(Originally posted 18 March 2016) We have travelled from the Capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, to the sleepy coastal town of Kep. An easy 2.5-hour bus trip to Kampot and a 30min tuk-tuk ride brought us to our hotel situated on a small peninsula with a wildlife preserve.
Our lovely hotel is 1.6 km from the main town and beach area, but we are only two minutes away from the ocean if we stroll down the road. This easy access to the sea inspired the start of our perfect day.
Every day should be enjoyed when you are travelling, but some days certainly stand out. This particular idyllic day began before sunrise by walking past the languid cows who had been let out for their morning graze. We had the beachfront to ourselves this early and walked to the promenade, careful not to get splashed by the incoming tide.
Looking down one side of the beach, you see the empty beach huts that you imagine would be packed with beachgoers by lunchtime on a high-season day. On the opposite side, past the jetty in the distance, you see hints that the sun is trying to break free from the horizon.
with cows, beach huts, palm trees and the ocean
Taking photographs of the sunrise at Kep was a great experience. Especially the moments when you put down the camera and enjoy the beautiful colours bringing in a new day.
After enjoying our breakfast back at our resort, we settled in the treehouse overlooking our pool to enjoy the breeze while reading and relaxing. We would go for a swim and lie next to the pool for a change of pace.
When tummies started to grumble, we grabbed the hotel’s bicycles and headed into town. It took me a while to get my balance after not cycling for so many years, but the flat and wide coastal road (with very little traffic) was the perfect place to get back on a bike.
In town, directly opposite the main beach, a thatched restaurant gave us a great local meal that was washed down with ice-cold drinks. We continued on our bikes along the peninsula to the crab market, passing troops of monkeys that had come down from the preserve.
Cycling back, we quickly realised that soon we would feel the time we had spent on a bicycle saddle. But making that tomorrow’s problem, we stopped at a beach bar for a drink and to catch our breath. A late swim back at the hotel was an excellent way to cool down before an early night of blissful sleep.
How are we ever going to manage to top this day?