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Kep Attractions

Kep City is a municipality in Cambodia with the status of a province. Kep is just a few kilometres from the border with Vietnam located and used to be Cambodia's most popular beach town but has fallen on hard times in recent years (especially due to the Khmer Rouge). Many of Kep's, mostly French villas are abandoned, but some of the town's former splendour is still apparent. Kep appears to be experiencing something of a renaissance, with several mid-range and luxury guesthouses and bungalows recently opened or still under construction. The seafood is cheap, plentiful and delicious - particularly the quite famous crabs. Kep is also home to an extensive national park covering some mountains with deep green jungle. 

Introduction To Kep

Introduction To Kep

Kep City is a municipality in Cambodia with the status of a province. Kep is just a few kilometres from the border with Vietnam located and used to be Cambodia's most popular beach town but has fallen on hard times in recent years (especially due to the Khmer Rouge). Many of Kep's, mostly French villas are abandoned, but some of the town's former splendour is still apparent. 

The see is lined with huge sidewalks and some large statues that now seem largely out of place. The king built a palace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, but it was never furnished and now sits empty. A good, paved road connects the small town with the 15km far away Kampot. The slightly darker beaches than in Sihanoukville are mostly scattered with mangroves and black rocks, but Koh Thonsay (Rabbit Island) is just a short boat ride away (approx. 1/2h). 

Kep appears to be experiencing something of a renaissance, with several mid-range and luxury guesthouses and bungalows recently opened or still under construction. The seafood is cheap, plentiful and delicious - particularly the quite famous crabs. Kep is also home to an extensive national park covering some mountains with deep green jungle. 

The French established Kep City during the colonial time in 1908. Today Kep is mainly popular to the domestic tourists, who choose Kep as their holiday destination. What's more, Kep offers great seafood and magnificent views of the mountains and the beaches. 

Taking a boat to the nearby islands is also a breathtaking experience. Another itinerary, which must not be missed, is an excursion to the serene waterfalls of 'Tuk Chhou" situated about 10 km from Kampot. Kep City is located in the Southwest of Phnom Penh. The city is accessible by the National Road No 3 from Phnom Penh via Kampot province (173 km) or by the National Road No 2 from Phnom Penh via Takeo province. 

Especially during the Sixties, during the time of Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum the city was developed as a beautiful seaside tourist resort for the rich and government. The story related to the name of Kep said that there was a king named Sa Kor Reach, who had a mighty spell. He put a sleeping spell on a commander at AngKor Thum, than stole the commander's white horse and fled together with his troop to the Southwestern seaside. 

When he took a rest at the seaside, he was overhauled by the commander's troops, who chased him from behind. Suddenly, he got on the horseback; the horse reared, and made him fall down on the ground together with the saddle. Then, he got on the horseback again and fled away without picking up the saddle, because the commander's troops almost approached him. So that's why this area was called ' Kep Seh ' meaning ' the saddle ', nowadays it's only called ' Kep '.

Introduction To Kep
Introduction To Kep
Introduction To Kep
Introduction To Kep
Kep Geography

Kep Geography

Kep City municipality is 336 square kilometres big. It's located in the South of the country and is bordering to the North, East and West with Kampot and to the South with the Gulf of Thailand. The province has not so much typical plain wet area like other provinces of Cambodia, as there are some foothills from the Elephant Mountains coming from Kampot province. You can see not so sparse grey limestone hills akin to the Vietnamese ones. Nevertheless there are areas covered with rice fields and other agricultural plantations.

Kep Geography
Kep Geography
Kep Geography
Kep Geography
Kep Climate

Kep Climate

The country has a tropical climate - warm and humid. In the monsoon season, abundant rain allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. This year-round tropical climate makes Cambodia ideal for developing tourism. Travellers need not to fear natural disasters such as erupting volcanoes or earthquakes, and the country is not directly affected by tropical storms. 

Climate:

Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. However, those plans to travel extensively by road should be avoided the last two months of the rainy season when some countryside roads may be impassable. The average temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius; the minimum temperature is about 16 degrees. December and January are the coolest months, whereas the hottest is April. 

