Activities in Kep — PGI crab, Koh Tonsay and national park
Activities in Kep for expats — PGI crab market, Koh Tonsay, Kep National Park, hiking and day trips from the seaside resort town.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 4 min
In 3 bullets
- Crab market: Kep’s iconic culinary experience — fresh Gulf crab cooked with PGI Kampot pepper.
- Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island): 20 min by boat — quiet beach, turquoise water, no cars, no wifi.
- Kep National Park: hikes through jungle with views over the Gulf and encounters with macaques.
Crab market
The Kep Crab Market is a must for every visitor and resident. Crabs are bought directly from fishing boats moored at the dock, then cooked on the spot by the market vendors.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open from dawn until mid-afternoon |
| Fresh crab price | 6–12 USD/kg depending on size and season |
| Speciality | Crab with green Kampot pepper — the iconic combination |
| Other produce | Prawns, fish, squid, clams — all fresh from the Gulf |
Indicative prices 2025 — prices vary by fishing season and tourist footfall.
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)
20–25 min by boat from Kep pier. A small car-free island with no permanent electricity, perfect for a day or an overnight digital detox.
- Main beach: white sand, shallow water, safe for swimming.
- Snorkelling: shallow corals around the northern tip, basic equipment sufficient.
- Overnight on the island: basic bungalows with candles or solar lamps. A true Robinson Crusoe experience.
- Boat prices: ~5 USD one way, ~8 USD return. Book the day before in high season.
Kep National Park
The national park covers the hill behind Kep. Hiking trails through tropical forest, wildlife (macaques, birds), panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand and the Cambodian archipelago.
- Access: on foot from the centre of Kep (trail from the main beach).
- Duration: 1h to 3h depending on the route.
- Wildlife: macaques (keep bags closed), birds, forest lizards.
- Entry: free or a small fee — check on arrival.
Ruined colonial villas
Kep is home to ruined French colonial villas from the 1950s–1960s, remnants of the era when the town was the seaside resort of the Cambodian elite. An architectural and historical walk through the hill — a striking contrast between encroaching vegetation and concrete ruins.
Day trips from Kep
| Destination | Distance | What to see |
|---|---|---|
| Kampot | 25 km (30 min) | Restaurants, river, pepper plantations |
| La Plantation | ~20 km | PGI pepper plantation, tour and tasting |
| Phnom Chhnork | ~20 km | 5th-century Buddhist cave |
| Sihanoukville | ~85 km (2h) | Otres beaches, ferries to the islands |
Indicative distances and times from the centre of Kep by motorbike or car.
FAQ
Is the Kep beach good for swimming?
Kep’s main beach is modest (little sand, shallow water). It is fine for a dip but the best beaches are on Koh Tonsay (20 min by boat). Resident expats often head to Koh Tonsay for a half-day swim.
Are there activities for children in Kep?
Yes: crab market (children love it), Koh Tonsay (safe swimming), hikes in the park with macaques. Kep’s atmosphere is very family-friendly for holidays.
Can you dive from Kep?
No — diving in Kep is non-existent or very limited. For diving, head to Sihanoukville (2h) or the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.