Kep, Cambodia

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Keb
កែប
Statistics
Area:	336 km²
Inhabitants:	28,660 (1998)
Pop. density:	85.3 inh./km²
ISO 3166-2:	KH-23
Map

Kep (also known as Keb) is a municipality in Cambodia with the status of a province. It is subdivided into two districts. Kep, which is located just a few kilometers from the border with Vietnam, used to be Cambodia's most popular beach town but has fallen on hard times in recent years. Many of Kep's villas are abandoned, but some of the town's former splendor is still apparent. The ocean is lined with wide sidewalks and large statues that now seem largely out of place. The king built a palace overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, but it was never furnished and now sits empty. A good, paved road connects the town with Kampot. Kep's beaches are mostly mangrove and black rock rather than the white sands of Sihanoukville, but Rabbit Island is just a short boat ride away. Kep appears to be experiencing something of a renaissance, with several mid-range and luxury guesthouses and bungalows recently open or under construction. The town's seafood is cheap, plentiful and delicious - particularly the crabs. In addition, Kep is home to an extensive national park.