Towns and cities

Kep

Before the Khmer Rouge regime, this town, founded in 1908 during the French colonial times, was a favourite sea-side resort for French administrators and for Cambodia's French-influenced elite. King Sihanouk maintained a private offshore island to entertain guests.

The beach is suitable for swimming, though the sand is not white as in Sihanoukville. It is however a big seafood market. Restaurants and food stalls near the beach sell fresh crab.

The name Kep is derived from the French words le cap or cape in English. Khmer legends offer another explanation:

There was once a prince named Sakor Reach who possessed great magical powers. One day, the prince used his magical powers to spellbind a commander of Angkor Thom so he could steal the commander's horse and escaped with the horse to the southwest part of the country.

While the prince was resting at the seaside, the commander's troops caught up with him. Nervous, prince Sakor Reach swiftly jumped on the back of the commander's horse, but the horse reared back and tumbled on the prince, losing thereby it's saddle - in Khmer a horse saddle is Kep Seh. The prince got back on the horse and fled, leaving his saddle behind. Since then, the cape was called Kep Seh, which was later shortened to Kep

During the Pol Pot times, the colonial residences and villas were methodically dynamited and destroyed.

Suggestions for accommodation:

• Veranda Natural resort at the foot of Kep National park, offers bungalows overlooking the beach. Prices starting at $20 per night. Tel 012-888 619 - email: verandaresort@mobitel.com.kh
• Lodge Le Bout du Monde at Kep hillside. Tel 012-955 670. Prices under $5 - no electricity
• Kep Seaside Guest House - Tel 012-858 571 ($5-$10)