Kep National Park, National park in Kep Province, Cambodia.
Kep National Park is a protected coastal area in Kep Province that combines mountain forests with coastal mangrove wetlands, creating a mix of forest trails and waterside environments. The terrain transitions from higher ground inland to low-lying swampy areas where freshwater and saltwater meet.
The park was established in 1993 through a royal decree, marking the start of environmental protection in this coastal region. This decision created one of Cambodia's first protected areas dedicated to preserving natural ecosystems along the sea.
Fishing villages around the park show how people have lived from the sea for generations, with boats and nets visible daily in the coastal waters. The rhythm of work here follows the tides and seasons rather than urban schedules.
The park has multiple entry points from roads 16 and 162 with signs pointing to trails and viewpoints. Good footwear is important since paths pass through wet forest areas and can become slippery during rainy season.
The mangrove areas serve as nurseries for sea creatures and give visitors a rare chance to explore two very different forest types in one place. This shift from mountain forest to coastal swamp is quite unusual in Southeast Asia.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.