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Kep National Park
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national-park
Kep National Park was established in 1993 and covers an area of approximately 50 square kilometers in the coastal province of Kep. The park is centered around a small mountain range covered in dense tropical forest, providing a vital green lung for the surrounding region. It features a well-known eight-kilometer circular hiking trail that has panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Bokor Mountains, and the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc. The flora consists of diverse evergreen species and rare orchids, while the fauna includes macaques, squirrels, and a wide array of tropical birds and butterflies. Historically, the area near the park was a popular retreat for the French colonial elite, and today the park serves as a primary destination for ecotourism in southern Cambodia. Its conservation efforts focus on protecting the forest from encroachment and maintaining the natural watershed that provides water to the coastal city below.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Ocean View · Sunset Rock · Little Buddha
- Nearby: Kampot (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 23 | 18 | 53 | 104 | 197 | 299 | 323 | 276 | 330 | 218 | 113 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Kep National Park is easily accessible directly from the coastal town, as the main entrance is just a short walk from the center. Mopeds and tuk-tuks typically bring visitors quite comfortably right up to the actual starting point of the trails.
Best season
A visit is most highly recommended during the much more pleasant dry season, which typically lasts from November through April. During the rainy season, the paths through the forest can become extremely slippery and sometimes completely impassable.
Terrain & paths
The landscape is characterized by forested hills and a large main loop that essentially circles the entire mountain. The broad jungle paths are generally easy to walk on, though they occasionally feature a few moderately steep inclines.
What to bring
Sturdy hiking shoes and lightweight, breathable clothing are absolutely recommended for walking in the hot and humid climate. Sufficient drinking water and a good quality mosquito repellent must also definitely be included in every visitor's backpack.
Parking
As a rule, bicycles or rented motor scooters can be safely parked right at the park's main entrance for a very small fee. If you happen to be traveling by car, you will usually find suitable parking options in the adjacent town area.
Safety
It is strongly advisable to remain on the clearly marked main trails to completely avoid getting lost in the dense forest vegetation. Watch out for free-roaming monkeys that occasionally appear along the paths, and please never feed these wild animals.
Time needed
For the main circular route around the mountain, you should typically plan for about two to three hours at a relatively relaxed pace. Those who also want to thoroughly explore the smaller side trails and various viewpoints often stay for half a day.
Geography
Facts
- Established year: 1993
- Total area: 50 sq km
- Main trail length: 8 km
- Key viewpoint: Sunset Rock
- Visible landmark: Phu Quoc Island
- Primary biome: Tropical evergreen forest
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kep National Park (12)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sunset Walk?
An 8 km well-marked loop trail offering great views of the ocean.
Are there monkeys in the park?
Yes, macaques are often seen along the trails; please keep your distance.
When should you start the hike?
Early morning is cooler; alternatively, late afternoon for the sunset.
Is there a café in the park?
The 'Led Zep Café' is a popular stop for hikers with a great view.
Are the trails difficult?
The main loop is relatively flat and wide, while side trails are steeper.
Kep National Park: where is it located?
Kep National Park is located in Cambodia.
Kep National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ocean View, Sunset Rock, Little Buddha.
Kep National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Kep National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Kep National Park was established in 1993 and covers an area of approximately 50 square kilometers in the coastal province of Kep.
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Koh Tonsay
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Kampot
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Takeo
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Koh Thmei
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Pursat
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Ta Khmau
The capital of Kandal province is located just south of Phnom Penh and is heavily integrated into the capital's metropolitan region.
History & landmarks
Nature
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Sothy's Pepper Farm
An eco-friendly pepper farm in Kep that gives visitors insight into traditional pepper cultivation.
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Kampot Cement Plant
A large cement plant supplying the country's construction boom with locally produced building materials.
La Plantation Kampot Pepper Farm
An agricultural project dedicated to the sustainable cultivation of the world-famous Kampot pepper.
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Chakrey Ting Cement Factory
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Kampot Salt Fields
The expansive salt fields of Kampot are of great importance to Cambodian salt production.
Kampot Seaport
A newer seaport designed to support the growing maritime trade in the south of the country.
Kamchay Dam
The country's first major hydropower plant, financed by Chinese investments, in the Kampot area.
Dâmrei Mountains
A mountain range in southern Cambodia, historically known for its pepper cultivation.