Kep

Explore Kep, a coastal city located in the south of Cambodia, with Asia King Travel. The most impressive feature is Kep Beach with its peaceful scenery; one side is the sea, and the other side is green mountains. You can swim and participate in many different recreational activities. In this province, you can admire some of the colonial buildings left over from the French period. 

Explore Kep, a coastal city located in the south of Cambodia (Cre: Cambodia Budget Tour)

History of Kep

Kep city was built in 1908 by the French and was upgraded into a coastal resort in the 1960s, then emerged as a coastal conservation area. In French, it is derived from "Le Cap," meaning a cape protruding into the sea. During the Khmer Rouge period, many French constructions and resorts in Kep city were destroyed, but there are still traces marking a golden age of this beautiful coastal city. Many symbols, signs, and architectural elements from the French period remain. 

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How to get there?

Kep coastal road is only about 5 to 6 kilometers long, and the beach is usually crowded only on weekends. You can get here from major airports by car or bus. On the road through Kep, cars and small trucks have to pay tolls, but other vehicles and pedestrians are free. This is a one-way street, and Cambodian traffic police often check and fine violators.

The coastline is short but wild and peaceful. Today, it is getting attention for tourism development, making it a great destination for those who enjoy nature, peace, and fun activities.

Kep beach is usually crowded only on weekends (Cre: thehungrytravellers)

The best time to visit Kep

Kep's climate is typical of a tropical monsoon climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season is the finest time to visit coastal cities and is the most suitable for beach-goers. Fine sand beaches are ideal for exploring and other activities during the dry season. It is also safer to travel during the dry season. 

Many tourists prefer to visit on weekends, so to avoid crowds, choose a time during the week to enjoy its quietness.

Some famous places in Kep

Koh Tonsay

A place to while away hours or days doing little but lazing on the beach, napping, reading, sipping cocktails, eating seafood and stargazing before retiring to your threadbare bungalow and drifting off to the sound of the waves. Today, it attracts many tourists because of its natural, peaceful beauty.

Koh Tonsay attracts many tourists because of its natural, peaceful beauty (Cre: Choeung Thom)

Kep National Park

Kep National Park is one of the most famous parks in Cambodia due to its pristine beauty and rich natural environment. Established in 1993, Kep National Park covers an area of up to 50 square kilometers. It is an ideal place for visitors to enjoy the wonderful natural scenery. 

Kep National Park is one of the most famous parks in Cambodia (Cre: Cambodia Driver Tour)

Kep Beach 

Kep Beach is famous as a peaceful destination that captivates tourists. This quiet beach offers the perfect combination of sandy shores, clear water, and lush greenery, making it a great getaway for tourists. 

Kep Beach has been focused on tourism development with the establishment of resorts, hotels, and motels. However, it still offers visitors comfort and natural beauty. This has made city beach a popular destination for ecotourism and sustainable tourism initiatives. 

Kep Beach is famous as a peaceful destination that captivates tourists (Cre: ASEAN Skyline)

Exploring cuisine in Kep

Besides its beautiful beaches, the coastal city of Kep also boasts a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood at fairly low prices. The most famous seafood here is crab. Locals even erected a large statue of a crab. Though the crabs in this province are not large, they are firm and sweet. Many tourists visiting Cambodia enjoy this dish immensely. 

For seafood shopping, tourists should visit the Crab Market area, famous for its abundant and fresh seafood at very affordable prices compared to other tourist spots. Visitors can go to the market to choose and buy their favorite fresh seafood and have nearby restaurants prepare it according to their preferences.

The coastal city of Kep also boasts a wide variety of fresh (Cre: Karin Hildebrand Lau)

Some tips when traveling to Kep

• Travel Documents: The prerequisite for entering Cambodia is a passport valid for at least six months. Essential documents also include a plane ticket, a visa, a hotel booking confirmation, proof of financial ability, and travel health insurance.  
• Currency: The Riel and USD are the two main currencies used in this city as well as throughout Cambodia. Tickets, dining, and travel are usually paid for in USD, but Riel is also accepted.
• Enjoy seafood and local cuisine: When visiting Kep, visitors don’t miss out on trying the seafood. The giant crab statue that attracts tourists shows how famous the crabs are in this area.
• Bring what you need: Pack light clothes and wear sunscreen to protect your skin and have a great vacation. 

Some tips when traveling to Kep (Cre: Juwai.asia)

Conclusion 

Those who enjoy the outdoors will find the stunning seaside city of Kep a fascinating place to visit. Amidst the serene surroundings and awe-inspiring scenery, guests will relish experiences that are truly unique to Kep. So, if you ever get the chance to visit Cambodia, be sure to spend some time in this beautiful coastal city!

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