How do I get to Kep from Phnom Penh?

Private car/taxi (3 hours, $40-60), shared minivan (3.5 hours, $10-15), or bus to Kampot then tuk-tuk (4 hours total).

What is Kep famous for?

Fresh blue crabs (best enjoyed at the Crab Market), colonial architecture, Kep National Park hiking, and nearby Rabbit Island beaches.

Is Kep suitable for families?

Yes, with safe beaches, gentle hiking trails, and family-friendly resorts, though medical facilities are limited.

Can I use US dollars in Kep?

Yes, USD is widely accepted alongside Cambodian riel, though smaller establishments may prefer riel for exact change.

What day trips are possible from Kep?

Kampot (45 minutes) for pepper plantations and river tours, Bokor National Park (1.5 hours), and Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple (30 minutes).

Kep

CityCambodia, Asia

Kep is a CITY in Cambodia, Asia.

Kep, Cambodia's smallest province, is a coastal gem on the Gulf of Thailand that offers a serene escape from bustling tourist hubs. Once the playground for French colonial elites and Cambodian aristocracy, Kep retains an elegant, nostalgic charm with its crumbling colonial villas juxtaposed against modern boutique resorts. The province's crown jewel is Kep National Park, a lush forested hill with hiking trails leading to breathtaking ocean vistas and a serene Buddhist pagoda. Kep's famous Crab Market is a culinary destination where visitors can watch fishermen unload their daily catch and enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront shacks. Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), just a short boat ride away, provides pristine beaches and rustic bungalows for those seeking island tranquility. The province's unique attractions include the surreal Kep Sculpture Garden, the hauntingly beautiful abandoned villas that tell stories of Cambodia's complex history, and the scenic Kep Beach with its iconic white horse statue. With its laid-back atmosphere, spectacular sunsets over the Gulf, and exceptional seafood, Kep offers an authentic Cambodian coastal experience that feels both luxurious and unpretentious.

Best time to visit Kep

November to February offers the most pleasant weather with cooler temperatures (25-30°C/77-86°F), low humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities. March to May is hot and humid but less crowded. June to October is rainy season with lush landscapes but frequent downpours and potential transportation disruptions. The annual Kep Sea Festival (usually December) features boat races, concerts, and cultural performances. Avoid Khmer New Year (mid-April) when accommodation prices surge and beaches become extremely crowded.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Drizzle
Temperature: 28°
Feels like: 33°
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 6 km/h
Precipitation: 0.1 mm

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting around

Motorbike rentals (approximately $5-10/day) are the most popular way to explore Kep independently. Tuk-tuks (remorque-motos) are readily available for short trips; negotiate fares before departure (typically $2-5 within town). Bicycle rentals ($1-3/day) are excellent for exploring the flat coastal roads and Kep National Park trails. No ride-hailing apps operate in Kep. Private car with driver can be arranged through hotels for day trips to Kampot or Phnom Penh. Boat services to Rabbit Island depart from Kep Beach pier (30-minute journey, $10-15 round trip). Walking is pleasant in the compact town center and along the beachfront promenade.

Stay connected

Calling code

+855

Stay safe

Kep is generally safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, avoid walking alone on deserted beaches at night, and use licensed transportation. Common scams include overcharging tourists at the Crab Market and inflated boat fares to Rabbit Island; negotiate prices clearly beforehand. Road safety is a concern due to poor lighting and unpredictable traffic; exercise extreme caution when driving motorbikes. The main tourist areas are safe, but avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. Swimming conditions can be unpredictable with occasional strong currents; heed local warnings. Police presence is visible in tourist areas.

Police

117

Ambulance

119

Fire

118

Tourist Police

097 778 0002

Entry and health

Health information

Medical facilities in Kep are limited to basic clinics and pharmacies. For serious medical issues, travelers should go to Sihanoukville (2 hours) or Phnom Penh (3 hours). Common health concerns include heat exhaustion, dehydration, and foodborne illnesses from improperly prepared seafood. Drink only bottled or purified water. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are present year-round; use insect repellent and protective clothing. Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, and routine immunizations. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised. The nearest hospital with emergency services is in Kampot (45 minutes).

Culture

Local customs

Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering homes and religious sites. Use both hands or the right hand when giving or receiving items. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%) and for tour guides. Bargaining is expected at markets but be polite and respectful. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks. Respect Buddhist traditions; never point feet at people or religious objects. Greet with a slight bow and the traditional 'sampeah' gesture (palms together).

KhmerEnglishFrench

Costs and practicals

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR) · ៛

Timezone

Asia/Phnom_Penh +07:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

41,798

Area

336 km²

Government

Provincial government under Cambodia's unitary constitutional monarchy

ISO code

KH-26

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Kep, ខេត្តកែប, 케프주, ケップ, KH-23, Каеп, Kaeb, Krong Keb, Krong Kep, Krŏng Kêb, Krŏng Kêp, kepa, keppu, keፕ, kp, kyb, kyp, Кеп, كيب, کپ, کیپ, केप, কেপ, ਕੇਪ, ኬፕ, របភាពករង, រូបភាពក្រុង

Capital CityMajor Hub