Kep, Cambodia - Terra Incognita

If you are suddenly bored with swimming at Kep Beach or just a pragmatic life “on the mainland”, it makes sense to turn your eyes to the islands lying in the sea near Kep. The largest of the islands is called Rabbit Island or “Koh Tonsay” in Khmer. There is a beach, restaurants and bungalows. You certainly will enjoy to go there. Today, of course, there are no rabbits on the island, and the origin of its name is shrouded in mystery, like so much in the history of Cambodia. The version that the island with its outlines resembles a rabbit is hardly viable. The island doesn’t look like a rabbit, what a view it is. You can get to the island from the pier, loudly referred to as the port. This place is located a couple of kilometers from Kep beach. Before entering the "port" pointer is set, and here, at the entrance, there is a gas station. In the port there is a fairly solid for a small Kep customs building. The building is always closed, and it is not surprising, since t...

Kep is good for contemplation here a life in the Khmer outback like “the real Cambodia” with rural local people. How to do it? Very easy, it is enough to drive off from Kep just a few kilometers. The place of interest is called Angkol. There are several spellings in the English transcription such as Angkol, Angkoal, Angkul, Angkual... This is a real fishing village where almost the whole fishing fleet of Kep province is based containing tens and hundreds of boats. In guidebooks and travel agencies this place is positioned as Angkol beach or Secret beach. However, I would not recommend going there only for a beach holiday since this beach is not worth special attention. The shortest way to Angkol is along the seashore. If you drive from the center of Kep , then turn right on the road before of the largest local store called Mak Prey Mart. This is the last corner on the right before of Kep Market. Even if the turn is suddenly missed and the market is reached, then it’s easy...