly , apprehensive of large crowds, however Kimthet guided me against the flows of big tour groups- through smaller entrances and around the back of the temples. At the end if the day I felt I had a unique and personal experience. The most wonderful parts of the tour are thanks to his previous experience as a mason at Artisans d'Angkor: he will show you hidden carvings and explain the dexterity in creating them. Stories from the Hindu epic "The Ramayana" flowed effortlessly and decoded the scenes that decorate the pavilion at Angkor Wat. He is also very happy to chat on Cambodian history, politics and society, and can provide you with another perspective that you won't get in guide books, or indeed accepted popular discussions on Cambodia. It goes without saying that logistics for the tour were exemplary: a prompt pick up, great Tuk-Tuk driver, lots of water and fruit. Overwhelmingly, what impresses the most is Kimthet's deep appreciation and knowledge of Khmer culture and history and concern for the future of Cambodia. However, if history and politics don't suit you on a tour, Kimthet will show you great locations for different and more interesting photos of your day at Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. In sum, I had a unforgettable day thanks to Lay Kimthet.

Had Lay for two days of private tours. He is an excellent guide with strong English-speaking skills and knows his way around the temples to see things that most tourists will look over. If you are in Siem Reap I'd definitely recommend booking with him and then consider taking a trip out to Beng Melea and Banteay Srei, and also bicycling around the ruins of Angkor Wat.

We booked a tour of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat through Beyond Unique Experience and were very fortunate to get Kimthet assigned as our guide. What was unique about our experience was the personal touch and personal experience he brought to our tour. We were travelling with a 10 year old boy and 13 year old girl that might have been easily bored with a lot of history but he not only made it fun for them but took a personal interest in being sure they were engaged. I felt I had gotten an in depth understanding of one Cambodian's perspective on life there and not just a history lesson. Terrific experience.