Discover Kep – Cambodia’s Hidden Gem on the Coast

Tucked away on Cambodia’s southern coast, Kep is a sleepy seaside town perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, nature, and incredible seafood. Once a luxury retreat for French colonials, Kep has evolved into a relaxing getaway known for its crab market, beaches, and proximity to Kep National Park.
 

Whether you're hiking through lush hills, enjoying a plate of pepper crab, or island-hopping to Koh Tonsay, Kep offers a slower, more soulful side of Cambodia.

📍 Where Is Kep?

Location: Southern Cambodia, near the Vietnamese border and the Gulf of Thailand.
Distance from Phnom Penh: ~160 km (3–4 hours by road)
Nearby destinations:

Kampot (25 km) – a perfect twin destination

Ha Tien, Vietnam – just across the border

🛣️ How to Get to Kep

From Phnom Penh:

Bus or van: 3.5–4.5 hours

Private taxi: ~3 hours

From Kampot:

Tuk-tuk: 30–45 minutes

Motorbike: Easy self-ride

From Vietnam:

Cross at the Prek Chak/Xa Xia border and take a taxi or tuk-tuk

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Kep

🦀 1. Visit the Famous Crab Market

The Kep Crab Market is the town’s culinary heart and most iconic attraction.

Watch locals pull fresh blue crabs directly from the sea

Sample Kep’s signature dish: crab with Kampot pepper

Explore rustic stalls selling seafood, spices, and souvenirs

Best time to visit: Morning for the freshest catch or sunset for a seafood dinner with sea views.

🏞️ 2. Hike in Kep National Park

A peaceful escape into nature, Kep National Park surrounds the town with a network of trails offering:

Jungle treks and hilltop viewpoints

Butterfly and bird spotting

A circular 8 km loop ideal for hiking or biking

Don’t miss:

Sunset Rock for sweeping views over the ocean and islands

Led Zep Café for drinks and trail tips from locals

Entry fee: ~USD $1

🏝️ 3. Take a Boat Trip to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)

Just 20–30 minutes by boat from Kep, Koh Tonsay is the perfect tropical escape.

Quiet beaches with palm trees and rustic bungalows

Ideal for a day trip or overnight stay

Great for swimming, sunbathing, and seafood lunches

Tip: Bring cash—there are no ATMs on the island.

🏚️ 4. Explore Kep’s Abandoned Villas

Kep’s past as a French colonial resort town is visible in the ghostly remains of old villas scattered across the town.

Many were abandoned during the Khmer Rouge era

Their crumbling beauty tells stories of a bygone era

Some have been converted into boutique hotels or art spaces

Best explored by bike or tuk-tuk around town.

🧘 5. Relax at Kep Beach

While not as pristine as Thailand’s beaches, Kep Beach is quiet and family-friendly.

Calm waters ideal for a swim

Palm-shaded areas and local snack vendors

Sunset views over the sea and mountains

Tip: Bring a sarong or mat—there are no loungers or facilities like larger resorts.

🐒 6. Visit the Kep Butterfly Farm & Pepper Plantations

Kep Butterfly Farm: Small but educational; a great stop for families

Kampot Pepper Farms (near Kep): Learn about Cambodia’s prized black pepper, with tours and tastings available

🧭 7. Visit Wat Samathi and the White Lady Statue

Wat Samathi: A hilltop Buddhist pagoda with views over Kep

Sela Cham P'dey (White Lady Statue): A coastal statue believed to protect fishermen—great photo spot and local legend

🍽️ Where to Eat in Kep

Kep is a paradise for seafood lovers and fans of slow, flavorful cuisine.

🦀 Local Favorites:

Kimly Restaurant – Famous for crab with Kampot pepper

Holy Crab – Beachfront dining and stylish seafood dishes

Sailing Club – Upscale sunset dinners with cocktails

Bopha Prey – Hidden local gem in the national park area

🌱 Vegetarian Options:

The Strand – Western and Khmer vegetarian-friendly dishes

La Baraka Lounge – Mediterranean-style menu with vegetarian tapas

🏨 Where to Stay in Kep

Budget:

Tree Top Bungalows – Simple huts with sea views

Rega Kep – Cozy and eco-friendly guesthouse near the beach

Mid-Range:

Le Flamboyant – French-inspired hotel with a pool

Veranda Natural Resort – Stylish hillside retreat in nature

Boutique & Luxury:

Knai Bang Chatt – Heritage villas, private beach, sailing club

Samanea Beach Resort – Lush gardens, pool, and sunset views

🛍️ Shopping in Kep

Crab Market stalls – Souvenirs, spices, Kampot pepper

Kep Market – Local fruits, textiles, and handmade goods

Artisans Association of Kep – Ethical crafts and community-based products

📅 Best Time to Visit Kep

Tip: Go in November or February for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

🧳 Travel Tips for Kep

Currency: USD widely accepted; ATMs available in town

Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi in most guesthouses and restaurants

Language: Khmer is spoken, but English is understood in tourism

Transport: Rent a scooter or hire a tuk-tuk for exploring the area

Safety: Very safe and laid-back; just watch for monkeys near food spots

📷 Best Photo Spots in Kep

Sunset over Kep Beach

Boats at the Crab Market

Viewpoints in Kep National Park

Koh Tonsay beaches

French villas overgrown with jungle

🚶 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary in Kep

Day 1

Morning: Hike in Kep National Park

Afternoon: Lunch at the Crab Market, explore abandoned villas

Evening: Sunset dinner at Sailing Club

Day 2

Morning: Day trip to Koh Tonsay

Afternoon: Return and relax at Kep Beach

Evening: Visit the White Lady Statue and dine at Kimly

🎯 Why Visit Kep?

Kep is Cambodia’s coastal soul—peaceful, picturesque, and packed with simple pleasures. From the sound of waves lapping the shore to the taste of freshly steamed crab, the town offers a refreshing change of pace from the country’s bustling cities and tourist hubs.

For travelers looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and savor the local way of life, Kep is the perfect retreat.