The French Tower
Lighthouse Colonial-era lighthouse overlooking Cambodia's Gulf coast
lighthouse in Cambodia. The Old French Lighthouse (11.98°N, 105.47°E) is a historic navigational structure associated with the French period; visitors come for its historic interest and viewpoint. Generally visited as a short day trip from nearby towns.
Tips for Visiting Old French Lighthouse #
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best light - sunrise/sunset from the old French lighthouse gives sweeping views across Kep, the Gulf and (on clear days) Phu Quoc.
- Access the site from Kep National Park (the park entrance by Kep's crab market is the usual starting point) - the lighthouse is a short uphill walk from the park road, and the park charges a small entrance fee, so check opening hours before you go.
- Most visitors only stop at the crab market; take the short trail up to the lighthouse and you'll get quiet viewpoints and panoramic vistas that many miss, so allow 30-60 minutes extra for the climb and photo stops.
- To avoid crowds, go on a weekday morning or late afternoon rather than midday; combining the lighthouse visit with a quick stop at the crab market or nearby pepper farms makes for an efficient half-day itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Old French Lighthouse #
Best time to visit is during the cool, dry months (November-February) when humidity and rainfall are at their lowest, giving the most pleasant conditions for exploring the lighthouse and coast.
Weather & Climate near Old French Lighthouse #
Old French Lighthouse's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1694 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm, feeling like 27°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (225 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (231 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (228 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (247 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (277 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (241 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
