For over a decade, I’ve been contributing to Google Maps — adding places, correcting details, writing reviews, and capturing the spirit of Cambodia in every photo and edit. But this journey was something different. It wasn’t just about marking locations. It was about connecting with people, empowering communities, and using digital tools to bridge the gap between remote regions and the digital world.
From Phnom Penh to Kampong Thom — Two Bikes, One Mission
I began my ride from Phnom Penh on my Royal Enfield Scram, heading toward Kampong Thom. It’s a route I’ve taken before, but this time I had a clear mission: explore rural areas, take 360° photos, improve the map, and meet people who could benefit from the tools we often take for granted.
When I arrived in Kampong Thom, I swapped my Scram for something more rugged—the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. It was my first time testing this powerful new machine, and it didn’t disappoint. With its endurance and comfort, I was ready to spend a full week on the road, exploring the heart of Cambodia in ways I never had before.
Taking Photos, Telling Stories, and Updating the Map
Wherever I stopped, I made sure to:
- Take photos of restaurants, small markets, pagodas, remote schools, bridges, and scenic routes—especially those places that had no photos or reviews on Google Maps.
- Add missing locations and correct incorrect information, such as business hours, phone numbers, or location pins.
- Capture 360° imagery to upload via Street View Studio, helping to preserve natural views and make navigation easier for travelers.
PhotoSphere
My camera and phone weren’t just for documentation—they were tools to ensure the world sees Cambodia beyond its main tourist routes. Sambok Preykub as much attention as a famous Temple . And I made it my mission to give those places visibility.
Discovering Local Food and Culture
In each town or village I passed, I made it a point to support local eateries. I tried soups with herbs I didn’t recognize, grilled fish caught fresh from nearby rivers, and even had conversations with shop owners about their daily challenges.
Each meal wasn’t just nourishment—it was an opportunity to learn, share, and most importantly, review those places on Google Maps so others could find them too. Many of these food spots didn’t even exist online before my visit. Now, they have photos, hours, and visibility.
Empowering Local Government and Community Members
But what moved me most was the chance to train local government officials and youth on how to use Google Maps and productivity tools. Some had never edited a location before. Others didn’t know they could suggest corrections or add missing places.
I ran short sessions on:
- How to contribute to Google Maps
- How to take geotagged photos
- Using productivity apps for digital work
- How accurate data can improve tourism and services in their communities
The response was amazing. Eyes lit up as they realized how these tools could help their schools, clinics, and businesses gain exposure and credibility.
Looking Ahead: Organizing In-Person Meetups in Remote Areas
This trip reinforced something I’ve long believed: Mapping should be a community activity.
That’s why I’m now planning to host in-person Local Guides meetups in more remote provinces. These gatherings will be small but impactful, focused on:
- Teaching basic digital literacy
- Exploring and documenting villages
- Adding local landmarks, businesses, and services to Google Maps
- Empowering the next generation of mappers and digital storytellers
These meetups will be inclusive, hands-on, and mobile—just like my motorbike. I want to ride from province to province, creating a national movement of mapping from the ground up.
More Than Just a Ride
By the end of the week, I had traveled over 1,000 kilometers, visited dozens of locations, and contributed to Google Maps in ways both big and small. But more importantly, I felt I had made a real difference—in visibility, in connection, and in empowerment.
This was never about the views or the stats (though I’m proud of the 18.5 million+ views my photos have received). It’s about helping Cambodia show up online the way it exists in real life—rich, diverse, authentic.
Final Thoughts
Whether on a dusty road in Kampong Chhnang or sipping coffee by the river in Sihanoukville, I’m reminded that maps are more than tools—they’re stories, memories, and bridges between people.
And I’m just getting started.
If you’re a Local Guide, a biker, or someone passionate about your country—join me. Let’s put every unseen place on the map. One photo. One ride. One story at a time. 
