Kep Province

Kep province is one of the southwest provinces of Cambodia which is 175 kilometers from Phnom Penh. It is one of Cambodia’s smallest provinces, covering an area of about 187.24 square kilometers. It is bordered by Kampot Province to the north and east and the Gulf of Thailand to the south and west.

The province’s name is derived from the French words “Le Cap” or “Cape” in English, which is a point of land that just into the water. However, Khmer legend explains that Prince Sakor Reach possessed magical powers and hypnotize a commander of Angkor Thom before stealing his horse. While relaxing at the seaside, the commander’s troops caught up with the prince, who jumped on the horse to escape. The horse reared and fell on the prince and in the process lost its saddle. The prince made his escape bareback, leaving the saddle behind. Hence, the area was called Kep Seh or saddle for a horse.

Kep is divided into 1 administrative district and 1 municipality, called Kep City. The province has no international border gates. With over 44,000 people, the province is Cambodia’s 25^th area and 25^th populous, the smallest in terms of land area and population.

History

Kep Province, a tiny province located in southern Cambodia and known for its seaside charm and beautiful landscape, has a rich and varied history that reflects the broader historical currents of the region.

Pre-History or Early History Period

The area around Kep has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of prehistoric settlements. During the Funan and Chenla periods (1^st – 9^th centuries), the region was part of early Cambodian states, which were among the first Indianized kingdoms in Southeast Asia.

During the Khmer Empire (approximately 9th to 15th centuries), the area that is now Kep province was likely a small but significant coastal region. While Kep itself was not a major center like Angkor, it played a role in the broader network of the Khmer Empire, particularly in terms of trade and maritime activities. Kep’s location on the Gulf of Thailand made it strategically important for trade and maritime activities. The Khmer Empire had extensive trade networks, and coastal areas like Kep would have been key points for facilitating trade with neighboring regions, including the Malay Peninsula, India, and China. While not a political or cultural center, Kep’s coastal position likely connected it to the broader Khmer Empire, serving as a point for goods to flow in and out of the empire, particularly agricultural products, fish, and other resources. The region around Kep would have been a source of seafood and possibly agricultural products. The Khmer Empire was highly dependent on rice cultivation, but coastal areas would also contribute other food resources, helping sustain the empire’s population.

While Kep was not a central hub during the Khmer Empire, it likely played a supporting role in the empire’s economy and trade networks due to its coastal position. The lack of significant archaeological remains from this period suggests that its importance was more regional and functional rather than as a cultural or political center. The area’s integration into the Khmer Empire would have been part of the broader administrative and economic structure that supported the empire’s vast and diverse territories.

Post-Angkor Period

The post-Angkor period in Cambodian history (15^th to 19^th centuries) was a time of significant transition and turmoil, marked by the decline of the Khmer Empire, shifting power dynamics, and the influence of neighboring kingdoms. Kep, like much of Cambodia, experienced changes during this period, though it remained a relatively quiet and less prominent region.

After the fall of Angkor in the 15^th century, the center of power in Cambodia shifted southward to areas like Phnom Penh and later Oudong. The once-great Khmer Empire fragmented, and its territories, including regions like Kep, were no longer unified under a strong central authority. As the political center shifted, Kep, being a coastal region far from the new centers of power, likely became more marginal in terms of political and economic importance. The region would have been influenced by the broader instability and fragmentation of the period.

During the post-Angkor period, Cambodia faced pressure from its more powerful neighbors, Siam (Thailand) and Vietnam. Kep, being near the coast and close to Vietnam, may have experienced some influence or control by these neighboring powers, especially as Cambodia lost territory to both Siam and Vietnam over the centuries. Despite the political changes, Kep’s coastal location would have continued to facilitate trade, albeit at a reduced scale compared to earlier periods. The region’s economy likely relied on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and trade with nearby regions, including both local Khmer communities and foreign traders. Throughout the post-Angkor period, Buddhism remained a significant part of Cambodian culture, even in more remote areas like Kep. The region likely maintained traditional Khmer cultural and religious practices, though there may have been influences from neighboring cultures due to trade and occasional foreign control. Unlike the Angkor period, which left behind grand temples and monuments, the post-Angkor period saw fewer large-scale construction projects. In Kep, this likely meant that any significant architectural or cultural developments were modest and primarily focused on local needs.