General information about the provincial climate:

- Cool season: November- March (20-26c) 
- Hot season: March- May (29c -34c) 
- Rainy season: May - October (22-30c, with humidity up to 90%.)

Kep Climate
Kep Climate
Kep Climate
Kep Climate
Kep Population

Kep Population

The current population in this municipality is about 40,280 people or 0,3% of the country?s total population (14,363,519 person in Cambodia, 2007, provincial government data), with 20,130 male and 20,150 female. The population density is therefore 119 people per square kilometre.

Kep Population
Kep Population
Kep Population
Kep Population
Kep Economy

Kep Economy

Beside the profitable fruit cropping such as durian, mango or coconut Kampot Pepper, which is also grown in Kep, has been renowned for decades as one of the best peppers in the world. This pepper has a very distinct flavour and smell, especially when its fresh harvested.

It develops an enthralling aroma, strong, delicate and aromatic. Therefore it is famous in the world and exported to many countries. Kep also tries more and more to focus on the tourist sector, as there is quite a lot of interest by local people and by foreigners, who still can discover Kep and it?s rural countryside as a very natural, remote and docile place being situated on the beautiful costal line of Cambodia., provincial government data), with 20,130 male and 20,150 female. The population density is therefore 119 people per square kilometre.

Kep Economy
Kep Economy
Kep Economy
Kep Economy
How to Get To Kep

How to Get To Kep

Bus: 

To/From Phnom Penh: 

Via paved and in comparative good condition National Highway No 3 from Phnom Penh to Kampot and from there additional 25km to Kep. This road is more recommendable than the alternative National Highway No 2 leading to National Highway No 3 via Takeo province.

The buses to Kampot departure each day at 7:30am and midday around 1:15pm from the central bus station near the central market (Sorya Bus Company; No 168). You may also take a bus directly to Kep taking National Highway No 2 and for the last strip Major Road No 31, which is a little bumpy. The prices with a usual old air-con bus for both ways are around US$4 per a person and trip. The trip usually takes approx. 4-5h. To go back to Phnom Penh you just have to contact your guesthouse in Kep and they?ll organize everything for you with pleasure. 

From Kampot: The road from Kampot to Kep is paved and smooth. 25km, 30-45 minute trip. Follow the road from Kampot to the White Horse Monument and turn right. At the next main turnoff, turn right to the beach/market area. Moto dups charge about $2-$3 one-way and $6 round trip.

Share Taxis:

Going from Phnom Penh with a share taxi you can find one at Phsar Dumkor in Phnom Penh or opposite of central bus station. The prices are between 22,000 -28,000Riel/person or $26-$32 for a private taxi. The 3 hours ride is shorter as with the slowly bus.

Motorbike Info: 

Via paved and in comparative good condition National Highway No 3 from Phnom Penh to Kampot and from there additional 25km to Kep via Major Road No 33. This road is more recommendable than the alternative National Highway No 2 leading to National Highway No 3 via Takeo province. You may also head directly to Kep taking National Highway No 2 and for the last strip Major Road No 31, which is a little bumpy and dusty during dry season. 

From Kampot: The road from Kampot to Kep is paved and smooth. 25km, 30-45 minute trip. Follow the road from Kampot to the White Horse Monument and turn right. At the next main turnoff, turn again right to the beach/market area. You're in the centre of the town.

How to Get To Kep
How to Get To Kep
How to Get To Kep
How to Get To Kep
What to See In Kep

What to See In Kep

Crabs

No visit to Kep is complete without having a least one meal of the fresh crabs, reputedly the best in Cambodia.

Rabbit Island

Rabbit island is a 20 minute boat trip from Kep beach (around US$8-10 return if part of a tour; alternatively, get to the boat pier before 9AM and share a $20 boat ride with other travellers). Bungalows on Rabbit Island are quaint and cheap (from US$5 a night). The island is generally pretty quiet and is a gem of coastal Cambodia. Development is slow, though there is now a massage shack directly on the beach.

