The abandoned Boker Palace Hotel on Boker Hill Station

Photo: Mat Connolley

From the 1900s through to the start of the Vietnam War (which also profoundly affected Cambodia), Kep was Cambodia’s top beach town, drawing privileged holidaymakers to its lavish seaside villas.

Today, most of these villas are in ruins, but the beachfront seafood stands and the crab market still attract throngs of food-lovers.

A regional specialty is Kampot Pepper Crab – deep-fried and served with freshly cracked green Kampot peppercorns.

Most hotels (many of which overlook Kep Beach) have restaurants and bars attached.

For something completely different, take a trip back in time to the nearby Bokor Hill Station, an abandoned French town.