Kep is a city of Cambodia with the status of a province. It is subdivided into two districts. Kep, which is located just a few kilometers from Ha Tien, the border with Vietnam, used to be Cambodia's most popular and prestigious beach town but has fallen on hard times in recent years. From the early 1900's until the 1960's, Kep was a thriving resort city for the rich French and Cambodian elite
.During the Khmer Rouge years, much of Kep's French colonial era mansions and villas were destroyed. Many of Kep's villas are abandoned, but some of the town's former splendor is still apparent. The ocean is lined with wide sidewalks and large statues that now seem largely out of place. The king built a palace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, but it was never furnished and now sits empty. A good, paved road connects the town with Kampot.
Kep's beaches are mostly mangrove and black rock rather than the white sands of Sihanoukville, but Koh Thonsáy is just a short boat ride away. Kep appears to be experiencing something of a renaissance, with several mid-range and luxury guesthouses and bungalows recently open or under construction. The town's seafood is cheap, plentiful and delicious - particularly the crabs. In addition, Kep is home to an extensive national park.
PLACE TO VISIT
Kep Beach. A single, kilometer long crescent of sand near the tip of the Kep peninsula. Dining platforms and seafood vendors line the road behind the beach. Busy on weekends but often deserted during the week. The road through Kep traces the coastline to the beach and then circles back on itself. Cars and vans must pay admission to drive the loop (2500R-5000R). Motorcycles and pedestrians are free. Be aware that the loop is an one way street and the police do occasionally enforce the law, levying fines against violators.
Kep Hill. There is an easy trail going full circle around the hill behind Kep. It's a wonderful piece of jungle, in which it is quite probable to see some monkeys.
Kampot Pepper. An absolute must is to visit the Pepper plantation at Phnom Voir mountain, about 20min drive from Kep. This pepper used to be the number one pepper in the world and all the good french restaurants had it. It is having a revival at the moment with some local NGO (Farmlink) helping promote and plant it again.
Colonial Villas. There are around 100 or more old french villas, mostly destroyed by the Vietnamese army and some of them overgrown like Angkor Wat - quite a spooky feeling. Some of them have been restored, but most of them are in possession of rich military officials who are waiting to sell it at the highest price.
Caves. Around Kep there are 3 major caves, some with small shrines inside. The most impressive and biggest one is the one near Kompong Trach with beautiful limestone formations. You can also find a swimming cave nearby.
Crabs. No visit to Kep is complete without having a least one meal of the fresh crabs, apparently the best one in Cambodia.
WHAT TO DO
Snorkel Trips, . Kep Lodge offers 1 day snorkel trips to Koh Saran, with 2 snorkeling sites, around untouched coral reefs, afternoon for relax on Rabbit Island, lunch included. US$ 25/person. edit
Lida Massage, National Road, . Great Massages (Thai, Oil or Steam) for only USD 7, located just next to the Kep Lodge. edit
Sailing Club, next to the crab market a newly established place called the Sailing club has commenced activities, where you can rent catamarans and/or even speedboats.
HOW TO REACH
From Kampot: The road from Kampot to Kep is paved and smooth. 25km, 30-45 minute trip. Follow the road from Kampot to the White Horse Monument. Bear right at the monument (go straight to Kampong Trach.) At the next main turnoff, bear right onto the oceanfront road to the Kep Beach area. Motodups charge about $2 - $3 one way and $6 round trip. Package day tours to Kep out of Kampot also often include a visit to at other nearby destinations such as Rabbit Island, the caves between Kampot and Kep and a pepper plantation. Sok Lim Tours is offering moto-trailer tours to Kep for $3/person. From Phnom Penh: There are two bus companies driving to Kep, leaving PP at 7AM and 1PM either from the central Market or the Olympic Market at $ 5/person. The more comfortable way is hiring your own taxi at $ 40-50.