Kep Mountain

There is an easy trail going full circle around the hill above Kep in the National Park. It's a wonderful piece of jungle, in which it is quite probable to see some monkeys and other animals. The trail is about 8km long (a 2-3 hour walk) and has a lot of direction signs made by Christian from the Led Zep Cafe. If you don't want to walk, the path is big enough to ride a bicycle or a motorbike. There are even some small benches to enjoy the view and have a rest during the walk.

Colonial Villas

There are around 100 or more old french villas, mostly destroyed by the Kep locals, returning after the fall of the Khmer rouge regime (and not by the Khmer Rouge itself as most travel guides tend to make you believe) and some of them overgrown like Angkor Wat - quite a spooky feeling. Some of them have been restored, but most of them are in possession of rich military officials who are waiting to sell it at the highest price.

Caves

Around Kep there are 3 major caves, some with small shrines inside. The biggest and most impressive is near Kompong Trach (30km from Kep). It boasts beautiful limestone formations and a nearby swimming cave.

Angkaul Beach

The Angkaul beach located 45min to the east near the Vietnamese border was once the swimming beach for the Cambodian Elite in the 1960ties. The trip there might be long, but it is worth every minute. The around 2km long beach is clean with white sand and totally deserted except some fishermen. Now there are 6 deck chairs and parasols and a small shop selling cold drinks for the few tourists going there. The water is shallow but clean. Truly a paradise beach and not worth to miss.

Kampot Pepper

An absolute must is to visit the Pepper plantation at Phnom Voir mountain, about 20min drive from Kep. This pepper used to be the number one pepper in the world and all the good french restaurants had it. It is having a revival at the moment with some local NGO (Farmlink) helping promote and plant it again.

Kep Beach

A single, kilometer long crescent of sand near the tip of the Kep peninsula. Dining platforms and seafood vendors line the road behind the beach. Busy on weekends but often deserted during the week. The road through Kep traces the coastline to the beach and then circles back on itself. Cars and vans must pay admission to drive the loop (2500R-5000R). Motorcycles and pedestrians are free. Be aware that the loop is an one way street and the police do occasionally enforce the law, levying fines against violators.

What to See In Kep
What to See In Kep
What to See In Kep
What to See In Kep
Where to Eat In Kep

Where to Eat In Kep

Kep's most popular tourist activity is having a fresh seafood picnic on the waterfront. The road opposite Kep Beach is lined with picnic platforms. Just rent a mat or find an empty platform and the vendors will present you fresh, sometimes still alive crabs, prawns, squid and fish from which you can choose. Be clear about how much food you want and the cost before they begin to prepare your meal. All of the other restaurants/bars in Kep are connected to the guesthouses.

The Crab Market: 

The Crab Market in Kep is a perfect place to get all your seafood. There are plenty of small cosy restaurants which line the shore where you can eat and drink while watching the fishermen bring in their catch. Best time to pop in is for the magnificent sunset. All the seafood is fairly fresh! Ask for the Crab Curry or for the delicious stingray! Prices are quite reasonable. Enjoy it!

The Beach House:

This restaurant offers a large selection of reasonably priced and tasty Western and Khmer food. Large range of fresh seafood. The full bar (including cappuccino machine) has a fantastic selection of fresh fruit juices and lots of cocktails. E.g. try the Teenycolada, an alcohol free cocktail!

Vanna Bungalows:

The restaurant features lovely home cooked Khmer food with a big range of seafood. Western food is also available. The large dinning area can accommodate large groups as you may come with a bunch of people starving for fresh seafood.

Kep Beach Guesthouse

This place offers a smaller range of food, but has a nice surrounding as it sits right next to the shore. The food is very delicious and comes at reasonable prices. The fresh prawns with Kampot pepper is a dish you shouldn?t miss here. It?s opened until 9:30pm.

