Things to Do in Kep, Cambodia
© Maxime Boudrias
By Maxime Boudrias
6 min read
Updated: Sept. 21, 2025
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Kep is a small seaside town in southern Cambodia, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kampot. But skipping Kep would be a mistake because it's exactly the kind of hidden gem that can make your trip feel more authentic. And since it's only a 30-minute ride from Kampot, it's an easy day trip destination.
This was actually the first town I stopped in after arriving in Cambodia, and it took me by surprise in the best way. The vibe is calm, the local life is still very present, and the scenery is lush and green. You'll also find budget-friendly bungalows set on spacious, tropical grounds, many of which have a pool and a restaurant. It's the perfect place to slow down for a few days.
Here are the best things to do in Kep, whether you're visiting for just a day or staying a little longer.
Taste the Flavors of Kep's Crab Market
Fishing boats and traditional crab traps © Maxime Boudrias
Step into the local crab market for a real feast of the senses. The smell of fresh seafood grilling, the fishermen coming and going with the day's catch, and the lively, colorful atmosphere all make it a unique experience.
Unlike other tourist-heavy spots, you'll mostly meet friendly locals here. You can pick up fresh crab, squid, octopus, oysters, or clams, then watch as cooks prepare them right in front of you, either grilled or stir-fried.
Grilled squid being prepared at a food stall in Kep's crab market © Maxime Boudrias
The vibe is raw and authentic. And yes, the fishy smell is very real. The floor is wet with seawater, and every now and then a crab might scuttle between your feet. You'll weave your way through smoke and open flames from the barbecues. But hey, that's exactly what makes travel feel genuine, isn't it?
Try Crab with Fresh Kampot Pepper
My plate of blue crab with Kampot green pepper, served with a rich sauce © Maxime Boudrias
So, what do you do in Kep? “You eat crab!” That's exactly what the locals told me when I arrived, and they couldn't be more right. You have to try the famous crab with fresh Kampot pepper, a true regional specialty. The crabs come straight from the sea, and the pepper is grown just around the corner in local farms. It doesn't get fresher than this.
Seaside restaurants with panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand © Maxime Boudrias
Right along the main road after the crab market, you'll find plenty of small restaurants, each offering a great view of the water. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal while watching the sunset.
Relax at Kep Beach
Kep isn't exactly known for its beach, so don't expect a postcard-perfect stretch of sand or a dream swimming spot. But that's actually part of its charm. The beach is laid-back, very local, and filled with families and groups of friends enjoying the water and having fun. It's a true glimpse into everyday Cambodian life.
Take time to watch local life unfold, snack on fresh tropical fruits, or sip a cold juice at one of the many small food stalls lining the beach. As you stroll along, you'll get nice views of the coastline, plus the famous giant blue crab statue — the proud symbol of Kep.
Hiking in Kep National Park
Stunning view from Led Zep Café in the heart of Kep National Park © Maxime Boudrias
A visit to Kep wouldn't be complete without exploring its national park. The main trail is an 8 km loop, easy to follow and mostly shaded. You can do it on foot, by bike, on a scooter, or even in a private tuk-tuk with a guide. Since the park is quite spread out and the points of interest are far apart, I recommend having some kind of transport. I rented a small motorbike from my hotel for 20,000 KHR (about $5 USD) for the day.
One of the best viewpoints in Kep is inside the park at Led Zep Café. There you'll find a small restaurant, a swing, hammocks, and other fun spots, all overlooking the jungle and the sea.
Along the way, you'll also come across a tall observation tower. It's not for the faint of heart, but climbing all the way up is worth it for the 360° views over the jungle, Cambodia's mountains, the Gulf of Thailand, and even Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island.
Me and my partner Ericka at the top of the observation tower © Maxime Boudrias
During the walk, we spotted butterflies, lizards, a few monkeys, and plenty of birds. The park is also home to some impressive trees, including a massive one the locals call the King Tree.
And all this for just 5,000 KHR (around $1 USD), payable right at the entrance.
Enjoy a Seafront Hangout Spot
Small bungalow for rent with a woman riding a motorbike carrying a basket of fresh durians © Maxime Boudrias
A favorite weekend activity for Cambodians is renting a shaded spot by the sea in Kep. These simple wooden shelters often come with hammocks, and sometimes even a barbecue. It's a relaxed, local way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
Bring your own drinks and food for a picnic by the water, or grab something from the nearby cafés and street food stalls selling grilled seafood and refreshing drinks.
Rental usually costs between $5 and $10 USD, though sometimes it's free if you order food or drinks on-site. You'll find these seafront spots all along Route 33A, especially near Kep Beach.
Where to Stay in Kep
In front of the pool at Atmaland Resort, a peaceful retreat in Kep's resort area © Maxime Boudrias
To make the most of your time in Kep, choose accommodation in the resort area. This part of town is quiet and green, yet still close to the market, the buses to Kampot, and the beach. Many guesthouses and hotels here are affordable and offer useful services like tours, scooter rentals, an on-site restaurant, and breakfast.
Here are my personal recommendations:
- Atmaland Resort: This is where I stayed, and the value for money is hard to beat. The grounds are spacious and lush, with a beautiful pool, a relaxing lounge area, and a restaurant that's perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
- Raingsey Bungalow: A more upscale option, this place includes breakfast, a pool, and everything you need for a comfortable and pleasant stay.
How to Get to Kep
From Phnom Penh, the easiest way to reach Kep is by bus with the Giant Ibis company. The bus makes a stop in Kampot before arriving in the center of Kep. The journey takes about 4 hours on comfortable, air-conditioned buses, with a meal break along the way. Tickets cost around 40,000 KHR ($10 USD).
