Located in Cambodia’s southwest along the Gulf of Thailand, Kep is a small yet historically rich city that holds provincial status. Just a few kilometers from the Vietnamese border and 173 km from Phnom Penh, Kep was once Cambodia’s most elegant seaside resort, favored by French colonial elites and local dignitaries during the early to mid-20th century. Though it saw a period of decline during Cambodia’s decades of conflict, the city is now gradually reclaiming its allure, attracting both domestic and international visitors with its tranquil beaches, seafood, and natural beauty.
A Seaside Town with Colonial Legacy
Established in 1908 by the French, Kep was once the premier beach destination in Cambodia. Remnants of its past elegance are visible in the form of abandoned French villas and the unfinished royal residence built during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era of the 1960s. Wide seaside promenades, aging monuments, and a gently fading colonial character give the city a nostalgic charm.
Kep is a peaceful town where seafood is a highlight, particularly its world-renowned crab dishes. Local crab markets are lively with fresh catches, often served with Kampot pepper, making Kep a culinary destination in its own right.
Geography and Natural Setting
Kep covers an area of 336 square kilometers and is bordered by Kampot Province on the north, east, and west, and by the Gulf of Thailand to the south. Unlike many flatland provinces, Kep features limestone hills and foothills that extend from the Elephant Mountains, adding texture to its otherwise coastal landscape. Pockets of rice fields and plantations dot the area, and the coastal scenery includes mangroves, rocky beaches, and calm, shallow waters.
Just a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland is Koh Thonsay (Rabbit Island), a popular day-trip destination known for its quiet beaches, rustic bungalows, and relaxed atmosphere.
Population
As of 2007, Kep had a population of approximately 40,280 people, making up around 0.3% of Cambodia’s total population. The population is fairly evenly split between 20,130 males and 20,150 females, resulting in a population density of 119 people per square kilometer. The community is small and close-knit, adding to the area’s welcoming and peaceful ambiance.
Climate
Kep enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, typical of Cambodia, with three distinct seasons:
- Cool Season: November to March (20°C – 26°C)
- Hot Season: March to May (29°C – 34°C)
- Rainy Season: May to October (22°C – 30°C, with humidity up to 90%)
The average annual temperature is about 27°C, with April being the warmest month. Kep is accessible year-round, although the end of the rainy season may bring temporary road challenges in rural areas.
Economy and Local Specialties
Kep’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and fishing. The surrounding countryside is known for durian, mango, and coconut plantations, while the celebrated Kampot pepper—also grown in Kep—has earned global recognition for its intense aroma and delicate flavor.
The pepper is protected under a geographical indication (GI) and is exported to international markets, contributing to the region’s agricultural reputation.
Tourism is also steadily growing, with increasing interest in eco-tourism, beach holidays, and culinary travel. New mid-range and boutique accommodations have opened in recent years, drawing travelers looking for quiet coastal experiences away from the larger cities.
Culture and Legend
Kep’s name is steeped in local legend. The story tells of King Sa Kor Reach, who, while fleeing on a white horse, lost his saddle near the shoreline. The place where he dropped the saddle became known as “Kep Seh”, meaning “saddle,” which eventually became simply “Kep.”
Cultural excursions nearby include a trip to Tuk Chhou Waterfalls, located about 10 km from Kampot, or hikes in Kep National Park, which wraps around the hills behind the town and offers panoramic views of the coast and Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on clear days.
