ABOUT US
ABOUT SORYA KAYAKING
Sorya Kayaking Adventures & Cafe is a small business based on the Mekong River in Kratie, Cambodia. The business was established in 2012 and taken over by the current owner Pete in early 2015. The goals of the business include connecting travellers to the nature of Cambodia and providing jobs for local people.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is actively trying to grow its tourism market and empower its young people through employment and training opportunities. Sorya Kayaking Adventures & Cafe is proud to be part of this evolution.
CAPTAINS OF THE CREW
Pete – Owner
Originally from NZ before moving to Australia in the late 1980s, Pete turned his back on the corporate world in Sydney to immerse himself in the challenges and joys of life in Cambodia.
Being an avid traveller and never needing much of an excuse to board a plane, Pete first visited Cambodia in 2011. He returned in 2014 and spent a couple of weeks on and around the Mekong. After enjoying a half day kayaking trip with Sorya Kayaking Adventures & Cafe one afternoon, he was chatting with the then owner about life and business in Cambodia, and as the saying goes “the rest is history”.
Borey & Bora – Managers
Borey and Bora are brothers who live in a small village a few kilometres away from Kratie town. Between them they look after the day-to-day running of the kayaking business and related cafe. And as if that doesn’t keep them busy enough, Borey spends his spare time travelling while Bora fills his days spending time with his young daughter.
Kayak Crew
Ben, Met & Mean – Ben is the kayaking guide, while Met and Mean provide kayak support by driving the truck, buying the snacks and cleaning and caring for the kayaks, paddles, life jackets and dry bags. Ben can usually be spotted driving his tuk-tuk around town when he’s not in a kayak, and lives in Kratie with his wife and young children. Met, who always seems to have a smile on his face, is from Kampi (15km north of town where the dolphin pool is located) and has recently become a dad. Mean is also from Kampi, and even though he doesn’t say much, he is always keen to help.
Guesthouse & Cafe Crew
Soda, Chanda & Nuch – Soda comes from a village just south of Kratie but now lives in Kratie town. Chanda comes from the same village as Soda, while Nuch is originally from Phnom Penh but now lives in a village a few kms north of Kratie. Soda recently completed a degree course at a local university and spends his weekend enjoying activities at his local church. Chanda’s days off are usually spent relaxing with her fiancée, who she will be marrying in early 2020. Nuch is married to Bora, and when not at work is at home looking after their young daughter. Always keen to improve their English, the crew enjoy talking with and serving the many foreign visitors that pass through Kratie.
Kitchen Crew
Sokry, Net & Than – Sokry and Net are both from Koh Trong island and previously worked together in a local restaurant in Kratie town, while Than lives in a village a north of town with her two daughters. After being trained by a chef from Sydney, together they create delicious thin base pizza & pasta dishes, freshly baked bread, muffins and cookies, as well as a variety of sandwiches and egg dishes.