Colonial Period

Kep gained prominence during the French colonial period. Originally known as “Kep-Sur-Mer (Kep on Sea)”, Kep city was founded in 1908 as a seaside resort for the French colonialists who called it La Perle de la Côte d’Agathe. Numerous merchants of Phnom Penh constructed the luxurious villa and resorts in 1910. Later, it was ceded to King Sisowath, and the commissioning of a watering place and sanatorium saw the successful development of a prominent bungalow opened to the public in 1917. Many of colonial buildings still stand today as ruins, reflecting the province’s colonial past. During the 1920s and 1930s, Kep grew in popularity, with more infrastructure being developed to accommodate tourists. The area was known for its calm waters, cooler climate, and scenic beauty.

Independence and Conflict Period

After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Kep continued to be a favored retreat for the Cambodian elite and French colonialists. During Prince Norodom Sihanouk’s regime, Kep was renovated into a beautiful seaside resort for the French and Cambodian elite who visited for coastal recreation and seafood cuisine. During Prince Norodom Sihanouk’s Sangkum Reastr Niyum regime, Kep enjoyed a short period of revitalization with the development of contemporary style buildings. Unique to Kep are its villas, modernist relics which number around 100 and built between 1953-1970. The style blended elements of the French modernist movement with Cambodian tradition and came to be known as New Khmer Architecture. It was Cambodia’s most popular and prestigious beach town and home to the King’s resort residence, although it was never occupied. The residence had expansive views over the bay. Predominantly two floors, the brick rendered villas were constructed on large sloping allotments and surrounded by traditional high brick rendered walls featuring ornate entrances. Kep featured a wide oceanfront promenade, statues, traditional crab shack restaurants, a small sandy beach, and extensive mangrove forests. It embodied retreat, peace, healthy recreation, fine dining and connection with the wealthy.

However, during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), like Kampot and the Bokor Hill Station, Kep suffered from internal conflict and the rise of the Khmer Rouge. Both the Khmer Rouge and locals seeking goods to exchange for rice and cash in Vietnam. The villas and much of the infrastructure were abandoned or destroyed as the Khmer Rouge targeted symbols of wealth and Western influence.

Modern Day

In the years following the Khmer Rouge era, Kep has slowly been rebuilding. It remains a small, relatively quiet province compared to the bustling cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. However, its beautiful coastal scenery and national park have helped it regain some of its status as a tourist destination. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there has been a revival of interest in Kep, with efforts to restore historical buildings and promote sustainable tourism.

Kep is known for its seafood, particularly crab, which is celebrated in the local cuisine. The province also boasts natural attractions like Kep National Park, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the coastline and islands. The nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) is another popular spot for visitors seeking a more rustic, beach experience. It has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking a quieter, more laid-back experience compared to other coastal areas like Sihanoukville.

Today, Kep is experiencing gradual development with a focus on eco-tourism and preserving its natural and historical heritage. The central government, local government and various organizations are working to promote Kep as a sustainable tourist destination, ensuring that its growth benefits the local community and environment.

Kep’s history is marked by periods of prosperity and decline, deeply influenced by Cambodia’s broader historical events. The province’s blend of natural beauty and colonial ruins offers a unique glimpse into the country’s past.

