Savun was born in 1980 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Raised during a tumultous and chaotic period in Cambodia's history, Savun distinguished himself amongst his peers as an individual of peace, acceptance, and greater understanding. Studying vigorously day and night; at times avoiding rocket shellings on his way to school; Savun excelled in his education and was 1 of 25 to be accepted into the prestigious Wat Unalom Buddhist Monastery in Phnom Penh.
Wat Unalom was constructed in 1443 and is the most import
ant wat (temple) in Phnom Penh. It is also the spiritual and historic center of Buddhism in Cambodia.
At Wat Unalom, Mara received extensive education in the teachings and philosophy of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) from Cambodia's premier Buddhist Scholars.
It was at Wat Unalom that Mara began to learn the history and cultural essence of Siem Reap's incredible treasures that make up Angkor Wat.
It was this experience that helped Mara realize that his destiny was to share in Cambodia's dynamic history with visitors from around the world. He quickly enrolled in English courses in Phnom Penh, which eventually led him to receive a university degree in Tourism Management. Mara then relocated to Siem Reap, his native hometown, where he obtained a tour license and official certification from the Ministry of Tourism in 2004.
Since 2004, Mara has given hundreds of tours throughout Angkor Wat and is widely recognized as being one of the foremost historians of the many temples surrounding Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. To this day, Mara still offers daily tours for visitors of Siem Reap and is always glad to share in the mysteries encompassing Cambodia's ancient temples!