Kep, a tiny sea-side town in Cambodia was once ruled by the French. Traces of the past can be seen in buildings scattered around the seaside, but this part of Cambodia is often overlooked by tourists because, apart from the lazy white beaches, Rabbit Island, an abandoned (or haunted) Bokor Palace and Hotel in Kampot, some caves, Kep National Park and pepper plantations – there is not much to hold a tourists attention.
Which is really sad because Kep is charming in every way.
It is different if you are a traveler not looking to score up on the “legendary” pictures as you find at, say, Siem Reap. But once here, there are few other places in the world that will hold your mind and your heart forever.
I hadn’t heard of it until I was actually in Phnom Penh, although I did hear about Kampot and the haunted Bokor Palace earlier. But not knowing was the best thing that happened to me – I was delightfully surprised. And Kep was a surprise I was more than happy to have.
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)
As soon as I arrived here, I learned of the Rabbit Island, thanks to the boatman lounging about the restaurant I was enjoy my amok and rice. I fell in with the idea – although there was a storm brewing and the sea was choppy. Which probably explained why there were no tourists looking for a boat at that very moment. I fell in with the idea and despite the warnings of the restaurant owner, I decided to go.
On non-rainy or stormy days, it is easy to hire a boat that plies between the island and costs much less.
Rabbit Island is a place you don’t want to miss if you happen to be there. For me, the highlights were lounging about in the hammocks and drinking beer – yeah, and when fancy took, frolicking in the sea. And no! I did not see that many rabbits either!!! There are a few places to stay, although you could just as easily be a beach-bum there.
The ticket you buy is usually a two-ticket and try not to miss the boat back to the mainland.
Kep National Park
If you are up for a good hike, this could be the place for you. Although, do not expect to run into any excitement – at best, you could see a few monkeys. The trails lead through dense overgrowth and are easy to walk. Carry enough water though and do not worry if you didn’t run into too many walkers/hikers.
The people of Cambodia in general are extremely friendly and more so in Kep, which thankfully is now being rediscovered by travelers who stop by en route to Sihanoukville, slightly more popular beach destination.
Eat crab like there is no tomorrow
If you are a seafood lover, this is the place you want to live forever. Freshly procured squids and crabs cooked right by the beach is an experience you are not likely to get anywhere – and for that cheap. It has been said that tourists arrive on a day trip from the capital city just to savour the crab! Could be true, going by the number of people crunching their way to the soft and sweet meat inside!
Getting around in Kep
Getting around in Cambodia is never a problem, what with the thousands of tuk tuks plying the roads and eager for a fare. The far, of course is negotiable, but chances are that unless you know a bit of Khmer, it could be a bit of a problem!
Getting to Kep
1. If you are in Kampot, take the bus or hire a bike. Kep is about 25km away.
2. From Phnom Penh, you could get on a bus (about 4-5 hrs)
3. If you happen to be in Sihanoukville, Kep is a 2 hour bus ride away