Dignitaries who were former governors of Kep since 1950 to present

There were 10 Governors of Kep Province since Sangkum Eea (1950-1970)-Present, including:

1. H.E. Tim Dong (ឯកឧត្តម ទឹម ដុង) the first governor of Kep Bokor City during Sangkum Era
2. H.E. Um Samouth (ឯកឧត្តម អ៊ុម សាមុត) the second governor of Kep Bokor City (then, Kep Bokor City was functioned as a commune to Kampot District of Kampot Province since 1979 till 1991)
3. H.E. Touch Marim (ឯកឧត្តម ទូច ម៉ារីម) as Kep City Governor when Kep was retitleled as a city​ from 1992-1994
4. H.E. Chea RithiChhut (ឯកឧត្តម ជា រិទ្ធិឈុត) as Kep City Governor 1994-1997
5. H.E. Va Vuthra (ឯកឧត្តម វ៉ា វុត្ថារ៉ា) as Kep City Governor 1997-2001
6. H.E. Seom Sun (ឯកឧត្តម ស៊ឹម ស៊ុន) as Kep City Governor 2001-2004
7. H.E. Chan Sam Ann (ឯកឧត្តម ច័ន្ទ សំអាន) as Kep City Governor 2004-2006
8. H.E. Hars Sareth (ឯកឧត្តម ហាស់ សារ៉េត) as Kep City governor from 2006-2008 and as Kep Provincial Governor from 2008-2012 (when Kep and other 3 provinces of Cambodia were titled as province according to the Royal Decree dated 22 December 2008)
9. H.E. Ken Satha (ឯកឧត្តម កែន សត្ថា) served as Provincial Governor from 2012-2020
10. H.E. Sorm Piseth (ឯកឧត្តម សោម ពិសិដ្ឋ) served as Provincial Governor from 2020-Present

Geography

Kep is a small province in southern Cambodia, situated along the Gulf of Thailand. Here are the key geographical features of Kep:

Topography: Kep features a relatively short but picturesque coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. The coastline is characterized by rocky outcrops, small sandy beaches, and mangrove forests. Off the coast of Kep are several small islands, the most notable being Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), which is known for its sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere. A small archipelago of 13 islands and islet are located at the east side of the Kep peninsula: Koh Tonsay “Rabbit island” (កោះទន្សាយ), Koh Kok “Egret island” (កោះកុក), Koh Mtes “Chili island” (កោះម្ទេស), Koh Svy “Mango island” (កោះស្វាយ), Koh Tbal “Millstone island” (កោះត្បាល់), Koh Hal Trei “Dry Fish island” (កោះហាលត្រី), Koh Svay Prei “Wild Mango island” (កោះស្វាយព្រៃ), Koh Sarang (កោះសារ៉ាង), Koh Pou (កោះពោធិ), Koh Makprang (កោះម៉ាក់ប្រាង), Koh Angkrong (កោះអង្រ្កង), Koh Ach She (កោះអាចម៌សេះ), Koh Sngout (កោះស្ងួត) “Dry island”. The province includes the Kep National Park, which encompasses a range of low hills and offers hiking trails with panoramic views. The highest point in the park reaches approximately 300 meters above sea level.

Climate:  Kep experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. Wet Season, May to October, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. Dry Season, November to April, with less rainfall and more moderate temperatures. The average temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C throughout the year, with the hottest months being March and April.

Natural Resources, Vegetation and Land Use: Kep National Park protected area covers a significant portion of the province and is known for its biodiversity, including various species of flora and fauna. The park offers numerous trails for hiking and wildlife observation. The province has areas where salt is harvested from the sea, a traditional industry that has been practiced for generations. Outside the urban areas, much of Kep is rural and agricultural, with rice paddies, fruit orchards, and pepper plantations being common. The region is also famous for its seafood, particularly crab.

• Kep National Park covered land area of 1,230 hectares
• Mangrove Forest covered land area of 1,005 hectares including Thmey Village Mangrove Forest, O’ Kra Sa Mangrove Forest, Kep Village Mangrove Forest, Angkol Mangrove Forest (1) and Angkol Mangrove Forest (2).
• Seagrass area covered land are of 3,095 hectares.
• Coral reef area covered land area of 52.5 hectares.

Kep’s geography, with its blend of coastal and hilly landscapes, supports a variety of ecosystems and offers both natural beauty and resources for the local economy.

