Kep Crab Market
Market Open-air seafood market famed for fresh crab
A compact seaside market in Kep specialises in fresh crab and grilled seafood; visitors sit at simple tables, sample steamed crab with pepper sauce and watch the harbour.
Kep Crab Market is a coastal seafood market and dining area in the town of Kep, Cambodia, specialising in locally caught crab and other seafood. The market functions as both a working fish market and a cluster of simple restaurants where seafood is prepared to order.
Tourists and locals visit to choose fresh crab and have it cooked on site, commonly accompanied by Kampot pepper seasoning and rice. The market’s seaside tables and informal atmosphere make it a popular spot for evening meals and sunset dining.
The market grew with the town’s coastal fishing economy and became a focal point for seafood trade and simple beachfront dining, serving both residents and visitors to the area. It remains an active local marketplace and culinary destination.
The market sits on the waterfront in Kep town, close to small piers and the shoreline, and is a short walk from the town’s main streets and beachfront areas.
- Culinary highlight: The market is famed for freshly prepared crab dishes often served with local Kampot pepper and open-air dining over the sea.
How to Get to Kep Crab Market #
The Kep crab market (marché aux crabes) is on the seafront in central Kep, adjacent to the pier and a few minutes’ walk from the town’s parking/coach drop‑off area and from Kep Beach. If you arrive by bus or minibus to Kep town the market is a very short walk (typically under 5-10 minutes) from the town centre/jetty.
Tips for Visiting Kep Crab Market #
- Go very early in the morning when the day's catch arrives to see the market activity at its liveliest and to get the freshest selection before restaurants display their picks.
- Buy seafood from vendors near the quay and then walk a few blocks to one of the outdoor restaurants that will cook your selection-choosing and having it prepared on-site is an experience many visitors miss if they only dine at set menus.
- Combine a market visit with a short boat trip to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) from the nearby pier or a walk up into Kep National Park for coastal views; both are convenient add-ons that most market-only visitors skip.
Best Time to Visit Kep Crab Market #
Visit early in the morning (around 5-9 AM) for the freshest seafood and the liveliest market atmosphere.
Weather & Climate near Kep Crab Market #
Kep Crab Market's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2166 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 17 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (235 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (328 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (348 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (303 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (270 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
