“The best crabs in Cambodia”.
Where is Kep?
The town of Kep is one of Cambodia’s top holiday destinations for both Cambodians and foreigners. In south Cambodia, set on the coastline fronting the Gulf of Thailand and the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc.
Getting there
We were staying in Kampot when we visited Kep for the day. Getting there by scooter. A really easy 16-mile journey, straight down National Highway 33 to the White Horse roundabout.
Branch off to the right down the National Highway 33A to Kep beach.
Places of interest
White Lady Statue
One of the icons of Kep. Made from white concrete and sitting on a rock-based pier. The statue represents a naked lady waiting for her man to come back from a fishing trip.
It is a symbol of the unconditional love of Cambodian women to their family and husband. Attempts to cover the modesty of the statue only seem to last a couple of days. Probably blown away by the wind. Superstition has it that the White Lady doesn’t want to be covered, wanting the world to see her purity.
Kep Crab Statue
Another icon of Kep is the Crab Statue. Located near the National Park, the crab looks magnificent. Set on its “welcome to Kep” plinth surrounded by the lovely waters.
Kep Beach
Close to the tip of the Kep peninsula is the 1km long crescent of sand that is Kep beach. Dining platforms and seafood vendors line the road behind the beach. Busy on the weekends and on national holidays.
Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)
A 20-minute boat trip from Kep. The island is pretty and quiet, being a gem of the Cambodian coastline. Secluded white sand beaches line the edges of the island. The inside of the island has hilly coconut palms.
The surrounding waters are clear and warm, good for swimming and snorkeling around the rocks. A return trip to the island costs $20 for the boat, so try to get a crowd together to reduce the cost. The ferry departs from Koh Tonsay Boat Terminal.
Kep Crab Market
A row of waterfront wooden restaurants adjacent to the fish market. Crabs are kept in pens just off the pebbly beach. With so many great places to choose from at the crab market, keep an eye on where the locals are eating.
Wat Samathi Pagoda
Getting there
Sitting on top of a hill overlooking Kep. Wat Samathi Pagoda has commanding views over the gorgeous Kep coastline. Heading from Kep Beach on the National Highway 33A towards Krong Kaeb. Turn left at the Commissariat Police of Kep Province Office. Keep going straight down this road for 1.7km and you will see the Wat on the right. Turn and go down the unmade road.
When at the Wat you can either walk up the steps or take your scooter up the steep road to the top.
Inside the Wat has beautifully painted walls. All around the outside are ornate stone masonry carvings and grand Pagoda architecture.
Kep Coffee cafe
Really nice coffee shop in Kep behind Sokimex petrol station.