Administrative divisions

As of 2024, the province is divided into 1 municipality (Krong) and 01 districts (Srok), 03 Sangkat and 02 communes (Khum), and 18 villages. Based on CDB of 2022, the total population is 44,523 people (female 22,822), the number of households is 10,458 households, and the density is 238 people/km². Kep municipality is the seat of government, commonly known Krong Kep or Kep City.

1. Kep Municipality (03 Sangkat)
2. Damnak Chang Er District (02 Khum)

The provincial symbol is decaled by Ministry of Interior via a Prakas No.2618 BrK dated 1 June 2020 on the Establishment of Kep Province Symbol. The symbol has shape and image as follow:

Accessibility

• Road: The main road through Kep is National Road 2 (via Takeo) and 3 (via Kampot) which starts in Phnom Penh, then continues with national road 33 and 33A.
• Waterway: there are maritime accessible from Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk and Vietnam. In the near future, there is another inland waterway called Funan Techo Canal.

Tourism Products

Kep, with its blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences, has become an attractive destination for tourists. Here are some of the key tourism resources in Kep:

Kep National Park (ឧទ្យានជាតិកែប): park offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails with scenic viewpoints, about 8 kilometers. It homes to diverse wildlife and plants, making it ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. The park also includes guided tours and eco-friendly activities. Located in Kep city, it is a prestigious park in Cambodia. This park is a must-visit place for national and international tourists who wish to visit the perfect natural tourist area and was built in 1993. All tourists can easily visit Kep National Park through the entrance opposite​ to the Veranda Natural Resort.

Kep Beach (ឆ្នេរលេងទឹកកែប): Located in the center of Kep, this 600-meter-long beach is a small, crescent-shaped beach known for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere, ideally for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, Tourists can take a bath and play for about 150 meters.

Angkol Beach (ឆ្នេរអង្កោល)៖ Angkol beach is a breath-taking landscape with beautiful white sandy beaches that extend about 3 km. It is a peaceful beach and located in Angkol village, Angkol commune of Damnak Chang’aeur district about 24 km southeast of Kep. There are many kinds of trees, particularly coconut trees, growing and giving shade to the beach. In front of this beach, tourists can also enjoy viewing the beauty of Koh Kok, Koh Svay, and Koh Tbal.

Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay “កោះទន្សាយ”): Located in Kep village of Sangkat Kep, it is one of the 13 islands in the sea area of Kep province and covers an area of 189 hectares with a population about 11 household and about 100 people of whom engaged in fishing, seaweed farming and tourism service.

Koh Kok “Egret Island” (កោះកុក)៖ it is a tiny island with green scenery and surrounded by a clear blue sea that visitors can see all the way through to the seabed. The beach is covered by sand and colorful small pebbles. This island is in the biodiversity conservation area.

Koh Mtes “Chili Island” (កោះម្ទេស)៖ it is a small island in the fishery area of Kep province which has beautiful green scenery and is surrounded by the clear blue sea. The island lies in a marine biodiversity conservation area.

Koh Svy “Mango Island” (កោះស្វាយ)៖ it is a tiny island that has beautiful scenery with clear blue sea and big branchy trees that provide shades for tourists. The island lies in a marine biodiversity conservation area.

Koh Tbal “Millstone Island” (កោះត្បាល់)៖ Covered land area of 14.7 hectares, it is a natural island that is surrounded by beautiful scenery and situated southwest of Koh Tonsay by about 1.5 kilometer. A clear blue sea and ocean breeze are very refreshing, making tourists feel refreshed and relaxed.

Koh Hal Trei “Dry Fish Island” (កោះហាលត្រី)៖ It is a green island and surrounded by a clear blue sea, tiny colorful gravel at the beach and is located in a marine ecology conservation area.

Koh Svay Prei “Wild Mango Island” (កោះស្វាយព្រៃ)៖ it is an island that has beautiful scenery with clear blue sea, big branchy trees, white soft sandy beaches and colorful stones. The island lies in a marine biodiversity conservation area.

