Kep is a quiet seaside town known for its crab market, colonial-era villas, national park and easy access to Rabbit Island. It offers a more relaxed alternative to busier beach destinations and pairs perfectly with a stay in nearby Kampot.
Tourism Places in Kep
Kep Crab Market
Signature experience: fresh crabs cooked to order, especially with Kampot pepper. Lively and essential.
Kep Beach & waterfront
Small public beach and promenade for swimming, sunsets and seaside dining. Quieter and more local than Sihanoukville.
Kep National Park
Forested hill with hiking trails, coastal viewpoints and a butterfly centre. Trails from short walks to 2–5 hour loops.
Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)
Short boat ride: simple beach, swimming, basic bungalows and seafood. Popular day trip or quiet overnight.
Colonial villas
Mid-20th-century villas — some restored as boutique stays, others in atmospheric ruins — give Kep its unique character.
Other
- Salt fields and countryside cycling toward Kampot
- Sunset at Knai Bang Chatt or Sailing Club
- Spa and wellness at boutique resorts
How to Go
3–3.5 h from Phnom Penh; 30–40 min from Kampot. Easy to combine both towns.
Where to Stay
Boutique seaside resorts (Knai Bang Chatt), mid-range villas and simple guesthouses. Veranda Natural Resort and smaller beach options. Book ahead on weekends.
Where to Eat
Crab Market is the must-do. Resort restaurants and Sailing Club for refined seafood and sunsets.
Practical Tips
- Crab market is best for lunch or early dinner.
- Bring walking shoes for national park trails.
- Agree return boat time for Rabbit Island.