Kep National Park

What the park is like

The park covers about 50.5 square kilometres (around 19.5 square miles) and is made up of forested hills and dense woodland. It is compact by national park standards, which makes it easy to fit into a day trip or a stop on a coastal route through southern Cambodia.

At its core is a small mountain range. Walking trails run through it, so the park is best explored on foot rather than from a vehicle.

Trails and viewpoints

The reason most people come is the walking. The trails climb through the forest and give panoramic views across the surrounding country. Looking west and south, you can pick out the Phu Quoc and Bokor ranges. To the east, the islands of Vietnam's Kiên Giang marine reserve lie out on the water.

The viewpoints are the payoff for the climb, so it is worth timing your walk for clear weather.

Wildlife and conservation

The park's forest ecosystems support a range of plant and animal species, and it is regarded as a conservation area of regional importance. Eco-tourism efforts in the area have put it forward as a destination for sustainable travel.

Visitors can support that by sticking to marked paths, taking rubbish out with them and spending money with local businesses.

Combining it with Kep town

The park sits close to Kep, a town known for its French colonial-era architecture. Many visitors pair a morning on the trails with time in town afterwards. Kep Beach, the Blue Crab Statue and the Crab Market are all nearby and make natural stops before or after a walk.

Practical tip: start the hike early, carry water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trails are on hilly, forested ground.