**************PROFESSIONAL DRIVER/TOUR GUIDE INTRODUCTION. MR. ROS PHANSY. Please take a moment and read about this man.***************

As a professional photographer (www.bkkimages.com) who travels extensively I'm constantly building and refining my personal database of local help, hotels, area experts, places to eat, etc. When I hit the ground in an area I have my own list of proven individuals to work from and believe me when I tell you this list is far more valuable than any piece of equipment or any other "little black book" might be." To have someone you can trust, count on, who can hook you up with whatever you need, introduce you to people you need to get the job done, is just plain invaluable. How much more can I say about the people I keep in my personal database? They're essential and they're great.

One such person who has proven himself and further impressed me through hard work, promptness, being prepared, and being willing to go that extra mile whether it be helping lug heavy cases of photo equipment, get up at 0300 to be there when the sun comes up, or stay till an hour after dark to catch that magic moment of light.. he's done it all for me and has proven invaluable on several occasions now.

He'll pick you up at the airport which is usually the point where you're tired, hot and wet, and about had your fill of paperwork, visas, and extortion you can handle from the local immigration and customs individuals. To have someone waiting there to take your bags, have the A/C running and the car cooled off, and be willing to take you to your choice of hotels or recommend one on his own. Same with places to eat. After you shower and are feeling human again he'll come back and pick you up and take you out to a place to eat that best suits your budget and appetite. Whatever you need, whichever time, he'll be there and make it happen. Let him know the hours you which to work or just tour and he'll be there as promised.

His car is a late model four door Japanese sedan in great condition, very safe, and if you have requirements to go to the far out places/temples/lakes that require rougher travel he can provide four wheel drive vehicles (at extra and reasonable cost), equipment, or anything needed.

He knows the Angkor site like anyone would know their own backyard. The history, the time/era it was built, the king in power, as knowledgeable as any tour guide you might want. Normally drivers and tour guides are two different people, both paid separately. He does both services for one charge, but if you need an expert guide for research or a paper you're working on then he knows who to find for you and can recommend one or several. His knowledge of the hotels, restaurants, shops, services, is unequaled.

As I said earlier I can't say enough about this individual. I consider him a great friend, a trusted fellow professional, and essential during the time I spend in Siem Reap.

Let me introduce you to Mr. Ros Phansey. You can reach him at by email at ROS PHANSY. He checks his email (phansyros@yahoo.com) EACH EVENING so consider the time difference when expecting his reply. If you require a call back leave your number, country code, etc, and he'll get back to you. Or you can call him anytime on his mobile phone at: Mobile:(855) 12 843 992 or reach him in the evening or leave a message anytime at his Home Phone:(855) 063 965 592.

His fees for an all day driver/guide around Siem Reap is $20 a day inclusive of gas, vehicle, labour. $50 for the entire ball of wax. I personally pay him significantly more because he earns it, but this is up to you. A guide goes for $55 a day if you need more than Mr. Ros Phansey's already excellect knowledge. He speaks great English, there will be no misunderstandings with Ros Phansey. WHATEVER you need, he will arrange for you, just ask.

Why am I advertising him so heavily? Because this area of Cambodia (like most areas of Cambodia) is poor and depressed and when I see/find someone so very willing to work for a living and who I know can serve other people so well.. especially considering the amount of con artists and untrustworthy individuals who prey on tourists.. then I want to pass his information along. ESPECIALLY if you are a fellow photographer who worries about your gear being stolen and things of this nature. This is just a guy who has impressed me very much as I'm sure he will you. Give Mr. Ros Phansey a try the next time you're in Siem Reap and I'm sure you'll be happy with him. If for any reason you're not please contact me and I'll promptly remove this information and not recommend him anymore. Thank you for reading this.. I've put Mr. Ros Phansey's picture as the first picture in this gallery so you'll know what he looks like at the airport, even though he'll have a sign with your name waiting for you..

Leave me a note (I check this site only once a week or two though) or email me if you have any quesetions about Mr. Phansey or any of my photography workshops.