Things to Do in Kep

Kep sits quietly along Cambodia's southern coast, a sleepy seaside town that feels worlds away from the bustle of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Once a glamorous French colonial resort destination in the 1960s, the town still carries traces of that elegant past in its crumbling villas and tree-lined streets, though it's now refreshingly low-key and unhurried. The pace here revolves around the famous crab market, lazy afternoons at the beach, and sunset strolls through Kep National Park. What makes Kep particularly appealing is its authentic, lived-in feel - this isn't a place that's been overly polished for tourists. You'll find families picnicking under the casuarina trees, fishermen hauling in their daily catch, and a genuine sense of coastal Cambodian life continuing as it has for decades. The town is small enough to walk everywhere, and honestly, that's part of its charm.

The food scene revolves heavily around seafood, particularly the famous Kep crab prepared with Kampot pepper - you'll find the best versions at the wooden platform restaurants extending over the water at the crab market. Beyond seafood, there are several Western-run cafés and restaurants catering to the small expat community, serving everything from wood-fired pizza to proper coffee. Local Khmer restaurants scattered through town offer authentic curries and stir-fries at very reasonable prices, and you'll find the usual array of street food vendors in the evening around the market area.

The dry season from November to March offers the most comfortable weather, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall - though this is also when you'll encounter the most tourists. April and May can be quite hot and humid before the rains arrive. The wet season from June to October sees afternoon downpours but also lush, green landscapes and fewer crowds. Interestingly, many locals actually prefer the rainy season for its dramatic skies and the way it cools things down in the evenings.