About Kep
Despite being the smallest province in Cambodia by land mass, Kep is not only one of the most interesting, but without doubt a must for any visitor to Cambodia.
It is fabulously located next to Kampot and Vietnam, as well as being on the train network that carries on to Sihanoukville and the islands of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Salome and beyond.
Just 3336 square kilometers and with a population of just 45,000 people ranks bottom on both metrics. By this reckoning though it is also one of the most visited.
Culture & History
Attractions
Eat & Drink
Shopping
Places to stay
Something Different
Eco & Wellness
Services
What to see and do in Kep Province
With white sandy beaches, great seafood and some of the best kept islands of Cambodia you will not be bored when traveling to Kep. Can be visited as day trip from Kampot, although with it boasting so many hotels, resorts and beach houses swell worth simple spending at least a few days here.
Staying at a resort in Kep
Being a sleepy seaside town there are a number of resorts on the beach, as well as near the beach to suit all budgets.
Kep Crab Market
Kep Crab Market is known as the number one tourist attraction in Kep. This place is bustling during the day and at night the 30, or so surrounding restaurants and bars come alive.
Rabbit Island
Easily reachable from Kep this has long been an unknown treasure of Cambodia. There has recently been some Chinese development, but it is still very much off the beaten track.
Koh Ach Seh
Used as an outpost during the war between the liberation forces and the Khmer Rouge. There are currently still outposts and bunkers visible from the period.
Island hopping
There are 13 islands and islets that are part of Kep province that can be viewed and, or visited.
Visit Phu Quoc
Kep is directly connected to Phu Quoc Island via Ha Tien, which makes Kep a great staging post for further travel.
Where to sleep in Kep province?
Kep is full of hotels, resorts and guesthouses that rage from the thousands of dollars a night to budget hostels. Here are a few we recommend.
Hotel Old Cinema
Would you guess it, but a hotel based in an old cinema? Very unique place to stay in Kep.
Raingsey Bungalows
One of the best hotels in Kep with a great pool, beach style houses and really close to Kep Seafood Market. Good cocktails and are known to have film nights.
The Beach House Kep
Not an amazing hotel, but located directly opposite the beach. And indeed some of the great seafood and street the town has to offer.
Eating and drinking in Kep
Being on the beach Kep quite simply offers the best seafood and street food in the whole of Cambodia. This is though a quiet town, so this is not exactly where you come to party.
Kep Crab Market
Open during the day this is THE place to come and eat, Huge array of seafood that can be taken away, or cooked and eaten on site
Around Kep Crab Market
There are an estimated 30, or so restaurants cafes and bars located in and around the market. All are cool and relaxed with similar prices and seafront vibe.
Beachside dining
Next to the main beach there are a number of street food vendors, as well as Khmer style BBQ joints with blankets on the floor.
Seagull La Mouette
Great restaurant located around the market. Serve a whole range of seafood dishes, as well as raw shrimp. This restaurant stays open late and has a great cocktail list – if they have the ingredients.
Tours in Kep
There are a number of companies and individuals thats specialize in tours to the region, as well as ones that do tours throughout the provinces of Cambodia. Cambodia Lifestyle recommend the following;
Young Pioneer Tours – Offer regular tours around Cambodia, as well as bespoke trips to Kep and Phu Quoc.
Getting away from Phu Quoc
Kep is just 45 minutes from Kampot as well as being on the train network from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. Kep is also one of the best gateways to Phu Quoc via the Ha Tien border crossing. If going by car just 3 hours from Sihanoukville.