Koh Sarang (កោះសារ៉ាង)៖ It is a beautiful island surrounded by a lush green natural view and deep clear sea that is ideal for swimming.

Koh Pou (កោះពោធិ)៖ Covered land area of 32.2 hectares, it is an island that has wonderful scenery. It is good for tourists who like to visit environmental tourist destinations. On the Pou island, there is also a beach with white, soft sand that is surrounded by the light green forest and has quiet and calm atmosphere.

Koh Makprang (កោះម៉ាក់ប្រាង)៖ it is an island among the Kep Archipelago that has impressive scenery with a clear blue sea, large trees, and is full of the reefs. The island lies in a marine biodiversity conservation area.

Koh Angkrong “Weaver ant island” (កោះអង្រ្កង)៖ Covered land area of 6.1 hectares, itis a beautiful island among the thirteen islands in Kep. It has lush greenery and clear blue sea where visitor can see through to the seabed. The beach is beautiful with soft and white sand, and small colorful pebbles. The island lies in a marine biodiversity conservation area.

Koh Ach She “Horse Manure Island” (កោះអាចម៌សេះ)៖​ Covered an area of 8.3 hectares, it is one of the 13 islands in Kep province with beautiful scenery and is under marine conservation. It is the furthermost island from the mainland, which is about an hour by speed boat from mainland Kep, and the nearby to Vietnam. The island was used as an outpost during war with Vietnam. In fact, Military fortifications and fruit trees planted by the Khmer Rouge as a food supply remain visible on the island. Since 2013, the island has been home to Marine Conservation Cambodia, a non-profit marine conservation organization that helped establish the Kep Archipelago Marine Fisheries Management Area and is currently in charge of its management. It has a clear blue sea, large shade trees and priceless biodiversity under the water.

Salt Fields (ស្រែអំបិល): Traditional salt harvesting areas where visitors can learn about the process and see local workers in action. These fields offer a unique insight into local agricultural practices. Salt is a geographical indication of Cambodia. In fact, Khmer salt produced in Kep province is recognized for its high quality and taste. Khmer salt is made from sea water and another type that has the highest price and international support is the salt flower (ផ្កាអំបិល). Kep Province has a salt production area of ​​730.12 hectares, which can produce 10,133 tons of salt per year (13.88 tons / 1 hectare).

Phnom Sor Sia Resort (រមណីយដ្ឋានភ្នំសសៀរ): Located 14 kilometers southwest of Kep and about 3 kilometers of the White horse roundabout, the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery site make it popular with tourists year-round. To reach the site, tourists can travel from the White horse roundabout on National Road 33A (in the direction from Kep to Kampot) for more than 2 kilometer and turn right through the gate of Wat Phnom Sar Sia, about 900 meters, they will reach the site. This Natural and Historical site is composed of three small mountains and features natural caves, including Sdech Damrei Sor – Veal Sre Mouy Roy Cave, Bat Cave, and Relic Stupa “គោត្តមុនីចេតិយ (ចេតិយតម្កល់សរីរិកធាតុ)”. Sdech Damrei Sor-Veal Sre Mouy Roy cave is an important huge cave for worship. The interior of the cave consists of huge limestone growing like Elephant. In addition to a large elephant-shape stone, there are another entrance to the 100 rice fields (Veal Sre Mouy Roy). It is small rock that are supposed to be rice fields by the local belief. Bat Cave, located on the other side of Phnom Sar Sia, is homed thousands of bats weeping loudly throughout the cave and has a small shrine for visitor to pay a respect before entering to the cave. Relic Stupa “គោត្តមុនីចេតិយ (ចេតិយតម្កល់សរីរិកធាតុ)” is a beautiful decorated stupa was built on the premise in 1964 by the Princess Raksmey Sopoan. From the mountaintop, visitors have a stunning view of rice paddies, the islands and sea below, distant mountains.

