Kep National Park
Park Coastal park overlooking Gulf of Thailand, forested trails
A compact coastal reserve above Kep town, Kep National Park has short trails and cliff viewpoints over the Gulf of Thailand; visitors pair hikes with the town’s crab market and beaches.
Kep National Park is a small coastal protected area on the peninsula immediately adjacent to Kep town in Kep province, Cambodia. It is known for low, forested hills and short walking trails that overlook the Gulf of Thailand.
The park has a network of short, marked trails and several hilltop viewpoints that provide panoramic views across the gulf and toward nearby Rabbit Island. Walks are typically 1-3 kilometers between trailheads and viewpoints, with a mix of dirt tracks and stone steps.
The area has long been used by local residents for recreation and for access to coastal fishing and saltwater views. It is managed as a protected green space by provincial authorities to conserve remaining coastal forest and provide recreational trails for Kep town.
The park sits on the small peninsula immediately south of the town of Kep, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It is a short drive from the town center and is accessible by the local road network that links Kep with nearby Kampot province.
- Top viewpoints: Best short walks are the ridge trails that run through mixed evergreen forest to several hilltop viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and nearby Rabbit Island.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon give the best light for coastal views and bird activity; the trails can be hot and exposed in midday.
How to Get to Kep National Park #
Kep National Park is immediately above Kep town on the southern coast of Cambodia. From Phnom Penh it is roughly a 150 km drive along National Road 3 (about 2.5-3.5 hours by car or bus) to Kep; once in Kep town the park is a short tuk‑tuk ride or roughly a 1-2 km walk from the town centre and the Kep seaside promenade.
Tips for Visiting Kep National Park #
- Start the short trail from Kep town early morning or around sunset-the summit viewpoint is compact but gives the best panoramic views of Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) and the coastline at those times.
- Use the official park trailhead close to town and follow the signed paths; the main hike is short (often 20-40 minutes round trip) so it pairs well with the crab market without needing a full-day commitment.
- Avoid midday visits when the trail is hottest and visibility can be hazy; sunrise or sunset visits also reduce encounter rates with larger tour groups and provide better photography light.
Best Time to Visit Kep National Park #
The best time to visit Kep National Park is during the dry season (November-April) when trails and coastal views are clearest.
Weather & Climate near Kep National Park #
Kep National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2299 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 18 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 29°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (230 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (253 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (370 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (380 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (330 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (274 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (142 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
