Kep is a tiny seaside province that was once the weekend getaway for the French and Cambodian elite.
After being abandoned for years it has once again become a popular escape for Phnom Penh residents, who enjoy the laid back atmosphere and excellent seafood, even if the area doesn’t offer outstanding beaches or idyllic islands.
Kep was founded in 1908 as a holiday destination for wealthy Phnom Penh residents when the kingdom was a colony of France. After independence in the 1950’s, the area boomed as Cambodian elite, including the King, constructed villas along the coast. Sadly, the Khmer Rouge looted and destroyed many villas, most of which remain abandoned to this day.
Many of these lovely colonial mansions still stand, some abandoned, some converted into boutique hotels or private residences once again. The “town” is slowly being transformed back into a popular seaside retreat as well, though there isn’t a town per-se, just a cluster of restaurants and drinking venues in the areas around the Crab Market and the main beach area. The surrounding areas are mostly rural, with farms, temples, caves, and a national park.
Where to Go
- Kep: A quiet coastal town famous for its fresh seafood, especially crabs, and relaxing beaches, offering a laid-back atmosphere for tourists seeking tranquility.
- Kep National Park: A lush, scenic park offering hiking trails with stunning views of the coastline, tropical forest, and local wildlife, ideal for nature lovers.
- Koh Tonsay: (Rabbit Island) - A peaceful island off the coast of Kep with quiet beaches and clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day trip or overnight stay.
- Kep Durian Plantations and Cashew Farms: A visit to Kep’s countryside reveals its agricultural heritage, and visitors can explore local durian and cashew farms and taste fresh produce.
Getting There
There are daily buses from the capital Phnom Penh to Kep: a journey of roughly 3 hours; you can also hire a taxi to drive you to/from nearby Kampot and Sihanoukville or jump on the bus that makes multiple journeys a day between the destinations. Phnom Penh’s international airport handles flights from all over Asia as well as a select few destinations across the globe. You can also cross overland from Vietnam at the border crossing at Ha Tien.
Need to Know
- What to do: chill out on the beach, take a boat ride to Rabbit Island, visit the nearby zoo, or just stroll around the old town.
- Best time to go: the skies are clearest from December to May.
- How long? A weekend is an adequate time to see the sights in Kep, though a week could include a night or two on Rabbit Island and would ensure your body and mind are relaxed.
- Trivia:
- Cambodian King Sihanouk’s mansion overlooking the Gulf of Thailand was never lived in and remains abandoned to this day.
- The tiny province of Kep is entirely surrounded by neighbor Kampot (except where it borders the sea).
- Kep National Park occupies the entire peninsula where virtually all of the hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants are located.
- Kep earned its modern name from the French “le cap:” in English “the cape”.