Kep Province is the smallest and least populous province in Cambodia, located on the southern coast near the border with Vietnam. Famous for its relaxed seaside atmosphere and delicious seafood, especially blue crabs, it offers a mix of colonial history and natural beauty.
History
Kep was established as a prestigious seaside resort, originally called Kep-sur-Mer, by the French colonial administration in 1908. Its “golden age” was in the 1950s and 1960s when it was a glamorous retreat for Cambodia’s elite, featuring stylish modernist villas. However, the town was largely abandoned and many of its villas were destroyed or left in ruins during the tumultuous Khmer Ro Rouge regime in the 1970s. Today, the abandoned colonial villas are poignant historical reminders, while the town experiences a quiet resurgence as a tourist destination.
Geography
Kep is a coastal province bordered by Kampot Province to the north and east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the south and west. It covers a small area of about 336 km². The main town sits on the coast, and much of the interior is covered by the lush hills of Kep National Park. Offshore, the small Kep Archipelago includes the popular Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). The coastline is a mix of natural mangroves, black rocks, and a main beach that has been reinforced with white sand
Climate
Kep experiences a hot and humid tropical climateCool/Dry Season (November to March): This is generally considered the best time to visit with pleasant temperatures (20°C 26°C) and minimal rainfallHot Season (March to May): Temperatures are highest, often reaching 20 C-34 CRainy Season (May to October): Characterized by heavy monsoon rainfall and high humidity
Getting Around
The town and surrounding attractions are relatively spread out, so some form of transport is useful:Tuk-Tuks: The most common and convenient way for tourists to travel short distances within the areaBicycles/Motorbikes: Rentals are readily available and popular for exploring the national park or the nearby countryside and pepper plantations.
How to Get There
Kep is easily accessible by road, located about 170 km southwest of Phnom PenhBy Bus or Minivan: Regular services connect Kep with Phnom Penh (approximately 3-4 hours) and the nearby city of Kampot (20-40 minutes).From Vietnam: It is close to the Vietnamese border crossing at Ha Tien, making it accessible via taxi or moto-taxi.
What to Do
Kep is a tranquil destination focused on relaxation, nature, and food:
Crab Market: The town’s biggest attraction, famous for the fresh, locally caught blue crabs cooked with regionally grown Kampot Pepper.
Kep Beach: A small, crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with seafood vendors lining the road behind it
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island): A short boat ride away, this small, rustic island offers white sand beaches, basic bungalows, and a tranquil escape.
National Park: Explore the 8 km circuit trail through the lush jungle, which offers rewarding views over the Gulf of Thailand and the islands
Colonial Ruins: Wander among the remnants of the abandoned French villas silent witnesses to the town’s glamorous and turbulent past
Pepper Plantation: Kep is near the region famous for world-renowned Kampot Pepper, many nearby farms offer tours
