It used to be Cambodia’s most popular and prestigious beach town but has fallen on hard times in recent years. From the early 1900s until the 1960s, Kep was a thriving resort town for the French and Cambodian elite.

Old building in Kep
A major misconception about Kep is that during the Khmer Rouge years, much of Kep’s French colonial era mansions and villas were destroyed. The truth is that it were the locals, being in need of money and food, that stripped down the villas so that they could exchange all these valuable parts in Vietnam for rice and cash.[citation needed] 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. King Sihanouk built a home overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, but it was never occupied 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.

Several islands lie off the coast, Koh Thonsáy is just a short boat ride away. The town is well known for seafood – particularly the crab. In addition, Kep is home to an extensive national park.
There are now more than 60 guesthouses, resorts and hotels in Kep. It is currently one of the fastest developing touristic areas in Cambodia with a focus on mid-range to high-end businesses.