Dozens of families once chose the seaside town of Kep as the location of their villas, and it’s easy to see why: great seaside views, moderate climate, and a wonderful collection of seafood choices. Two wars shattered their dreams and wrecked their houses, several of their shells remain today, stately, picturesque tombstones, monuments to past glories.
Seaside bungalows are a big part of Kep culture today, and you can stay here, away from the bustle of Sihanoukville, enjoying the sound of the ocean, enjoying the seafood, drinking in the ambiance and the beer.
The most fascinating part of Kep are the old villas. You can walk around in them, imagining what life was like in the days when carefree Kep was the seasonal headquarters of the cultured, before education itself was a ticket to death under the Khmer Rouge.
Eventually, you’ll see the villa of King Sihanouk, on the shore road at GPS Coordinates: N10° 28.784’, E104° 18.740’ , important coordinates, as there’s neither sign nor address. Pay the attendant a dollar or two, and walk upstairs to see the graffiti, and note the bullet holes that pepper the walls. In our opinion, this was the most fascinating element of Kep, the holiday residence of the man who ruled Cambodia.
Getting to Kep
25 km from Kampot, Kep can be reached by taxi or moto. We recommend that you explore Kep by car or moto, as the villas are spread out a bit, an arduous trek on foot. Most of the villas are on the parallel road immediately behind the shore road.
