10 Exciting things to do in Kep (Day Trip from Kampot)
Kep is skipped by most backpackers or often serves only as a day trip location. Such a shame! The nature around Kep is still very pure and there are quite a few things to do. I’ve spent two weeks in Kep and would love to share some of the best things to do in Kep, so you can make the most of your time in this coastal town.
10 Exciting things to do in Kep
Below you can find an overview with 10 great activities that you can do in Kep. I’ve also included some of my favorite restaurants and farms:
Eating Crab Amok or another Cambodian dish
Eating crab is one of the must-do activities when visiting Kep. There are many seafood restaurants that offer an array of dishes made from the freshly caught crabs. From the classic fried crab with Kampot pepper to the crab amok, there are many dishes to choose from. I tried the Krab Amok at the Arts Cafe and really loved it.
Amok is a traditional Cambodian dish that is highly regarded as the country’s national dish. The base of krab amok consists of a thick and creamy curry sauce. The most important ingredients are lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, garlic, shallots, and other fragrant herbs and spices. Together with coconut milk and palm sugar, you get a delicious creamy curry sauce. Definitely a must-try when visiting Kep!
Hiking in Kep National Park
Kep National Park is a great destination if you love nature. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, a nice landscape tower, well-maintained road and some beautiful viewpoints. I’m sure you are going to spot some monkeys!
Visit a pepper farm
One of the most popular things to do in Kep is to visit a pepper farm. I really enjoyed visiting Sothy’s Pepper Farm. Here, you can take a guided tour of the farm and learn about the history of pepper cultivation in Cambodia, as well as the various types of pepper grown on the farm. You can also pick your own pepper and take part in a pepper tasting session. In addition, the farm offers a range of souvenirs and gift items for sale.
Take a day trip to Rabbit Island
One of the adventurous things to do in Kep is making a day trip to Rabbit Island. It is a small, uninhabited island located just off the coast of Kep. Here, you can swim in the warm sea, hike around the island, watch incredible sunsets, relax in a hammock and recharge.
The boat usually departs two times a day (09:00am and 13:00pm), but the schedule is a bit unpredictable. The costs for a return ticket is about $10 per person.
Visiting the island is an adventure, because the island is not well developed and you might see some rubbish. Don’t expect well-maintained roads or too much places to eat, drink or stay overnight. Despite this, it is a great place to visit. It’s like going back in time and the locals are super friendly.
Tip: you can stay overnight at Rabbit Island. Most travelers stay at Khim Vouch ay Bungalow ($10-20/night). In terms of the accommodation, the bungalows are very simple and you only have electricity from 18h to 23h. Despite this, it is a great place to unwind. The food is also delicious!
Relax at Kep Beach
Kep has a really small beach where you can relax and soak up the sun. Close to the beach you can find a statue of a mermaid.
See the salt lakes
Visiting the salt lakes is one of the best things to do in Kep. The lakes are shallow and surrounded by lush green vegetation, creating a tranquil atmosphere. You can also spot plenty of birds like Pelicans, egrets and herons around the salt lakes. On Google Maps you can find several salt lakes in the neighborhood of Kep.
Tip: looking for a unique experience? Book a bungalow at Salt Field Glamping and stay in the middle of the salt marshes. It’s a quiet, pleasant and very pretty place, especially during sunset!
Watch the sunset
Another great thing to do in Kep is to watch the sunset. Kep’s coastline is the perfect spot to catch the sun setting over the Gulf of Thailand.
Tip: Led Zep Cafe is a great place to watch the sunset or sit at one of the benches near the Crab market.
Rent a scooter and explore the surroundings
One of the most popular activities is to rent a scooter and explore the surrounding area. The surrounding area is filled with green hills, small fishing villages, and plenty of opportunities to take in the local culture.
Explore Urban Ruins from the 1960’s
Kep was once home to a resort town for high-end French tourists and elite Cambodian citizens. Unfortunately, during the civil war in the 1970s, Kep was destroyed and abandoned. Today, the ruins of the old town provide an interesting glimpse into the past. You can find the ruins all over the town.
Tip: be careful when visiting the ruins, because most of them are not maintained.
Budget Tip
Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
Furthermore, I recommend paying in Cambodia with Cambodian Riel as much as possible. There is quite a hard time with the USD banknotes. Once these have a little damage or tear, you can’t turn them in anywhere. Save yourself the trouble and pay in Riel as much as possible.
Visit Wat Samathi Pagoda
Wat Samathi Pagoda is located on a hill and features a stunning view of the surrounding area. Inside the temple, you can find several Buddhist shrines and statues. If you have time left in Kep and love exploring cultural sites, this is a must-visit!
Travel Insurance
Don’t forget a travel insurance for your Cambodia trip. Heymondo is one of the cheapest travel insurances for backpackers and covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. For being a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll get a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
How to travel to Kep?
Depending on your location, you can consider different modes of transportation to Kep:
- Air: The nearest international airport is Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). From there, you can take a minivan to Kep, which takes about 3-4 hours. Another option is to fly to Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), which is the closest airport to Kep. From there, you can take a minivan which takes about 2-3 hours to reach Kep.
- Bus: Cambodia has an extensive bus network connecting major cities and towns. You can take a bus from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, or other nearby destinations to reach Kep. Buses are generally affordable and reliable.
- Tuk Tuk: If you are traveling from Kampot to Kep, you can simply use a tuk tuk. I recommend to download PassApp, a convenient mobile app for booking tuk tuk services in Cambodia. Simply download the app, create an account, enter your pickup and destination locations, and a nearby tuk tuk driver will be assigned to you. Track the driver’s location, enjoy your ride, and make cashless payments through the app.
If you are traveling from Vietnam to Kampot or Kep, you are probably going to cross the border between Ha Tien and Kampot. This is a quite straightforward process.
Transportation Tip
I always use 12GoAsia when traveling in other countries. With just a few taps, you can easily book a ride ensuring
a seamless and budget-friendly travel experience. Most of the time, you will receive a digital transportation ticket,
so you don’t have to worry about printing your ticket.
Accommodation in Kep
When it comes to accommodation, Kep has a great selection of options to suit all budgets:
Budget accommodation:
For those on a tighter budget, there are smaller guesthouses in Kep offering good value for money. I recommend to explore Jungle House Kep or Khmer House Guesthouse. Both places are very nice and offer affordable private rooms.
Mid-range accommodation:
If you have a higher budget available, there are some beautiful bungalows and affordable resorts in Kep to choose from. My favorite place to stay in Kep was at Kep Lodge, a beautiful property with luxurious private bungalows, a nice swimming pool and great restaurant with gaming area (pool and table tennis). Another nice place to check out is Atmaland Resort. This is another nice and peaceful resort in the middle of the nature.
Luxury accommodation:
If you really want to experience some luxurious vibes, you can book a spacious room or private villa at the Veranda Natural Resort. This resort is surrounded by nature and has some great pool areas where you can see beautiful sunsets. You can also easily walk from the resort to the National Park.
Conclusion
Kep has a lot to offer. From its delicious seafood, beautiful salt lakes and interesting pepper farms, to its local markets and stunning national park, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Kep. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as partake in outdoor activities. Please don’t skip Kep when traveling to Kampot. Make sure to visit the beautiful coastal town for at least one day. Believe me, it’s totally worth it!
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
Author: Daphne
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One Comment
Mel
Wow, I stumbled upon this blog post about 10 exciting things to do in Kep and I’m absolutely thrilled! It’s exactly what I needed to plan my day trip from Kampot. Thank you for sharing this amazing guide, I can’t wait to explore Kep and make unforgettable memories!
Regard Mel