Ocean View Viewpoint: Sweeping Gulf of Thailand Panoramas in Kep, Cambodia

Why Ocean View Stands Out

From a modest concrete platform ringed by cashew and dipterocarp trees, Ocean View overlooks the Gulf of Thailand with clear sightlines to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) and the Vietnamese coast on exceptionally clear days. The site sits inside the western edge of Kep National Park, where secondary forest meets the sea. Unlike busier coastal lookouts, it remains quiet because most visitors stop only briefly on the park loop trail.

What You Will See and Do

Early morning light reveals fishing boats heading out and the distant silhouette of Phu Quoc. By late afternoon the same platform catches golden light on the water and the occasional hornbill crossing the canopy. A short side path leads to a second, lower clearing with a single bench; this spot is favored by birders watching for white-bellied sea eagles. The viewpoint itself offers no facilities, so plan to carry everything needed.

Getting There

Most travelers start from Kep town or Kep Beach. Motorbike taxis or rented scooters take the paved road that climbs into the national park; after roughly 4 km a signed dirt spur branches left for the final 800 m. Those on foot can follow the park’s circular trail from the main entrance near the Kep Crab Market, reaching the viewpoint in about 90 minutes of steady walking. Parking is limited to a small gravel area at the spur; arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends to secure a spot.

Best Time to Visit

The clearest skies and calmest seas occur from November through April. May to October brings greener foliage and fewer visitors but also higher humidity and occasional afternoon showers that can obscure distant islands. Sunrise is the most rewarding window; the platform faces east-southeast, and temperatures remain comfortable until mid-morning.

Nearby Attractions Worth Combining

• Kep National Park loop trail continues past the viewpoint to a small pagoda and an abandoned mansion with additional sea glimpses.
• Kep Beach lies 15 minutes downhill for a post-hike swim or fresh crab lunch at the market.
• Phnom Chhnork Cave and its 7th-century temple are a 25-minute drive west, easily reached the same day.