Kep National Park covers 66 km² of forested hills immediately behind the beach resort. A dirt loop trail traverses the massif and offers panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand, accessible on foot, by bike or motorbike. The site remains one of the simplest nature excursions to arrange from Kep.

Why visit Kep National Park

The park combines three rare assets on this Cambodian coast: a well-preserved dry forest, a marked loop trail passable without a guide, and alternating panoramas of sea and hinterland. Visitor numbers remain moderate, especially on weekdays and outside peak season, allowing for peaceful walking unlike more popular sites in the country.

Unlike the temples of Angkor or historic memorials such as Choeung Ek, Kep offers a purely natural experience, a complement to a more culturally oriented itinerary in Cambodia.

What to see and do in the park

The main loop

The central route is a 6.5 km forest road, dirt and stony, that circles the hill following the contours of the slope. The path climbs gradually on the first half, then descends on the other side of the ridge. The loop takes 2 to 3 hours on foot depending on pace and stops.

Former wooden cabins

Along the trail, several old wooden cafés now abandoned dot the road. Their terraces, overlooking the sea, remain accessible and offer natural rest spots with views of the Kep coastline and Koh Tonsay island in the distance. These structures, remnants of an unfinished tourism project, make popular picnic spots.

Fauna and flora

The forest is home to diverse birdlife (hornbills, bulbuls, drongos) and several macaque species that you'll often hear before seeing them. Butterflies are abundant during the wet season. Vegetation mixes deciduous trees, vines and bamboo, with shaded areas throughout most of the trail.

Secondary trails

Several narrow paths branch off from the main loop and climb to viewpoints. They are marked unevenly; it's best to stick to clear paths if you don't have offline maps.

Practical information

• Duration: allow 2 to 3 hours for the complete loop on foot, about 1 hour by bike, 30 to 45 minutes by motorbike with stops.
• Difficulty: easy to moderate. The elevation gain is gradual but heat can make walking challenging mid-day.
• Entry fee: a small park entrance ticket is generally required, modest in amount.
• Equipment: closed shoes, hat, plenty of water (at least 1.5 L per person), insect repellent, snacks as no shops are open along the trail.
• Safety: avoid starting late in the afternoon; darkness falls quickly under the forest canopy.

When to go

The dry season, from November to April, remains the most comfortable period: trails are passable, skies are clear at viewpoints, and morning temperatures are pleasant. December to February are the most agreeable months.

In the wet season (May to October), vegetation is denser and light softer, but the main road becomes slippery in places and visibility from viewpoints decreases. In any case, opt for an early start (6am-8am) to enjoy the cool and observe active wildlife.

How to get there

The park entrance is about 2 km from central Kep, behind the Veranda Natural Resort complex. From the town center:

• On foot: 30 to 40 minutes' walk to the entrance.
• By bike: easy rental in town, the most practical option to combine transport and the loop.
• By tuk-tuk: short ride from Kep, negotiable for a round trip with wait time.
• By motorbike: daily rental available through guesthouses.

Things to combine nearby

A visit to the park fits naturally into a 2 to 3 day stay in Kep, a town famous for its crab market and beaches. The neighboring island of Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) is reached by boat from the port. To extend your cultural experience in Cambodia, major sites of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom can be visited in the Siem Reap region, at the other end of the country.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Kep National Park integrates easily into a circuit combining the Cambodian coast and Angkor temples. To build a tailor-made itinerary including this nature stop, consult our trips to Cambodia.