Kep to expand

Plans are afoot to extend the tiny sandy beach at Kep into the sea by between 300-500 metres along 26 kms of coastline, in order to attract more tourists. Its at the assessment stage at the moment but dredging could begin as early as the middle of next year if the plan gets the green light. Formerly Cambodia's premier beach resort, Kep hosted a glut of palatial villas belonging to Cambodia's elite until the Khmer Rouge took charge, with most of the villas now in ruins, populated by families of squatters. A few new bungalow-style hotels have sprung up in the last couple of years as Kep recovers from years of neglect and if the beach-plan gathers momentum, Kep could once again find itself as the first choice for many Cambodian holiday-makers. Above is one of my photos of the existing beach at Kep.