Kep is a tiny coastal province in southern Cambodia, known for its seafood and tropical islands. The relaxed provincial capital of Kep, or Krong Kaeb, has wide streets with crumbling villas that recall its former glory as a French colonial resort town. Kep Beach has calm waters and a promenade with statues, while vendors line the waterfront at the nearby crab market.
The city was founded in 1908 during French colonial rule and was originally named Kep sur mer. Many of the French style villas are overgrown and run-down, but Kep is slowly being redeveloped and tourism is reemerging. The colonial influence is noticeable in the city’s Provencal-style architecture and French cuisine. Kep is also famous by its Koh Tonsay (Rabbit island), is located 4.6 km south of Kep and can be reached by boat from Kep port.