Meet Panya Thin – Our Born Traveller in Cambodia
From his roots in Siem Reap to becoming a leading voice on travel in the region, our Regional General Manager’s story is one of destiny, passion, and pride. Through his work, Panya not only share the wonders of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand with the world but inspires others to do the same.
A PATH OF DESTINY
Born in Siem Reap, home to the world-famous Angkor temples, Panya grew up immersed in Cambodia’s vibrant tourism scene. For him, it wasn’t just about passion; it was a destined connection to his homeland that ran deeper than words. “Back then, I did not know other choices” he reflects, as if Panya always knew that one day he would have to play a role in sharing Cambodia’s wonders with the world.
And just like that, fast forward to today: Panya has dedicated nearly 20 years of experience to the industry with Destination Management Companies. From a tour guide and operation staff to Country Manager and eventually our Regional General Manager, Panya never stops learning and growing to tailor the best itineraries for his beloved travellers in Cambodia and neighboring countries like Laos and Thailand.
UNVEILING THE WONDERS OF CAMBODIA
The more destinations he explores and the more journeys he designs, the brighter his pride in his homeland shines. Always welcoming guests to Cambodia with open arms, our travel connoisseur couldn’t help but suggest the most exciting activities for them to experience:
For a serene escape, it’s no surprise our Siem Reap native would recommend a cycling trip to the Angkor temples, especially at dawn when you can see the breathtaking sight of the Angkor Wat silhouetted against the rising sun. But Cambodia’s beauty never stops at its temples—it flows beyond lands just like the Mekong River. Cruising on our Victoria Mekong, visitors can have a unique experience by witnessing the culture and way of river life at the Mekong Delta, and savouring the most delicious local delights such as ‘Fish Amok’ ‘Beef LokLak’ and ‘Seafoods with Kampot Pepper’.
However, the true magic of Cambodia lies in its people, and interacting with locals is the only way to immerse in Cambodian culture. Thus, Panya introduces everyone to the Kok Sangke Community Village Tours, a project close to his heart. “During these tours, you can visit local families and farms, interact with the community, and learn about their daily lives and traditions,” he proudly shares. “The tour is not just about gaining a deeper understanding of the local community, but also actually showing support to the very people who make Cambodia so special.”
PASSING THE TORCH
To the new generation of young and aspiring travel professionals, Panya shares his 5 tried-and-true pieces of advice from his own experience and wishes them all the best in their career path in this field. First and foremost, travel is about exploration, and one only can thrive with a genuine passion and love for it. Secondly, travel is about people, and travellers are people from diverse backgrounds, thus travel professionals ought to have excellent customers service skills: patience, kindness, and communication.
Thirdly, travel is constantly evolving, it’s important to keep up with trends, technologies, and regulations. Fourthly, travel is about connection, but to build connections, you need to start networking. Attending expos or joining industry groups can open many doors to exciting opportunities. Last but not least, travel is about communication. Panya stresses the advantage of learning multiple languages, as it enhances communication with clients and partners from around the world. These are the keys to building a successful career in travel.
ABOUT HUMANS OF VIVU JOURNEYS
The “Humans of Vivu Journeys” series is about celebrating the humble and dedicated people who bring our company to life. More than a glimpse into the travel industry, through their stories of passion, adventure, and dedication, we hope to show you the heart and soul behind the journeys we create for our beloved customers.
Stay tuned for our next feature where we’ll introduce another inspiring figure who also never stopped shaping unforgettable travel experiences. Reach out to [email protected] and learn more about the behind-the-scenes stories of Vivu Journeys!