Star Inn:

The restaurant is located opposite of the major beach just right next to all the small bamboo shacks. It features a rooftop restaurant serving Khmer and Western food including seafood. There is also a stylish separate beachfront bar overlooking Kep Beach. The prices are upscale.

Where to Eat In Kep
Where to Eat In Kep
Where to Eat In Kep
Where to Eat In Kep
Where to Stay In Kep

Where to Stay In Kep

The Beach House: 

The Beach House is located on Kep Beach and features stylish rooms with air-con, hot water, satellite TV, and fridge with an en suite bathroom with 24-hour electricity and 24-hour security. A large balcony overlooks the ocean with spectacular sunsets in the evenings. Including a swimming pool with spa and a restaurant and full bar. A meeting room is also available. Prices: from $30 to $45.

Veranda Bungalows and Resort:

A quite hidden place with fan and air-con bungalows set back on the hill. En suite bathrooms with hot water and 24 hour electricity. Restaurant and full bar on a terrace with comfortable seating and a spectacular sunset view of the see. Prices: from $20 to $60.

Le Bout du Monde:

Set back on a smaller mountain with a nice view of the ocean and sunsets, this atmospheric place offers a traditional Khmer wooden house with rooms equipped with a bathroom and there is a restaurant and full bar. Prices: from $5 to $15.

Champey Inn Range: 

This is likely the finest accommodation in Kep. You?ll find NC and fan bungalows with stylish decor in a garden setting overlooking the ocean. The rooms include satellite TV, electricity and hot water all day round. You can also relax in the swimming pool. The owner offers special tours. Restaurant: French fare with an emphasis on seafood and a big wine selection. Pleasant open air seating a stone's throw from the ocean, and stylish indoor seating. Prices: from $40 to $60.

Kep Seaside Guesthouse: 

This place is one of the best budget beachside accommodations. It features large breezy rooms with a bath and air-con/fan. It?s located right on the ocean?s edge with a full frontal view, but unfortunately there isn?t a real sandy beach here. Prices: from $5 to $10.

Vanna Bungalows:

New, quality constructed bungalows on the hillside with a fantastic view overlooking the ocean. Restaurant with home cooked Cambodian food. (TR the Amok.) Western food is also available. The dinning area is large enough for functions/ meetings. Prices: from $3 to $7.

Where to Stay In Kep
Where to Stay In Kep
Where to Stay In Kep
Where to Stay In Kep
Shopping In Kep

Shopping In Kep

If you would like to shop some food, especially seafood you should head for the daily market next to the water's edge. This is currently the only place you can find the basic needs for you household. Local shops deal the local daily consumer products, like fish, fruits, vegetables, meats and some packed products. If you need something special, e.g. medicine you'll have to go to Kampot. To take something special from this place along, buy the famous pepper.

Shopping In Kep
Shopping In Kep
Shopping In Kep
Shopping In Kep

Veal Lumher

Veal Lumher is a lovely little site tucked away in Kep Village of Kep Commune. Veal Lumher refers ...

Phnom Sar Sear

Phnom Sar Sear consists of three small mountains spread across a total land area of approximately ...

Teuk Chhou Zoo

The Teuk Chhou Zoo is a private zoo in Kep. It is located 2.5 km away from the provincial town. The ...

Koh Tonsay Resort

Koh Ton Say Resort is the natural resort locating at the Southeast of Kep town in 4.5-kilometer ...

Kep Beach

A single, kilometer long crescent of sand near the tip of the Kep peninsula. Dining platforms and ...

Wat Samot Reangsey

Wat Samot Reangsey, Kep City is one of those sites which you should not miss while you are on your ...

Salt Manufacturing Kep

Salt Manufacturing is well known in Cambodia and found in the seaside province of Kampot. The ...

Kep National Park

Kep National Park is a national park of Cambodia in the Kep region of Cambodia. Established in 1993 ...

Kep Trekking

Offering a fairly easy hiking experience, a trail/service road snakes through national forest land ...

Kep Dining

Kep is known for its fresh seafood, especially the crab, which is absolutely excellent - literally ...