From Kampot, several minibuses run daily to Kep. The most popular departure point is right in front of the Kampot Transports office. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around 20,000 KHR ($5 USD). The route runs frequently in both directions, making day trips between Kampot and Kep very convenient.
Getting Around Kep
If you're staying near the beach and the crab market, most places are easily reached on foot. Just keep in mind that the heat and humidity can get exhausting. For more comfort, ask your hotel about scooter rentals, usually around 20,000 KHR ($5 USD) per day.
If you don't drive, or if you're traveling in a small group, consider booking a private tuk-tuk through your hotel. For about 100,000 KHR ($25 USD), you'll get a stress-free tour around Kep, including the beach, the national park, and more.
Conclusion: Why Visit Kep, Cambodia?
Kep is a hidden gem in southern Cambodia, perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, calm, and a taste of local life. Just 30 minutes from Kampot and close to the Vietnamese border, this small coastal town offers a unique blend of nature, food, and culture.
Whether you want to wander through lively markets, savor the famous crab with fresh Kampot pepper, relax on the beach, hike through the national park, or stay in a peaceful green setting, Kep has plenty to offer.
With easy connections from Phnom Penh and Kampot, and simple ways to get around once you're there, visiting Kep is both hassle-free and rewarding. Don't miss this authentic and charming experience on your next trip to Cambodia.
FAQs
How to Get from Phnom Penh to Kampot or Kep
The easiest and safest way to travel from Phnom Penh to Kampot or Kep is by bus, ideally with Giant Ibis. This company has a great reputation for professionalism, comfortable air-conditioned buses, and regular stops for bathrooms and meals.
There are also cheaper options like minivans. They're usually faster, but less spacious, often driven recklessly, and sometimes charge extra for luggage. That's why I strongly recommend Giant Ibis — I've personally used them and had a smooth trip.
Booking Your Ticket
My Giant Ibis bus just arriving in Phnom Penh, ready for the adventure! © Maxime Boudrias
You can buy tickets directly at their office in Phnom Penh. During high season though, seats can sell out fast. To be safe, book online a few days in advance.
Giant Ibis runs several departures daily, with popular times at 8:00 AM and 2:45 PM.
On the Day of Departure
Arrive at the Giant Ibis counter at least 30 minutes before departure. Check in, drop your bag, and relax until boarding. The ride takes about 4 hours.
Ticket Prices
A ticket from Phnom Penh to Kampot costs around 40,000 KHR (10 USD). Going all the way to Kep adds a small extra fee of about 8,000 KHR (2 USD).
Arrival in Kampot or Kep
The bus makes its first stop in Kampot, then continues to Kep (about 30 minutes further). Just get off at the stop listed on your ticket.
To make the most of your trip, don't miss my complete travel guide to Kep where I share tips on what to see, where to stay, and how to enjoy this charming seaside town.
How to Get from Kampot to Koh Rong by Ferry
The best way to get from Kampot to Koh Rong is to take a direct ferry — no need to stop in Sihanoukville. It's easier, faster, and honestly a much more pleasant experience.
The ferry leaves from Kampot Port, about 20 minutes away by taxi or tuk-tuk from the city center. It makes a short stop at Koh Rong Sanloem before continuing to Koh Rong. The journey takes around 2 hours aboard a comfortable catamaran, and costs about 100,000 KHR (25 USD). Price-wise, it's the same as taking a bus to Sihanoukville plus a ferry, but this option saves you time and hassle.
For tickets, it's best to book online, especially in high season to secure your spot. You can also buy them directly at the Kampot Tourist Center, right next to the river in the city center.
Don't forget your passport, and make sure to arrive at Kampot Port at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and clear security. This is considered an international terminal, as ferries also connect to Vietnamese islands.
As for Sihanoukville, it's no longer the must-see stop it once was. The city has changed a lot in recent years, now filled with casinos, abandoned construction sites, and empty high-rises. I passed through myself — while Otres Beach still has charm and there's some local life to experience, it's not really worth a stop if you're short on time.
That said, you can always visit Sihanoukville after your stay on the islands, since ferries between Koh Rong and Sihanoukville are frequent and only take about 1 hour. It also works as a convenient starting point for onward travel to Siem Reap or back to Phnom Penh.
Which SIM Card to Choose in Cambodia as a Tourist?
In Cambodia, the three main mobile operators are Smart Axiata, Metfone, and Cellcard. All of them offer affordable plans with fairly similar coverage. Personally, I've used both Smart and Cellcard, and I never had major issues. Sometimes one worked better than the other depending on the location.
Prices are very reasonable. Expect to pay around 20,000 to 40,000 KHR ($5 to $10 USD) for 50 to 100 GB of data valid for one month. If someone charges you more, be cautious. Always buy your SIM card from an official kiosk, either at the airport or at the operator's stores in town.
The three main operators at Phnom Penh Airport, convenient for buying a SIM card as soon as you land © Maxime Boudrias
Mobile coverage in Cambodia is strong in urban and tourist areas such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and even on some islands like Koh Rong. Don't expect blazing speeds or consistent 4G/5G everywhere, but the mobile internet is usually good enough for browsing, working online, or making video calls. Once you leave these areas, especially in rural regions or while traveling between cities, the signal can drop or disappear.
For a reliable connection and peace of mind, I recommend Smart, which is both very popular and the largest operator in the country. Their kiosks are easy to find across Cambodia, making it simple to top up or get assistance if needed.
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