Kep Travel Guide
City City in Cambodia known for coastal tourism
Kep’s seaside market sells crabs by the kilo, grilled at low tables beneath the pier. Coastal paths in Kep National Park lead to viewpoints; short ferries run to Koh Tonsay, and the town still carries the pale, weathered traces of its French-era villas.
85°F
Why Visit Kep? #
Kep is a small coastal town centered on seafood, seaside strolls and relaxed national‑park hikes. The crab market is the town’s culinary heart-try fresh crab seasoned with Kampot pepper-then walk Kep National Park’s trails for ocean views and shaded ruins of colonial villas. Small beaches and quiet guesthouses suit slow days by the sea, and simple seafood shacks highlight Khmer coastal cooking. Kep appeals to travelers wanting fresh seafood, coastal scenery and easy nature walks.
Best Things to Do in Kep
All Attractions ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Kep Bucket List
- Kep Crab Market - Sample fresh seafood at Kep Crab Market and enjoy laid-back seaside dining stalls.
- Kep National Park trails - Hike Kep National Park for forest paths, coastal views, and wildlife sightings.
- Sunset at Kep Pier - Watch sunset from Kep Pier looking back toward Kampot and the Gulf.
- Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) coves - Visit quiet coves on Koh Tonsay for snorkeling and hammock-side relaxation.
- Nearby Kampot pepper farms - Take a short drive to nearby Kampot pepper farms to tour plantation plots.
- French colonial villa ruins - Discover abandoned French villa ruins atop coastal cliffs, offering photo opportunities.
- Kampot town - Cross to Kampot for riverside cafés, Bokor drives, and colonial architecture.
- Bokor National Park - Day trip into Bokor National Park for the old hill station and panoramic vistas.
Best Time to Visit Kep #
Kep is most pleasant in the cool, dry season (Nov-Feb) when coastal breezes and seafood markets shine. The monsoon is green and quieter; the pre-monsoon months are very hot.
Best Time to Visit Kep #
January
Weather
February
Weather
March
Weather
April
Weather
May
Weather
June
Weather
July
Weather
August
Weather
September
Weather
October
Weather
November
Weather
December
Weather
How to Get to Kep
Kep is most commonly reached by road from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville - regular buses/minivans and private transfers serve the town. Once in Kep, tuk-tuks and walking cover the compact seaside area.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): From Phnom Penh to Kep the road journey takes about 3-4 hours by bus or private transfer; shared minivans cost around $6-12 and private cars $25-50.
Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS): Closer option - Sihanoukville to Kep is about 1-1.5 hours by road and costs around $3-8 by bus or $15-30 by taxi.
Bus / Minivan: Regular buses and minivans connect Kep to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Travel times are roughly 3-4 hours from Phnom Penh and 1-1.5 hours from Sihanoukville; ticket prices range from about $3-12.
Local transport: Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the main way to get around Kep and reach seaside crab restaurants and nearby Kep National Park.
How to Get Around Kep #
Kep is compact and best explored on foot; tuk-tuks and moto-taxis handle longer trips and transfers to nearby islands. The main sights (crab market, pier and small beaches) are all within easy reach; wear flip-flops or light shoes for sandy areas.
Where to Stay in Kep #
- Kep budget guesthouses - Several small guesthouses near the beach.
- Le Cafe Guesthouse - Basic, friendly, seaside location.
- Knai Bang Chatt - Boutique luxury by the sea.
- Kep Garden Guesthouse - Comfortable mid-range near parks.
- Knai Bang Chatt Resort - Top luxury resort in Kep.
- La Plantation Kep - Private villa-style luxury option.
Where to Eat in Kep #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kep's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Kep #
Nightlife in Kep is low-key and centered on seafood restaurants and guesthouse bars rather than clubs. Evenings are relaxed-meal-focused with occasional live music at a handful of venues.
Shopping in Kep #
Kep’s Crab Market is the town’s shopping heart-fresh seafood stalls sit alongside small vendors selling snacks and simple souvenirs. Boutique shops are limited; most visitors buy seafood, spice mixes or small handicrafts near the waterfront.
- Kep Crab Market - Lively seafood market selling fresh crab and simple shore-side stalls.
