Phnom Penh to Kep, how do you get there, what are the options and how much does it cost? No worries, we got you covered.
Covid-19 might still very much be a thing in Cambodia, but with the travel ban no longer in force and an esteemed 74 percent of Phnom Penhers now vaccinated travel is very much on peoples minds. But where should one go?
One of the best getaways from Phnom Penh is Kep, surely one of the most underrated places in Cambodia, and not only that, but it is near the beatnik heaven that is Kampot.
To read our very rough guide to Kampot click here .
What is there to do in Kep?
Kep rightly has a reputation for being a real sleepy seaside town, which is rarely apt, there is not much of a nightlife here, but that is not why you come. There are numerous hotels and resorts, as well as sublime beaches. This is not a party in Sihanoukville, this serenity and relaxation.
If you’re a football fanatic Kep also has a football team too, which you can read about here .
How do you get from Phnom Penh to Kep?
Assuming you do not have your own car, which we will assume in the interests of this article then your choices are bus, private car, or for the really adventurous train via Kampot.
How do you take the bus from Phnom Penh to Kep?
Taking the bus from Phnom Penh to Kep is easy and hassle free, well to an extent and lets not forget we live in coronavirus times. Buses generally leave from a few different bus stations, but with the main one being via Viol Express Bus. Either head to central bus station, or better still contact them directly.
How much is the bus from Phnom Penh to Kep? It depends, but usually $6-7, similar to Kampot. You can get dropped off right on the beach, or be dropped in town, whichever suits you best. The beach offers, well the beach, but also cross proximity to Kep market, as well as the football stadium and some great street food.
To read about street food in Kep click here .
When taking the bus from Phnom Penh to Kep it is worth considering going there via Kampot, which is only 45 minutes drive from Kep and has many more buses servicing it. Prices are about the same.
Phnom Penh to Kep via private car
If budget is no concern then you can rent private car to take you on the 3 hour, or so journey from Phnom Penh to Kep. Private taxis can be shared, as well as found at various vantage points throughout Phnom Penh. If you can get help from a Khmer friend then this trip can be done for as little as $40, booking online with big companies can cost twice as much.
Taking the train from Phnom Penh to Kep
Taking the train in Cambodia is not exactly Vietnam, but it is a whole heap of fun. There are no overnight trains and it is mainly for tourists, but they have a toilet so it beats the bus.
To read about taking the train in Vietnam click here
The trains leave every Friday and Saturday from Phnom Penh railway station – very much a treat in itself, with old trains on the track and a split feeling between an old colonial setting and modern Cambodia. Trains leave at 7 am on both days, technically arriving at 11.30. Boring expats will complain about how long the train takes compared to the bus, but these are the same people that tell you to avoid the amazing Bokor Hill. Do not avoid Bokor Hill .
How much is the train from Phnom Penh to Kampot? The train costs $10 from Phnom Penh to Kampot. Tickets can be booked online and paid for with a foreign credit card, all you need to do is show up and get the train.
To book your train ticket click here (link to train booking website)
Getting from Kampot to Kep can be done for a few dollars by bus, or less than $10 for the 45 minute TukTuk ride.
And that is how you get from Phnom Penh to Kep!
