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Cambodia · Southern Cambodia

Kep

Cambodia's riviera — crab market, Rabbit Island + colonial-era beach retreat

Kep is Cambodia's original French colonial beach town — famous crab market where you eat straight off the wooden platforms, ferry to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), abandoned modernist villas + Kep National Park hikes. Slow, small + chilled.

From Kampot
30 min drive east
From Phnom Penh
4h bus + shared taxi
Rabbit Island
20 min boat from Kep
Best season
November-February

Kep highlights

Kep Crab Market

The iconic Kampot pepper crab market — grill your own or order at the stall restaurants. $8-15 per plate.

Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)

20 min boat from Kep pier — beach hammocks, fresh seafood, basic overnight bungalows. Day trip or overnight.

Kep National Park

Small mountain park behind the town — 8 km trail loop with viewpoints. Free entry.

Abandoned modernist villas

Kep was the Cambodian royal + French elite beach retreat 1908-1970s. Modernist villas now derelict + atmospheric.

Sunset from Kep beach

Not a swimming beach (silt) but excellent sunset views + food stalls.

Salt fields (Kampot area)

Traditional evaporation salt production — beautiful photography at sunset.

Kampot pepper plantation combo

30 min west — combine Kep + Kampot pepper tour + Bokor Hill for full itinerary.

Getting there

No airport. 30 min drive east of Kampot. Bus from Phnom Penh (4h) via Kampot, or shared taxi from Kampot ($3-5).

Getting around

Tuk-tuk within Kep ($2-4). Rent scooter for Bokor Hill. Boat to Rabbit Island from pier.

Best time to visit

November-February (dry). Avoid March-May (very hot).

Budget per day

$15-30 backpacker · $50-100 mid-range · $200+ boutique (Knai Bang Chatt, Veranda Natural Resort)

Airport transfer from Phnom Penh (4h drive via Kampot) (PNH)

Getting out of Kep (PNH)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

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Where to stay in Kep

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Where to stay in Kep

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Frequently asked about Kep

How do I get to Kep?
Bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot (3h 30m, ~$8) + shared taxi Kampot-Kep ($3-5). Or direct shared taxi Phnom Penh-Kep ~4h.
How many days do I need in Kep?
1-2 days is usually enough — day 1 crab market + Rabbit Island, day 2 Kep National Park + colonial villas. Often combined with Kampot.
Is Kep worth visiting?
Yes as a 1-2 day extension from Kampot. Skip if short on time — Kampot alone is enough southern Cambodia coverage.
How much is Kep crab?
Fresh Kampot pepper crab: $8-15 per plate (~500g of crab + rice). Best at Kimly, Sole Kep, or the crab market stalls. Peak dinner 18:00-20:00.