Kep Province: Cambodia's Coastal Jewel

• Helloសួស្តី
  [suostei]
• Goodbyeលាហើសួស្តី
  [lear suostei]
• Yesបាទ
  [baat]
• Noទេ
  [te]
• Please/You're welcomeសូម
  [som]
• Thank youអរគុណ
  [aokun]
• Excuse me/Sorryសុខសប្តាសារ/សុខសប្តស្រល
  [sok sabai rai/sok sabai srol]
• How are you?អ្នកសុខសប្ត?
  [neak sok sabai?]
• Fine. And you?សុខសប្តដោយៗៗអ្នក?
  [sok sabai doy doy neak?]
• Do you speak English?អ្នកនិយាយ​ភាសាអង់គ្លេសបានទេ?
  [neak niyay phasa angkleis ban te?]
• I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនឃើញ
  [knhom min khern]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុយអត្ថបទសូម
  [knhom chong meul menu at teat bat som]
• I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនបានបរិយបាន
  [knhom min ban baray ban]
• Cheers!ជូស!
  [chol]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់សូម
  [knhom chong bong braek som]

• Help!ជំរុញ!
  [chom roh]
• Go away!លោកពីជួយ!
  [lok pi chuoy]
• Call the Police!ហេតុការប្រទេយ!
  [het kar prateh]
• Call a doctor!ហេតុការវេជ្ជបណ្ឌ!
  [het kar vejjabon]
• I'm lostខ្ញុំភ្លេច
  [knhom plech]
• I'm illខ្ញុំជាក់
  [knhom jak]

• I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [knhom chong tien...]
• I'm just lookingខ្ញុំតែខប់
  [knhom tae kop]
• How much is it?តើវាតិចម៉េច?
  [te veat moc?]
• That's too expensiveនេះមិនត្រូវទេ
  [neh min trov te]
• Can you lower the price?តើអ្នកអាចថយទិកបានទេ?
  [te neak ach tay tuk ban te?]

• What time is it?ម៉ោង​ប៉ះណា?
  [moeung bahnha?]
• It's one o'clockវា​គឺ​ម៉ាស?
  [veat ke mas?]
• Half past (10)កន្សែង​នៅ​លើ (10)
  [kansae nai ler (10)]
• Morningព្រឹក
  [prek]
• Afternoonល្ងាច
  [langcha]
• Eveningល្ងាច
  [langcha]
• Yesterdayម្សិល
  [msul]
• Todayថ្ងៃ​នេះ
  [thngai neh]
• Tomorrowថ្ងៃ​ស្អែ
  [thngai sae]
• 1១
  [mouy]
• 2២
  [pii]
• 3៣
  [bei]
• 4៤
  [buon]
• 5៥
  [pram]
• 6៦
  [pram mui]
• 7៧
  [pram pii]
• 8៨
  [pram bei]
• 9៩
  [pram buon]
• 10១០
  [dop]

• Where's a/the...?មួយ...នៅណា?
  [muoy... nai na?]
• What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋ​មួយ?
  [asayat muoy?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?តើ​អ្នក​អាច​បង្ហាញ​ទៅ​ខ្លួន​ខ្លះ​បាន​ទេ?
  [te neak ach bonghang tvi klun kloh ban te?]
• When's the next (bus)?នៅ​ណា​មួយ​ទៅ​ទៅ?
  [nai na muoy tvi tvi?]
• A ticket (to ....)សំបុត្រ​មួយ (ទៅ ...)
  [sombot muoy (tvi ...)]

Kep Province traces its roots back to the early 20th century when it was established as a French colonial resort town. Known as Kep-sur-Mer, it attracted wealthy French colonists and Cambodian elite, who built luxurious villas along its picturesque coastline. The architectural remnants of this period can still be seen today, showcasing a blend of French and Khmer influences.

During the 1960s, Kep was in its golden age, often compared to the French Riviera. It was a popular getaway for the Cambodian elite and royals, including King Norodom Sihanouk. However, the Khmer Rouge takeover in the 1970s led to the province's decline. Many of the villas were abandoned or destroyed, and Kep became a ghost town.

Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime, efforts to restore Kep began in the 1990s. While many of the colonial villas remain in ruins, they add to the area's mystique and historical allure. The Cambodian government and private investors have worked to revitalize Kep, focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable development.

Kep is not only rich in history but also in natural beauty. Kep National Park, established in 1993, covers over 50 square kilometers and is home to diverse flora and fauna. The park offers hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, inviting travelers to explore its lush landscapes and serene environment.

One of Kep's most iconic landmarks is the Crab Market, locally known as 'Psar Kdam.' This bustling market is a cultural treasure trove where visitors can experience the local way of life. Fresh seafood, especially the famous Kep blue crabs, is sold directly by fishermen. The market is a testament to Kep's enduring connection to the sea and its fishing heritage.

Phnom Voar, a mountain in Kep Province, holds significant historical importance. It served as a Khmer Rouge stronghold during the Cambodian Civil War. Today, visitors can hike to the summit and learn about its tumultuous past while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Kep is home to several pagodas and spiritual sites that reflect its cultural and religious heritage. Wat Samathi, located on a hill, offers a peaceful retreat for meditation and reflection. The pagoda complex includes beautiful gardens and statues, providing insights into Cambodian Buddhism and local traditions.

Kep Province is located in southern Cambodia, approximately 170 kilometers from Phnom Penh, the capital city. The most convenient way to get to Kep is by road. You can take a taxi, bus, or minivan from Phnom Penh. The journey usually takes around 3 to 4 hours. Buses and minivans depart frequently from the central bus stations in Phnom Penh. Alternatively, you can hire a private car for a more comfortable journey.

Within Kep Province, transportation options include tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and bicycles. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are readily available and can be hired for short trips or day tours. Bicycle rentals are popular among tourists who want to explore the area at a leisurely pace. For longer trips, car rentals are available, but driving conditions can be challenging due to narrow roads and varying road conditions.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for small purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are available in Kep, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Phnom Penh before traveling.

Kep is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Kep, but it is always best to stay vigilant. Additionally, be cautious when swimming in the sea, as there may be strong currents.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance or 119 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is located in Kampot, approximately 25 kilometers away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Kep where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile and a slight bow. A traditional greeting involves placing your hands together in a prayer-like gesture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kep Province like a local, visit the Kep Crab Market, where you can buy fresh seafood and enjoy it at nearby restaurants. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to Kep National Park, which offers scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the coastline. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) for a day of relaxation and exploration.