Kep National Park Guide

Overview

Kep National Park covers approximately 50 square kilometers of tropical evergreen forest on the hillsides above the coastal town of Kep. Despite its modest size, the park is remarkably biodiverse, harboring long-tailed macaques, civets, over 100 bird species, and a rich variety of tropical plants and butterflies.

The park's network of trails ranges from gentle 20-minute walks to a challenging full circuit that takes 2-3 hours. The highlight for most visitors is the combination of jungle trekking, panoramic viewpoints over the Gulf of Thailand, and a stop at Led Zep Cafe\u2014a rustic clifftop cafe that has become one of Kep's most iconic destinations.

Unlike Cambodia's remote northern parks, Kep National Park is extremely accessible. The main entrance is within walking distance of most hotels, trails are reasonably well-marked, and you can combine a park visit with Kep's other attractions (crab market, beach, Rabbit Island) in a single day. Entry costs just $1.

Trail Map & Routes

The park has six main trails, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding climbs. All trails start from or connect to the main entrance on the road above Kep town. A basic map is available at the entrance, though signage within the park can be inconsistent.

Trail Difficulty Levels

Viewpoints

Kep National Park's elevation above the coast creates several spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Rabbit Island, the Kampot coastline, and on clear days, the mountains of Bokor and even the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc.

• Sunset Viewpoint: The park's most popular spot, reached via the Sunset Trail. A clearing on the western slope with unobstructed views over the Gulf. Benches and a small platform. Arrive by 5 PM for the best light
• Summit Viewpoint (225m): The highest point in the park. 360-degree panorama including Rabbit Island, Kampot, Bokor Mountain, and the Vietnamese coast. Worth the climb on a clear day
• Led Zep Cafe Viewpoint: The cafe itself is a viewpoint\u2014perched on a cliff edge with views over the forest canopy and out to sea. Best experienced with a cold drink in hand
• Eastern Lookout: A quieter viewpoint on the circuit trail overlooking the salt flats and farmland east of Kep. Good for morning photography when mist hangs over the fields

Wildlife & Nature

Despite its small size, Kep National Park supports a surprising diversity of wildlife. The forest has been protected since the 1990s and wildlife populations have gradually recovered.

• Butterflies: Dozens of species, best seen on the Butterfly Trail in the morning. Blue Mormon, Common Rose, and various swallowtails are frequently spotted
• Reptiles: Monitor lizards, various gecko species, and several snake species including green pit vipers (keep to trails and watch where you step)
• Trees & Plants: Tropical evergreen and semi-deciduous forest with strangler figs, dipterocarp trees, wild orchids, and medicinal plants used by local communities

Led Zep Cafe

Led Zep Cafe (officially "Led Zep", named after the legendary rock band) has become one of Kep's most beloved and Instagram-famous spots. This rustic open-air cafe is perched on a cliff edge inside the national park, with hammocks, basic seating, and views that feel like a treehouse above the jungle canopy.

What to expect:

• Open-air bamboo and wood structure with hammocks, floor mats, and simple chairs
• Cold drinks (beer $1.50\u20132, fruit shakes $2\u20133, water $0.50), coffee, and simple snacks
• Extraordinary views over the forest canopy to the Gulf of Thailand and Rabbit Island
• A relaxed, bohemian atmosphere\u2014perfect for lingering with a book or journal
• Run by a friendly local family who have operated it for years

Getting there: From the main park entrance, follow signs for Led Zep Cafe. The trail takes 20\u201330 minutes and is easy-to-moderate difficulty. The cafe is typically open from 8 AM to sunset (around 5:30 PM). No reservations needed\u2014space is rarely an issue.

Sunset Trail

The Sunset Trail is Kep National Park's signature experience and the single must-do activity in the park. This gentle 30\u201345 minute walk through tropical forest leads to a western-facing viewpoint with unobstructed views over the Gulf of Thailand\u2014the perfect natural theater for one of Cambodia's most beautiful sunsets.

What makes it special:

• The trail itself is atmospheric\u2014tall trees, dappled light, bird calls, and occasional macaque sightings
• The viewpoint clearing has basic seating and enough space for 20\u201330 people
• On clear evenings, the sun drops directly into the Gulf, turning the water gold and orange
• Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) is visible from the viewpoint, adding depth to the panorama
• After sunset, the walk back through the darkening forest is magical\u2014bring a flashlight

Practical Information

What to bring:

• Water (1\u20132 liters minimum\u2014there are no shops inside the park except Led Zep Cafe)
• Closed-toe shoes with grip (essential for summit trail, recommended for all trails)
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk)
• Flashlight/phone light if doing the sunset trail (return walk is in near-darkness)
• Camera\u2014the viewpoints and wildlife provide excellent photo opportunities
• Cash for entrance fee and Led Zep Cafe

Frequently Asked Questions