Kep National Park
A Jungle Loop Trail Above Kep's Rooftops
Kep National Park — Quick Facts
- What is it?
- nature — A Jungle Loop Trail Above Kep's Rooftops
- Where?
- Kep , Cambodia
- Entry Fee
- Around $1 registration fee at the trailhead
- Opening Hours
- Daylight only — no lighting on the trail
- Time Needed
- 2–2.5 hours for the full loop (around 8km); 1.5–2 hours for the shorter Sunset Rock route (around 3km)
- Best Time
- Dry season mornings for the hike; late afternoon for sunset from Sunset Rock
- Don't Miss
- Sunset Rock — a viewpoint over the Gulf of Thailand and Rabbit Island
What to See at Kep National Park
The Main Loop Trail
A well-marked roughly 8km loop circles the hill behind Kep town through subtropical forest, climbing gently with occasional sea views opening up between the trees. It’s an easy, low-altitude hike suitable for most fitness levels.
Sunset Rock
A shorter spur trail (around 3km round trip) leads to Sunset Rock, a clearing with an open view over the Gulf of Thailand toward Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) — the park’s most popular spot for a late-afternoon visit.
Wildlife and Villa Ruins
Troops of long-tailed macaques are a near-certain sighting along the trail, and several abandoned French colonial-era villas sit half-swallowed by forest along the route — a quieter echo of Kep’s better-known seafront villa ruins.
How to Get to Kep National Park
The main trailhead sits behind Veranda Resort, just off NR33A in Kep town — walkable from most Kep guesthouses.
- On foot: Most accommodation in Kep is within a 10–20 minute walk of the trailhead
- By moto/bicycle: A quick ride if staying further out toward the crab market or villa ruins area
Best Time to Visit
Hike in the morning to avoid the heat, or time the Sunset Rock spur for late afternoon. The dry season (November–April) keeps the trail in its best condition; expect mud after heavy rain.
Practical Information
- Around $1 registration fee, usually collected at the main trailhead
- No lighting on the trail — start with enough daylight left to finish before dark, especially for the sunset route
- Macaques are used to visitors but shouldn’t be fed — keep food packed away
- Bring water; there are no facilities once on the trail
Nearby Attractions
Kep’s crab market, the seafront villa ruins, and the boat dock for Rabbit Island are all a short distance from the park entrance in Kep town.
Useful Links
Practical Info
- Entry Fee
- Around $1 registration fee at the trailhead
- Opening Hours
- Daylight only — no lighting on the trail
- Time Needed
- 2–2.5 hours for the full loop (around 8km); 1.5–2 hours for the shorter Sunset Rock route (around 3km)
- Best Time
- Dry season mornings for the hike; late afternoon for sunset from Sunset Rock