Kep City is a municipality in Cambodia with the status of a province. Kep is just a few kilometres from the border with Vietnam located and used to be Cambodia’s most popular beach town but has fallen on hard times in recent years (especially due to the Khmer Rouge). Many of Kep’s, mostly French villas are abandoned, but some of the town’s former splendour is still apparent.
The see is lined with huge sidewalks and some 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 small town with the 15km far away Kampot. The slightly darker beaches than in Sihanoukville are mostly scattered with mangroves and black rocks, but Koh Thonsay (Rabbit Island) is just a short boat ride away (approx. 1/2h).
Kep appears to be experiencing something of a renaissance, with several mid-range and luxury guesthouses and bungalows recently opened or still under construction. The seafood is cheap, plentiful and delicious – particularly the quite famous crabs. Kep is also home to an extensive national park covering some mountains with deep green jungle.
The French established Kep City during the colonial time in 1908. Today Kep is mainly popular to the domestic tourists, who choose Kep as their holiday destination. What’s more, Kep offers great seafood and magnificent views of the mountains and the beaches.
Taking a boat to the nearby islands is also a breathtaking experience. Another itinerary, which must not be missed, is an excursion to the serene waterfalls of ‘Tuk Chhou” situated about 10 km from Kampot. Kep City is located in the Southwest of Phnom Penh. The city is accessible by the National Road No 3 from Phnom Penh via Kampot province (173 km) or by the National Road No 2 from Phnom Penh via Takeo province.
Especially during the Sixties, during the time of Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum the city was developed as a beautiful seaside tourist resort for the rich and government. The story related to the name of Kep said that there was a king named Sa Kor Reach, who had a mighty spell. He put a sleeping spell on a commander at AngKor Thum, than stole the commander’s white horse and fled together with his troop to the Southwestern seaside
When he took a rest at the seaside, he was overhauled by the commander’s troops, who chased him from behind. Suddenly, he got on the horseback; the horse reared, and made him fall down on the ground together with the saddle. Then, he got on the horseback again and fled away without picking up the saddle, because the commander’s troops almost approached him. So that’s why this area was called ‘ Kep Seh ‘ meaning ‘ the saddle ‘, nowadays it’s only called ‘ Kep ‘.
Kep Province in Cambodia boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history, geography, and the diverse ethnic groups that have called the region home. Here are some elements of cultural heritage you might encounter in Kep Province:
Fishing has long been a way of life for many communities in Kep Province, shaping local culture and traditions. Visiting fishing villages offers a glimpse into the daily lives of fishermen and their families, who often rely on age-old techniques passed down through generations.
Kep Province in Cambodia might not be as widely known for its festivals as some other regions in the country, but it still hosts some cultural and religious celebrations throughout the year. Here are a few festivals that you might find in Kep Province:
This is one of the most significant festivals in Cambodia, celebrated in April. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the traditional New Year. While the celebrations are nationwide, you can expect to find various events and festivities in Kep Province, including traditional games, music, and dance.
Kep Province in Cambodia, despite its small size, boasts a rich architectural heritage that reflects its history as a colonial-era beach resort. Here are some of the architectural highlights of Kep Province:
Kep was once a thriving French colonial-era beach resort, and remnants of this period can still be seen in the form of elegant colonial villas. Many of these villas, though often in a state of disrepair, exhibit architectural styles reminiscent of the French colonial era, featuring spacious verandas, high ceilings, and ornate detailing.
Kep Province in Cambodia offers a delightful culinary scene, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Here are some of the culinary highlights you can expect to enjoy in Kep:
Perhaps the most famous dish associated with Kep Province is its delicious crab. The blue crab caught off the coast of Kep is renowned for its sweet and succulent meat. Crab dishes are served in various ways, including stir-fried with Kampot pepper, steamed with lime sauce, or grilled with garlic and butter. Visitors to Kep often flock to the local crab markets to sample these mouthwatering delicacies.
Kep Province, despite being small in size, offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy. Here are some of the notable attractions in Kep:
Kep Beach is the main beach in the area, known for its calm waters and scenic views. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the gentle waves, or simply soak up the sun while enjoying the coastal breeze.
