About Us

Seven Candles Guesthouse is owned by the Ly Family, natives of Siem Reap. Three generations of the family are in residence at the house, including the five children you will see running around. The family reconvened on this property at the end of the Khmer Rouge era and began to rebuild their lives from less than scratch. This house stands as a testament to their struggle and is an earthly manifestation of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family.

Ponheary Ly is the founder of the Ponheary Ly Foundation, a US registered 501(c)3 charity. The entire Ly family works quietly and passionately to make education available to the disenfranchised in the rural communities. The Foundation offices are in suite 211 and we hope during your stay you’ll take a moment to stop in and say hello. Your stay at the house helps fund our work and we invite you to talk with us about school visits, volunteering and philanthropic opportunities.

The manager of the guesthouse is Lori Carlson from Austin, Texas. She resides in Room 213 and is also President of the Foundation.

The Ly siblings (Dara, Ponheary, Sovannara and Marina) are all experienced tour guides by trade, speaking English, French and Russian. Their knowledge of the architecture, mythology and history of the temples, as well as Cambodian life and culture, will guarantee a more meaningful visit. The family’s personal life experience and your opportunity to connect with them at home creates a unique insight into everyday Cambodian life. We hope you will come as our guest and leave as our friend.