Kep National Park
| Kep National Park | |
|---|---|
| ឧទ្យានជាតិកែប | |
 | |
  Park location in Cambodia | |
| Location | Kep Province, Cambodia |
| Nearest city | Kep |
| Coordinates | 10°30′22″N 104°18′29″E / 10.50614988°N 104.30800459°E |
| Area | 11.52 km2 (4.45 sq mi)[1] |
| Established | 1993 |
Kep National Park (Khmer: ឧទ្យានជាតិកែប) is a national park in Cambodia's Kep Province that was established in 1993 and covers an area of 11.52 km2 (4.45 sq mi).[1] The nearest town lies at Kep.
The park includes a small mountain range and a number of hiking trails. The trails offer views of Phu Quoc and the Bokor Ranges on the south and west sides, and also views across islands of the Vietnamese marine reserve in Kiên Giang to the east side.[2][3]
History
Kep National Park was officially established in 1993, following Cambodia’s efforts to protect natural areas after the political instability of the late 20th century. Covering an area of approximately 50 square kilometers, the park encompasses the forested hills surrounding Kep town and stretches toward the border with Kampot Province. The park was created to conserve local biodiversity, safeguard watersheds, and promote eco-tourism.
Historically, the area that now forms the park was used during the French colonial period and the post-independence era as a natural retreat, with trails leading to viewpoints over the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding countryside. During the Khmer Rouge period (1975–1979), the area was largely abandoned and became overgrown. In the decades following, restoration and conservation initiatives reestablished the park as a destination for trekking, wildlife observation, and tourism. Today, Kep National Park is recognized for its tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and panoramic views, making it one of Kep’s central attractions.
References
- ^ a b c Protected Planet (2023). "Kep National Park". United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- ^ "Best Trails in Kep". AllTrails. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- ^ Kiên Giang UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve UNESCO
Sources
- Protected Areas and Development in The Lower Mekong River Region Archived 2011-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, International Centre for Environmental Management.
- Kep National Park in the UNEP-WCMC World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) from the World Conservation Monitoring Centre
External links
