Grand plans are in the pipeline to transform the coastal town of Kep into a high-end culinary beach destination, home to Cambodia’s first underwater museum, ecotourism adventures and a designated marine protected area (MPA).

In March, Kep West opened its doors, comprising the already-established resort of Knai Bang Chatt, a 270-meter semi-private beach, Discovery Center, and the latest addition, The Wave.

The architecturally stunning seafront building features three dining experiences that are planting Kep on the country’s culinary map in the form of casual Cafe Grand, upmarket Crab & Co and rooftop restaurant, The Deck.

Since opening, the venue has proved popular with Cambodians seeking new dining experiences, to snap selfies along the pier, or enjoy sunset drinks to a fresh sea breeze. Moons said due to the short travel time between Phnom Penh and Kep, he is noting an uptick in lunch visitors from the capital.

Royal Kep Yacht Club launched on September 10 with 30 members. Club received 7 boats from Pattaya Yacht Club. Promoting beach activities.

“We need to establish Kep as a high-end sustainable beach destination,” said Jef Moons, Kep West CEO. “We need to create activities and experiences that make people want to come to Kep, and stay in Kep.”

The private project sits in line with development along Kep’s coastline that has seen a 2,700-meter long public beach created as part of the government’s plans to transform Kep into a high-end luxury destination.

Aiming to further add to the town’s offerings, the Royal Kep Yacht Club has been established as an association, which launched on September 10 with 30 founding members. Last week, the club received seven more boats from Pattaya Yacht Club in Thailand. “We have quite a few boats now,” said Moons. “And we’re really promoting beach activities.”

Plans are also underway to develop a 35-hectare marine protected and ecotourism zone. “I’ve failed twice in the last 10 years to make a MPA in Kep,” Moons said. “Now the Government has asked me to submit the project again.”

He added that nauti-culture (underwater agriculture for fishermen) sites will be established, and Kep’s first underwater museum will be developed. The aim is to raise awareness about the challenges Cham fishermen living along Cambodia’s coastline face due to over-fishing in the area and other issues.

Kep West CEO Jef Moons wants to make Kep a high-end sustainable beach destination with activities and experiences that will make people want to stay.

“This will become a new tourist template for Cambodia,” noted Moons, adding that sustainable tourism activities will also be developed on a nearby uninhabited small island. Moons is currently working with authorities and Marine Conservation Cambodia to find a suitable island.

In addition, Key West has just signed a contract with Samra Seaplanes. This means once it starts operations, which is expected to be in early 2024, Kep will be connected to the rest of Cambodia by the Kingdom’s first premium seaplane service.

“When we have all of this, then we have a full destination and an exciting new chapter for Kep,” Moons said.

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