Kep National Park

Description

Look, I absolutely fell in love with Kep National Park when I first explored it back in 2023. This 350-hectare natural wonderland might not be Cambodia’s biggest park, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in pure charm and accessibility. The park sits right above the sleepy coastal town of Kep, and I gotta tell you – the views from up here are jaw-dropping. You can actually see all the way to the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc on a clear day!

The thing that really grabbed me about this place is how wonderfully unpolished it feels. Unlike some of Southeast Asia’s more commercialized parks, Kep National Park maintains this raw, authentic vibe that just feels right. The main circuit is this 8km trail that loops around the mountain – perfect for both serious hikers and casual wanderers like myself.

Key Features

• This gorgeous circular hiking trail that takes about 2-3 hours to complete (trust me, you’ll want to stop for photos!)
• Several smaller paths branching off the main trail, leading to hidden viewpoints
• A Buddhist meditation center called Led Zeppelin (yep, that’s really its name!)
• An old observation post from the 1970s that offers incredible sunset views
• Multiple rest stops with wooden benches – I particularly love the one near the eastern viewpoint
• A small cafe about halfway through the trail where you can grab water and snacks
• Ancient trees and dense forest coverage providing plenty of shade
• Wild monkeys (keep your snacks hidden, they’re cheeky little fellows!)
• Several natural springs and small waterfalls during rainy season
• Fascinating remnants of old French colonial-era buildings

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, the sweet spot for visiting is between November and February. The weather’s cooler, and you won’t have to deal with the intense humidity that hits during other months. Early mornings are magical here – I’d recommend starting your hike around 7am when the air is still crisp and the monkeys are most active.

But here’s a pro tip: don’t completely write off the rainy season (May to October). Yeah, the trails get a bit muddy, but that’s when the forest comes alive with these amazing green hues and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Just maybe skip the days when it’s absolutely pouring!

How to Get There

Getting to Kep National Park is pretty straightforward. From Kep town, you can grab a tuk-tuk – any driver worth their salt knows where the entrance is. If you’re feeling adventurous like I was, rent a scooter and zip up there yourself. The road leading to the main entrance is well-maintained, and there’s decent parking available.

For those coming from Phnom Penh, you’ll want to catch a bus to Kep first (it’s about a 4-hour journey), then make your way to the park from there. Some folks combine it with a trip to nearby Kampot – totally worth it if you’ve got the time.

Tips for Visiting

Alright, let me share some hard-learned lessons from my visits. First off, bring more water than you think you’ll need – the humidity can really sneak up on you. I learned this the hard way during my first visit! Wear proper shoes – those flip-flops might work for the beach, but they won’t cut it on these trails.

Download Maps.me before you go – the trails are marked pretty well, but having an offline map saved my behind when I took a wrong turn once. Bug spray is your best friend here, and don’t forget sunscreen even though there’s decent tree cover.

The entrance fee is super reasonable (about $1), but bring small bills. Oh, and if you’re planning to take photos at sunset, bring a flashlight for the walk back down – it gets dark pretty quickly, and the path can be tricky to navigate.

Keep your food sealed tight – those monkeys I mentioned earlier? They’ve got PhD’s in snack-snatching! And while we’re talking about wildlife, keep an eye out for the amazing birds – I’ve spotted some incredible species during my hikes.

The trails can get slippery after rain, so take it slow if you’re hiking during or after a shower. There are some steep sections, but don’t let that intimidate you – there are plenty of spots to catch your breath and enjoy the view.

Lastly, try to make it to the Led Zeppelin pagoda – it’s a bit of a detour from the main trail, but the peaceful atmosphere and the views make it totally worth it. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the quirky name!

Location

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