Kep was formerly known as Kep Sur Mer when it was established in 1908 during the French colonization. The name "Kep" is derived from the French word le cap, which in English means "cape." The town of Kep has long been a favorite of Cambodians and is situated 167 kilometers (104 miles) south of Phnom Penh, the country's capital, and 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Sihanoukville International Airport.

However, Kep used to be a private beach retreat for the affluent high ranking Khmer leaders who preferred to socialize with the colonialists as well as the colonial French bourgeois elite. The abandoned majestic homes that were constructed in Kep during the Golden Age of Cambodia in the 1950s and early 1960s have now unintentionally made the town famous. Don't forget to visit the Queen's Villa, one of the deserted structures on the seaside close to the Koh Tonsay boat dock. It was intended to be Queen Sisowath Kossamak's house when it was constructed in the 1930s. The unfinished palace of her son Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodia's erratic and creative Prince, King, Prime Minister, and "Protector of Cambodia," is located not far from here, close to the top of the hill. This so-called "Queen's Palace" was never finished, and Norodom never resided here.

Although the Kep National Park, around which the town is situated, does not have a lot of wildlife or unspoiled natural beauty, it does provide numerous hiking trails through the dense forest. A number of vantage points provide beautiful views of the town and the adjacent islands. Start your journey at the Led Zep Café, which is located above the Veranda Natural Resort and just past the southern park gate. A magnificent view of the town can be seen from the café. Keep reading to explore more most beautiful coastal towns in Cambodia.

Location: Kep, Southern Cambodia

Best time to visit: January, February, March and December

The charming village of Kampot, which is adjacent to the Elephant Mountains and situated 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Kep along the Preaek Tuek Chhu River, has a devoted traveler following that dates back many years. It is not difficult to understand why so many tourists have grown enamored with this relaxed riverfront village, which is lined with run-down shops, eateries, and guesthouses. Under French administration, Kampot functioned as the Circonscription Résidentielle de Kampot's capital and was for a long time the most significant seaport in Cambodia. The French claimed that Kampot was made up of many multiethnic villages in the late 19th century, each with its own characteristic architectural style.

The Khmer (Cambodians), Chinese, Vietnamese, Malay, and of course Europeans were all represented in these enclaves (mainly the French). Today's architecture in Kampot is varied and dilapidated, reflecting the town's multi-cultural past. Explore the fading French colonial buildings with Southeast Asian-influenced structures by renting a bicycle. The National Bank, Kampot Provincial Museum, and the Red Cross building are some of the historic colonial structures that have been exquisitely restored to their former splendor.

The Hotel Old Cinema, with its recognizable pale-yellow art-deco front, should not be missed. The elegant boutique hotel, which was originally built in the 1930s as the Maison de théâtre Le Grandeur, has a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a bar, and a stunning garden. Many visitors to the town over the years stayed for an extended period of time because they loved it so much. Prior to their arrival, there was no pub culture or expanded culinary variety, but these things are now being contributed by the tiny but expanding ex-pat community.

Particularly in the off-season, the village experiences few tourists. Although it is generally thought to be safe, there has been an uptick in crime targeting foreigners and visitors. The local administration has been charged with failing to adequately respond to threats made against foreign nationals as well as with obfuscating and even stifling media exposes of police force corruption.

Boutique resorts and backpacker retreats intermittently interrupt the undeveloped river banks upstream from the town center. The everyday ritual of swinging in a hammock, holding a beer in one hand, and observing the river drifting slowly down to the sea is offered by bungalows along the river banks.

Location: Krong Kampot, Cambodia

Best time to visit: October to Early May

The only deep-water port in Cambodia and the entrance to the islands is Sihanoukville, which bears the name of the former king Norodom Sihanouk. Its international airport is located 12 miles (20 kilometers) southeast of the city. The airport provides international travelers with more direct access to places like Kampot and Kep as well as the islands, whereas travelers from the capital, Phnom Penh, frequently select the road or even the train.

Travelers used to flock to Sihanoukville, a formerly peaceful seaside town. But in recent years, the town has undergone an alarming transformation at the hands of Chinese developers. Large hotels with casinos and skyscrapers are being built at such a rapid pace that both locals and foreign tourists are upset. The town is currently nothing more than a gigantic Chinese construction site, with more cranes than one can count looming above the structures. Despite the fact that gambling is prohibited in Cambodia, Sihanoukville has developed into a booming hub for Chinese-run casinos. In the town, there are currently over 100 casinos, several of which are still under construction. Nowadays, the majority of the shops and restaurants are Chinese, even lining the streets.

There are more Chinese-language street signs than any other language. In order to prepare for the construction of a resort, the developers have already gone in with earthmovers to one of the most stunning beaches, Clear Water Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem.

Location: Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia

Best time to visit: October to Early May

Koh Rong is a beach town in Cambodia. Koh Rong is well-known for its tranquil beauty. The town is often described by visitors as an "island paradise," with pure white sandy beaches, warm crystal-clear ocean waves, and a hot tropical environment.

Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Rong's gorgeous sister island, is only a 20-minute ferry ride away. Saracen Bay, the principal tourist beach, has a tranquil, laid-back vibe, with various resorts along its shore. Koh Rong has seven bays and 28 beaches. Many of the beaches have two names: one in Khmer (or an English translation thereof), and the other in English, usually alluding to one of the beach's enterprises.

Koh Toch Beach on Koh Rong is a lovely white sand beach just a short walk from the settlement. Because the lodgings are not as close together and are largely private bungalows, the beach is much calmer and more serene than the village, but it is also more expensive. Bungalows on the beach allow visitors to step out directly onto the sand, eliminating the need for visitors to waste time getting out of bed and stretching out on the beach.

Coconut Beach is a picturesque bay on Koh Rong's southwest coast, boasting white sand beaches and turquoise sea. Coconut Beach has a few lodging alternatives, including one of the island's most opulent, Koh Rong Resort. Coconut Beach (formerly known as Ow Long Sour in Khmer) is rapidly developing, with several new establishments under construction at the time of writing. Daem Thkov Village is only a 10-minute walk away.

Location: Koh Rong, Cambodia

Best time to visit: between December and February