Kep, Cambodia

Kep

KampotCambodia

seafoodcolonial architecture

Why You'll Love Kep

If you're looking for a laid-back coastal town with delicious seafood and stunning sunsets, look no further than Kep, Cambodia. This charming destination is located in the south of Cambodia and is often overlooked by travelers in favor of bigger cities like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. However, those in the know appreciate Kep's peaceful atmosphere and picturesque beauty.

One of the main draws of Kep is its fresh seafood. You can find a variety of seafood dishes in town, from grilled squid to seafood curry. Many restaurants set up along the main road, and it's a real treat to enjoy a meal with views of the ocean.

Kep is also home to a beautiful national park where you can take a leisurely hike in the jungle to see waterfalls and exotic wildlife. A popular activity in Kep is visiting the crab market, where you can see fishermen bring in their catch of the day and choose a crab to have cooked up for you onsite.

If you're looking for some beach time, Kep has a few black sand beaches that are perfect for relaxing. One of the most unique things about Kep is its abandoned mansions, which were once used by wealthy Cambodians and French colonists. Today, they're overgrown with vegetation and make for a fascinating sightseeing experience.

Overall, Kep is an ideal destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in Cambodian culture and nature.

Getting to Kep

The nearest city to Kep, Cambodia is Kampot, which is approximately 25 kilometers away. The nearest airport to Kep is the Sihanoukville International Airport, which is located about 87 kilometers away.

To get to Kep from Kampot, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk, which should take around 30 minutes or so. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike or a bicycle and ride to Kep, which will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace.

From Sihanoukville International Airport, you can take a taxi or minibus to Kep. The journey should take around 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. It is also possible to rent a car from the airport and drive to Kep yourself, but this is not recommended unless you are an experienced driver familiar with Cambodian roads.

The closest city to Kep is Phnom Penh, in Kampot.

Travelling from Phnom Penh International Airport to Kep

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kep, Cambodia is during the dry season from November to March, when the weather is cool and dry with clear skies. However, it can get crowded during this season. The shoulder season from April to June and September to October is also a good time to visit when the crowds are lesser, and the prices are more reasonable. However, be prepared for some occasional rain showers during these months. Avoid visiting during the rainy season from July to August when the region experiences heavy rains and occasional floods.

Weather and Climate

Kep, Cambodia has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season occurs from May to October and the dry season from November to April.

From November to February, the weather is generally warm and dry with temperatures averaging around 25°C. The coolest weather typically occurs in December and January when temperatures can drop to around 20°C.

From March to May, temperatures increase and can reach highs of 35°C. This is also the dry season, with minimal rainfall and low humidity.

In the rainy season, which lasts from May to October, temperatures can still be quite warm, averaging around 28°C. However, there is heavy rainfall, particularly from June to September. The humidity can also be high during this period.

Overall, Kep, Cambodia generally has warm to hot temperatures throughout the year, with the main differences being the amount of rainfall and humidity during the wet season.

Costs When Visiting

In Cambodia, the currency is the Cambodian Riel.
Some sample costs when travelling around Kep are:

Food:
- Local street food: $1-$2 per dish
- Restaurants: $5-10 per meal
- Western-style cafes/restaurants: $10-15 per meal
- Market groceries: $10-20 per week

Accommodation:
- Budget hostels/guesthouses: $5-15 per night
- Mid-range hotels/resorts: $30-50 per night
- Luxury hotels/resorts: $100-200 per night

Safety Rating

Kep, Cambodia is generally considered a safe destination. Crime rates in the area are relatively low, though petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Women may feel uneasy walking alone at night as street lighting is limited in some parts of the city. Cambodia is a relatively conservative country, but Kep is considered LGBTQ-friendly and there are no significant reports of discrimination against minorities. However, visitors should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings to avoid any potential safety issues.

Local Population

The population of Kep, Cambodia is primarily Khmer, with small ethnic minority groups including Chinese and Vietnamese. The majority of the population is Buddhist, with a small percentage of Muslims and Christians. The official language is Khmer, but many residents also speak English and French. The gender breakdown is fairly even, with slightly more females than males. Overall, Kep has a relatively small population compared to other cities in Cambodia.

Things to Do

1. Visiting the Kep National Park and hiking the trails to see various species of flora and fauna
2. Relaxing on the white-sand beaches and swimming in the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand
3. Exploring the Rabbit Island, a nearby small island to Kep, and taking a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales
4. Trying out the fresh seafood at the scenic Crab Market and enjoying the ocean views
5. Visiting the Kep Butterfly Farm, a beautiful nature reserve with butterfly gardens and insectariums
6. Hiking to the famous Kep Hill Station and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area
7. Exploring the nearby caves and pagodas to learn about Cambodian culture and history
8. Taking a bicycle tour to explore the local villages and meet the friendly locals.