Kep Crab Market (ផ្សារក្តាម): Located in Phum Thmei village, Sangkat Prey Thom of Kep city, it originally was an unspoiled beach with many coconut trees. Due to its favorable location for prolong the life of the crab (កន្លែងប្រោះក្តាម) and is located at the beginning of the road which is convenient for traveler who like to eat crab and other seafood, making the local people gathered their stalls to selling the crab and others. Due to the steady increase in the number of visitors, the area has been set up with restaurants, shops and markets for seafood and other souvenirs, as well as public parks, parking lots and public toilets.​ It is a bustling market famous for its fresh seafood, especially blue swimmer crabs. Visitors can enjoy seafood dishes prepared on the spot at numerous stalls and restaurants. This market provides an authentic local experience and an opportunity to interact with local vendors.

Kep Villas: Remnants of French colonial-era villas, some of which are in ruins while others have been restored. These villas offer a glimpse into the province’s colonial past and architectural history.

• Villa Thomas or Governor Tem Doung Residence (វីឡា ទឹម ដុង) has been built in 1908 and was ruined during the Khmer Rouge. Located in Phum Thmei village of Sangkat Prey Thom, this beautiful house is not colonial architecture. It is middle-class house of Metropolitan type, once was the residence to Mr. Tim Doung, former Kep City Governor during 1960s. 
• Queen’s Villa (ព្រះរាជដំណាក់ម្ចាស់ក្សត្រីយានីស៊ីសុវត្ថិកុសុមៈនារីរ័ត្នសេរីវឌ្ឍនា) situated along the sea was built in the 1930s and served as a residence for Queen Sisowath Kossamak​ Neary Roth Serei Vodhana, mother of Prince Sihanouk. It is currently are sold and is not open to the public. There is a port nearby which was used only for royal family to dock on the boat for visiting the nearby island.
• Royal Residence of King Norodom Sihanouk (ព្រះរាជដំណាក់ព្រះបាទនរោត្តមសីហនុ ព្រះបរមរតនកោដ្ឋ) ៖ Located on a hilltop by the sea near Kep beach, there is a palace called King Norodom Sihanouk’s Royal Residence, a place for him to relax, built during the 1960s and also offers a nice view of the sea, beautiful sunrise, the Seabreeze, sunset and with the scenery of Bokor Mountain.

White Lady Statue (រូបចម្លាក់ស្រីស)៖ The Srey Sar statue, erected in the 1950s by His Excellency Tim Doung, the former city Governor of Kep, is on display in front of the provincial hall, in order to commemorate the French lady bathing in the sea and sunbathing on the beach. In the 1960s, H.E. Tim Dong erected another white female statue with the face of a Cambodian woman standing facing the sea, 3 meters high, representing Miss Kep, who was selected once a year. Due to the war, the two statues were destroyed, leaving only the remained foundation. In 1990, Srey Sar statue was rebuilt under the leadership of H.E. Sam Sarin, Chairman of the Kep Beach Development Committee under Kampot Province during the State of Cambodia era. In 2012, H.E. Ken Satha, former Governor of Kep Province, renovated the Srey Sar statue and widened the entrance to make it more beautiful and spacious for tourists to visit.

Crab Statue (រូបសំណាក់ក្តាមសេះ)៖ The ចrab statue is a symbol of arrival in Kep province, as it shows the potential of the rich tourist area as well as the source of seafood in Kep province. In general, tourists who visit there, in addition to being able to take​ photos, they can also admire the breathtaking beauty of the seascape, accompanied by fresh air and cool sea waves, causing all tourists to relax from the fatigue. In addition, in the morning you will see the beautiful sunrise and enjoy the sunset in the evening. Kep Crab Statue was built and officially inaugurated on December 11, 2012.

Chroy Daung Beach (ឆ្នេរជ្រោយដូង)៖ Chroy Dong Beach is located on the seafront and along National Road 33A in front of Kep Provincial Hall, a national and international tourist attraction for relaxation, fresh air, large parking lot with facilities, family dining with fresh, tasty and palatable seafood and can be admired with a beautiful sunset.

