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Kep

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City
—°5
Kep (Cambodia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Kep

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Crab Market is busiest and most authentic in the early morning.
  • Buy fresh crab directly from the fishermen and have it cooked at nearby stalls.
  • Kep beach is small; take a boat to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) for a better beach day.
  • Watch out for monkeys in the national park and keep your snacks hidden.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kep Crab

Freshly boiled and spiced directly at the food stalls by the pier.

🍽
Grilled Squid

In the small wooden shacks right next to the Crab Market.

🍽
Fresh Coconut

Along the beachfront promenade for an afternoon refreshment.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Phsar Kdam (Crab Market)

The best place for fresh catch and local spice blends.

🛍
Kep Market

Located slightly inland, handy for everyday items and local snacks.

🧘
Kep National Park

Hike up to Sunset Rock for a wide, undisturbed view.

🧘
Abandoned French Villas

Explore the overgrown ruins for a quiet, nostalgic walk.

🧘
Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)

A relaxing getaway with hammocks and absolutely no car traffic.

Kep is an appealing coastal town that was once Cambodia's most prestigious seaside resort, established by the French in 1908 as Kep-sur-Mer. During the mid-20th century, it became a favorite destination for the Khmer elite, who built modernist villas that now stand as haunting ruins following years of conflict. The town is world-renowned for its Crab Market, where fresh blue swimmer crabs are caught daily and prepared with the famous local Kampot pepper. Kep National Park gives several hiking trails through lush forests, providing panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand and the nearby Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc. The area is also characterized by its unique salt fields and proximity to several pristine islands, such as Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), which is accessible by a short boat ride. In recent years, Kep has undergone a quiet revival, with boutique resorts and environmental initiatives focusing on preserving its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272829302928272727272726
Rain mm23185310419729932327633021811344

Geography

Population
35,990 (2026)
Coordinates
10.48330, 104.31670

Facts

  • Kep was founded in 1908 as a retreat for French administrators.
  • The Crab Market is the town's most famous culinary attraction.
  • The 'New Khmer Architecture' of the 1960s is still visible in the ruins.
  • Kep National Park features a diverse range of tropical flora and fauna.
  • Koh Tonsay is famous for its secluded beaches and clear waters.
  • Kep is the smallest province in Cambodia by land area.

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 (5)

Kep Museum🏛 museum

Museum about the history of Kep town.

Independence Monument🏺 historical

Independence Monument on Kep beach.

Patio Pepper Plantation in Kep📍 landmark

Pepper plantation open for visits in Kep.

Viewpoint over Kep Beach🌿 nature

The Viewpoint over Kep Beach opens up a fantastic perspective of the popular sandy shoreline and the sparkling sea of Kep. This pretty overlook invites visitors to pause and quietly observe the lively beach scene from a distance. It serves as the good spot to breathe in the region's maritime atmosphere without stepping right onto the sand. In the late afternoon, the setting sun bathes the entire scenery in a warm, unforgettable glow.

Historic Royal Residence & Gardens📍 landmark

Former royal residence with colonial gardens in Kep.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kep most famous for?
For its Crab Market and fresh seafood, especially crab with green pepper.
Are there good beaches in Kep?
Kep Beach is a short but nice sandy stretch, good for a seaside picnic.
What can you visit besides the beach?
The abandoned French colonial villas and the Kep National Park for hiking.
What is Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)?
A nearby island with simple bungalows and quiet beaches, 20 mins by boat.
Is Kep a quiet place?
Yes, it is much more relaxed than Sihanoukville and convenient for unwinding.
Kep: where is it located?
Kep is located in Cambodia.
Kep: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kep Museum, Independence Monument, Patio Pepper Plantation in Kep.
Kep: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Kep: why is it worth visiting?
Kep is an appealing coastal town that was once Cambodia's most prestigious seaside resort, established by the French in 1908 as Kep-sur-Mer.
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