Hotel in Kep, Cambodia
Knai Bang Chatt
A unique seaside resort in Kep featuring 1960s modernist villas transformed into a boutique hotel. The beachfront property offers art-filled rooms, infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and farm-to-table dining.
Knai Bang Chatt is a distinctive boutique resort located on the seafront at Phum Thmey in Kep, a small coastal town in southern Cambodia known for its colonial heritage, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. The resort occupies a cluster of 1960s modernist villas—originally built for Cambodian government officials during the Sihanouk era—which have been sensitively restored and repurposed as guest accommodation. This architectural provenance gives Knai Bang Chatt a character entirely unlike the modern resort hotels found elsewhere in Cambodia.
The property's 11 rooms and villas are distributed across restored colonial buildings, each featuring high ceilings, period-style furnishings, and works by Cambodia's contemporary artists. Rooms are categorised by villa and view, with the most sought-after overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. An infinity pool positioned at the water's edge provides panoramic views across to the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc on clear days, and the surrounding grounds include direct seafront access.
Dining at Knai Bang Chatt centres on the open-air restaurant, which follows a farm-to-table and sea-to-table philosophy, sourcing vegetables from the resort's own garden and procuring fresh seafood—including Kep's famous pepper crabs—directly from local fishermen each morning. The wine selection is curated, and the bar stocks premium spirits alongside local Cambodian beers and fresh juices.
A dedicated sailing programme offers guests the use of traditional wooden sailing boats for trips across Kep Bay, a distinguishing amenity that highlights the resort's connection to the local maritime environment. A small spa offers massage treatments and beauty services, and an art gallery within the property displays works by Cambodian artists, reinforcing the resort's commitment to local culture and heritage.
The wider Kep area offers additional excursions including visits to the Kep Crab Market, the Kep National Park hiking trails, and boat trips to nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay). Rates at Knai Bang Chatt typically range from USD 85–150 in low season to USD 130–220 during peak months, positioning the property as a boutique option in a destination with relatively few quality accommodation choices.
Amenities
- beachfront
- infinity pool
- restaurant
- spa
- free wifi
- sailing trips
- art gallery
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +855 36 210 310
Location
Phum Thmey, Kep
10.4950, 104.2900 — View on map
Highlights
- Restored 1960s modernist villas with Gulf of Thailand views in Kep
- Infinity pool overlooking the sea with views towards the Vietnamese coast
- Farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining featuring fresh Kep pepper crab
- On-site sailing programme with traditional Cambodian wooden boats
- Contemporary Cambodian art gallery within the resort grounds
Tips
- Book the sailing trip in advance—weather and tides determine availability, and the programme is popular during dry season
- Order the Kep pepper crab at the restaurant when available—this is a regional speciality considered one of Cambodia's finest seafood dishes
- Visit the Kep Crab Market in the morning when local fishermen bring in the freshest catch
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the resort's seafront and pool areas have limited natural shade
- The property has only 11 rooms; book well ahead for stays during December to February
FAQ
How do I get to Knai Bang Chatt from Phnom Penh?
Kep is approximately 170 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, accessible by taxi or private car in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Bus services also connect Phnom Penh with Kampot, from where a short taxi ride continues to Kep. The resort can assist with arranging private transfers.
Is there a beach at the resort?
The resort has direct seafront access, though the shoreline at this part of Kep is rocky rather than sandy. The nearest sandy beach is Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), accessible by a short boat trip from Kep pier.
What is the sailing programme?
The resort maintains traditional Cambodian wooden sailing boats and offers guests supervised sailing trips around Kep Bay. The programme operates subject to weather and wind conditions, and advance booking is required.
Is the restaurant open to non-guests?
The restaurant at Knai Bang Chatt is generally open to non-resident diners subject to availability. Given the resort's small size, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner.
Accessibility
The resort occupies restored colonial villas with some split-level interiors and external steps between buildings. Access to the infinity pool and seafront areas may involve steps and uneven stone surfaces. Wheelchair access within the resort is limited due to its heritage architecture. Guests with mobility requirements are strongly encouraged to contact the resort before booking to discuss room suitability and available assistance.
When to visit
The dry season from November to April offers the best conditions for visiting Kep, with calm seas ideal for sailing, reliable sunshine for pool and seafront use, and peak availability of fresh seafood. The monsoon season (May–October) brings heavy rainfall and rougher coastal conditions; the resort may have reduced activities during this period.