Kep Butterfly Garden (សួនមេអំបៅ) is a small, impressive space run by an American and located on the Jasmine valley eco-resort, next to Kep national park trail to the north of Kep provincial hall. It is home to thousands of butterflies and the entire area is surrounded by lush green trees, cool fresh air, butterflies and colorful flowers which make national and international tourists feel refreshed.

Wat Samathi Pagoda (វត្តសមាធិ): it is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on a hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. The pagoda features intricate carvings and statues, and offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. Also known as The Vipassana Thurak Center, more than 2 km from the beach, was built on February 1, 2003 by Dhammas Vipassana Sam Bunthoeun in Kep village, Sangkat Kep, Kep city. This is a quiet place that allows elderly people, monks from near and far to meditate. It is also an attractive tourist destination for national and international tourists, traveling up the 211 steps or by car to reach the monastery, which is revered and has fresh air. Surrounded by attractive scenery, mountains, sea, salt fields to visit with the presence of beautiful scenery in all seasons.

Phnom Vor (រមណីយដ្ឋានភ្នំវល្លិ៍)៖ Located in Pong Tuek commune of Damnak Chang’ aeur district, Phnom Vor is a historical area and a mountainous area intertwined with all kinds of forests, wildlife sanctuaries and hideouts of various rebel groups since ancient times.

The tourism industry in Kep has grown significantly over the years, transforming the province into a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of Kep’s tourism industry:

Accommodation: Kep offers a variety of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts. The growth of eco-friendly lodges and homestays has also been notable, catering to environmentally conscious travelers. In fact, there are 17 Hotels including Boutique hotels and resorts (equally 489 rooms and 760 beds) offer more comfort and amenities, often with a focus on local culture and eco-friendly practices, 58 Guesthouses including hostels (equally 767 rooms and 1,168 beds) offer Budget-friendly options for backpackers and budget travelers, 21 Bungalows-resort (equally 241 rooms and 339 beds) providing an immersive experience with natural landscape and local families in rural areas.

Restaurant and Eatery Services: There are 34 restaurants and eateries (1,971 chairs), where local restaurants and eateries serve traditional Khmer cuisine, including dishes like Seafood dishes etc.; International restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Western and Asian cuisine. Moreover, Cafés and Coffee Shops are popular spots for relaxing and enjoying local coffee and snacks.

Transportation Services: Improved Road infrastructure and transportation options have made Kep more accessible. Visitors can reach Kep by bus, taxi, private car and train service from Phnom Penh, Kampot, and other major cities. Local transportation options, including taxis, auto-rickshaw and manual-rickshaw, and motorbike rentals or Motor-taxis, are available for tourists to navigate within the province and are convenient for short distances and local tours. Bicycle and Motorbike rentals are popular among tourists wanting to explore the countryside independently. Boat Rentals are available for day trips and overnight trip to nearby islands.

Entertainment Services: Kep have a growing nightlife scene with 8 KTV venues for catering to local and tourists alike.

Wellness and Spa Services: A range of wellness services (3 places) is available, including traditional Khmer massages, spa treatments, and yoga classes, catering to tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Other Activities:

• Boat Tours: Tours around the islands and along the coastline, include activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and exploring remote beaches.
• Cycling and Motorbike Tours: Rental services available for exploring the scenic countryside, national park, and coastal roads. Guided tours often include stops at local attractions and viewpoints.
• Cooking Classes: Several local establishments offer classes where visitors can learn to cook traditional Cambodian dishes using fresh, local ingredients, Provides a hands-on cultural experience and a deeper understanding of Khmer cuisine.
• Spa and Wellness Retreats: Kep has several resorts and spas offering wellness programs, including traditional Khmer massages and yoga retreats. This is the ideal for tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Kep’s tourism resources cater to a wide range of interests, from nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers to those looking for cultural immersion and relaxation. Its relatively undeveloped and serene environment makes it an appealing destination for travelers looking to experience a quieter side of Cambodia.