Kep National Park
Aside from being a quaint little seaside town, Kep offers a lot more to tourists such as the Kep National Park - a small mountain range in the province that is host to an abundant wildlife and exotic plants, making it a pleasant place to go to for a hike.
Walking into the Kep National Park, visitors will be mesmerised by the untouched beauty of the mountain’s dense forest. Get an early start to get a glimpse of wildlife, such as squirrels, monkeys, birds, and butterflies. You can also visit the Little Buddha, Phnom Kep, and Sunset Rock along the trail, before reaching the summit for a gorgeous panoramic view of the Kep province.
Location
The National Park is about 11 kilometres south of the nearest Kep town and 31 kilometres southeast of Kampot town. The Sihanoukville International Airport is located about 110 kilometres west of this attraction.
Opening Days and Hours
The park is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Admission fee to the park costs USD 1. You can hire a guide to explore the dense forest for a fee of USD 6 to 10 for half a day.
How to Get There
Traveling from Kep via a tuk-tuk or motorcycle takes about 20 minutes. The main entrance of the park is located behind the Veranda Natural Resort, which is easy to spot. On the other hand, a tuk-tuk ride from Kampot will take about 50 minutes. The Sihanoukville International Airport is roughly a 2-hour drive away in a bus or taxi.
Suggested For
The national park is the best place to visit for nature lovers and those who enjoy hiking on jungle trails. It is suitable for family with kids, solo travelers, backpackers, young couples, and groups of friends.
Time to Spend
The 8 kilometre jungle trail in the mountain will take about 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Start as early as around 07:30 to avoid the midday heat.
Activities
Hiking, wildlife and exotic plants watching.
Food
A café can be found inside this National Park, which serves relatively affordable meals and cold drinks. Alternatively, visitors can find a number of restaurants and cafés nearby, which serves different kinds of cuisines.
Nearby Attractions
- The Crab Market: This market is about 5 to 6 kilometres away and a 17-minute drive from the national park.
- Kep Beach: The beach is abut 4 kilometres and an 18-minute drive away.
- The Rabbit Island: The Rabbit Island is a popular island getaway in Kep. You need to take a boat ride from the pier, which is about 4 kilometres away and a 15-minute drive from the national park.
Stay
Veranda Natural Resort, a 4-star hotel, is situated right at the entrance of Kep National Park. However, a number of other lodgings are available in the area, which suit different needs and budgets.
Good to Know
Bring a flashlight if you decide to stay a bit later to watch the stunning view of the sun going down from Sunset Rock. Put on insect repellent as you enter the jungle trail. The main hiking trail is well marked with reassuring signs, so it is easy to stay on the path.
