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Kep, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Things to Do in Kep

Things to Do in Kep

Kep, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Complete Travel Guide

Kep, a charming coastal town in southern Cambodia, is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, fresh seafood, and stunning natural beauty. Once a glamorous French colonial resort destination in the 1960s, Kep retains an air of faded elegance with its crumbling modernist villas scattered along the coastline. The town is famous throughout Cambodia for its exceptional blue crabs, served at the bustling Kep Crab Market, and offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Today, Kep serves as an ideal base for exploring the region's attractions, including nearby Rabbit Island, the dramatic landscapes of Kep National Park, and the famous pepper plantations of Kampot province. The town's compact size and peaceful vibe make it a refreshing contrast to Cambodia's busier destinations, offering pristine beaches, excellent seafood dining, and opportunities for hiking, island hopping, and cultural exploration.

Top Things to Do in Kep

Explore Kep National Park

Trek through this compact but diverse national park featuring well-marked trails that wind through tropical forest to scenic viewpoints overlooking the coast. The main circuit trail takes about 2-3 hours and offers glimpses of wildlife, butterflies, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. The park also contains several abandoned French colonial mansions that add a mysterious historical element to your hike.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and no guide is required as trails are well-marked. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon to avoid heat and see more wildlife. Bring water, insect repellent, and wear proper hiking shoes.

Visit Kep Crab Market and Seafood Dining

Experience Kep's most famous attraction at the bustling waterfront crab market where local fishermen sell their daily catch. Watch the preparation of Kep's signature dish - fresh blue crab with Kampot pepper - at one of the many seafood restaurants built on stilts over the water. The market is most active in the early morning and late afternoon when fishing boats return.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - arrive hungry and expect to pay $8-15 for a crab dish. Morning visits offer the freshest selection, while sunset dining provides better atmosphere. Look for restaurants with high turnover for the freshest seafood.

Take a Day Trip to Rabbit Island

Escape to this pristine tropical island just 20 minutes by boat from Kep's coast. Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) offers white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and a handful of simple beach restaurants serving fresh seafood. The island remains largely undeveloped, providing an authentic tropical paradise experience with hammocks, beach walks, and excellent sunset views.

Booking Tip: Boats cost $10-15 per person round trip and depart from Kep beach throughout the day. Last return boats usually leave around 5 PM. Bring sun protection, water, and cash for food as there are no ATMs on the island.

Discover Abandoned French Colonial Villas

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of French colonial mansions scattered throughout Kep, remnants of the town's golden age as an elite retreat. These modernist villas, abandoned during the Khmer Rouge era, are slowly being reclaimed by jungle vegetation, creating an atmospheric blend of architecture and nature. Many offer stunning ocean views and provide insight into Cambodia's complex history.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently - rent a bicycle or motorbike for $3-8 per day to reach various villa sites. Best photographed in golden hour light. Exercise caution as some structures are unstable, and always respect private property boundaries.

Visit Kampot Pepper Plantations

Take a short trip to nearby Kampot province to tour the world-famous pepper plantations that produce some of the globe's finest peppercorns. Learn about traditional cultivation methods, the different varieties of Kampot pepper, and enjoy tastings of this prized spice that has protected geographical status. Many plantations offer guided tours that include insights into the pepper's history and processing methods.

Booking Tip: Plantation tours cost $3-5 per person and are best visited during harvest season (February-May). Most plantations are 30-45 minutes from Kep by tuk-tuk ($15-20) or motorbike. Call ahead to confirm tour availability and bring cash for pepper purchases.

Getting There

Kep is located about 165 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh and 25 kilometers from Kampot. The most convenient way to reach Kep is by private car or taxi (3-4 hours from Phnom Penh, $40-60), or by bus with companies like Giant Ibis or Mey Hong that offer comfortable air-conditioned services for $6-10. From Siem Reap, the journey takes 6-7 hours and typically requires a connection in Phnom Penh. Many visitors combine Kep with nearby Kampot, which is just 30 minutes away by tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi.

Getting Around

Kep is a small town that's easily navigable on foot, bicycle, or motorbike. Bicycle rental costs $2-3 per day and is perfect for exploring the coastal road and reaching nearby attractions. Motorbike rentals are available for $5-8 per day for those comfortable with two-wheel transport. Tuk-tuks are readily available for longer distances or day trips, with rates typically $15-25 for half-day excursions. Many guesthouses and hotels can arrange transportation and provide maps of local attractions.

Where to Stay

Kep Beach Area
Kep Town Center
Hillside Villas District
Crab Market Vicinity
National Park Entrance
Quiet Coastal Road

Food & Dining

Kep's dining scene revolves around exceptional seafood, particularly the famous Kampot pepper crab served at numerous restaurants along the waterfront. The Kep Crab Market area offers the most authentic experience with local eateries built on stilts over the water, while upscale resorts provide refined takes on Khmer cuisine with ocean views. Don't miss trying other local specialties like grilled squid, fish amok, and fresh tropical fruits. Several restaurants also offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Cambodian dishes using fresh local ingredients and world-renowned Kampot pepper.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cambodia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Trattoria Bello

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Fellini Siem Reap

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Pasta La Vista Siem Reap

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CUCINA - Pizza & Pasta - Italian Restaurant Siem Reap

4.8 /5
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Polo Food

4.9 /5
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Trattoria da Rasy

4.9 /5
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Kep is during the dry season from November to March when temperatures are more comfortable (24-30°C) and rainfall is minimal. December and January offer the coolest weather and are ideal for hiking in Kep National Park and exploring outdoor attractions. April and May can be very hot and humid, while the rainy season (June-October) brings heavy downpours that can limit outdoor activities, though the landscape becomes lush and green. The shoulder months of November and March offer good weather with fewer crowds and better accommodation rates.

Insider Tips

Visit the crab market early in the morning around 6-7 AM to see the fishing boats return with the freshest catch and experience local life before tourist crowds arrive
Rent a bicycle and follow the coastal road at sunset for stunning photo opportunities and to discover hidden beaches and viewpoints away from the main tourist areas
Combine your Kep visit with nearby Kampot to experience both coastal relaxation and riverside charm - many accommodations offer packages covering both destinations

Explore Activities in Kep