Knai Bang Chatt
Wabi-sabi barefoot luxury. Teak beds, ceramic lamps, earthy tones, and historic Khmer relics. The architecture does the heavy lifting — restored modernist villas originally from the 1960s French colonial era, patched up by French architect Françoise Lavielle. Nothing flashy, but consistently design-forward.
Book the Suite in the Brown Villa for the top-floor ocean view — the spiral staircase and Jacuzzi tub make it a genuinely different experience.
Why It Matters
One of only six hotels worldwide with Platinum Certification in Green Growth 2050. The property has operated for over two decades, making it the anchor of luxury tourism in Kep. The villas are genuine 1960s French-colonial-era structures, not reproductions. The Strand is one of the only high-end restaurants in the entire town.
Knai Bang Chatt is a 22-year-old colonial-era resort on Cambodia's south coast that's been getting a serious upgrade. Three restored 1960s villas — the kind of modernist bones you don't find anymore — sit on six hectares overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, a four-minute walk from Kep's famous crab market. The property recently rebranded as Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West, adding a full sailing and discovery center, a new wellness center, and expanded dining. Only 18 rooms, which keeps things genuinely quiet.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Classic Double Room
Classic doubles offer garden views and a distant ocean outlook. One is situated close to The Strand restaurant with a rooftop terrace and access to a shared living room space — a good option if you like a bit of social infrastructure around you.
Classic Single Room
A standard single bed room inside one of the iconic villas. Comes with a private terrace looking out over the garden and the sea in the far distance. Compact but well-appointed with the same high-end amenities across all room categories.
Superior Double Room
Located in the Red Villa beside the pool, Superior rooms start at 38 sqm and offer a terrace overlooking the pool with the ocean visible on the horizon. The positioning means easy pool access — a good call if you're planning to spend a lot of time in the water.
38 sqm
The Suite
The entire second floor of the Brown Villa is given over to this single open-plan suite. Accessed by a spiral staircase, it has a large sleeping area, a separate lounge with chic seating, and a Jacuzzi-style bathtub on a private terrace with direct ocean views. The most commanding room on the property.
80 sqmTwin Room
Two twin room variants. One sits at the entrance pavilion sharing a private terrace with a Superior double — good for families wanting proximity without a shared bed. The other sits above reception with a garden view toward The Strand. Both configurations work well for families or friends.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The resort's 200-metre private beach. Good for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. During dry season evenings it comes alive with live music, DJ sets, and occasional bonfires.
Interactive cooking experience available to guests, focused on Cambodian flavors and techniques.
Full sea-based experience joining local fishermen for a day on the water.
Guided boat excursion to spot dolphins along Cambodia's coastal waters.
Guided sea excursion to nearby islands including Rabbit Island, known for sandy beaches and clear water.
Jet ski rentals available from the Discovery Center.
Kayaks available for rent from the Sailing and Discovery Center for independent coastal exploration.
Kite surfing and wing foil equipment and instruction available. Dedicated retreats combining yoga and kite surfing are offered seasonally.
Paddleboards available for rent from the Discovery Center.
Beginner and intermediate sailing courses for adults and children using Optimist, Fusion, and Hobie Cat boats. Certified instructors lead all sessions. Book by the hour, afternoon, or full course to earn solo sailing certification.
Guided land tours exploring Kep's former grandeur, salt fields, pepper farms, mangroves, and fishing communities. Kampot colonial town also covered. Customizable at the Discovery Center.
Conservation tours in partnership with Marine Conservation Cambodia, letting guests engage directly with the mangrove restoration program the resort funds for every international booking.
Mountain bikes available for rent. Complimentary bicycles also provided for simpler exploration of the surrounding area.
Chartered private boat for sunset cruising along the Kep coastline. Bookable through the Discovery Center.
Daily yoga sessions with ocean and pool views led by resident instructor Lana Yang. Styles include Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa, breathwork, and meditation. Available as standalone sessions or as part of multi-day retreats.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary wireless internet access throughout the property including public areas.
Room service available during limited hours.
Occasional outdoor cinema events open to both guests and locals.
All rooms feature rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.
All room categories include a private terrace or balcony with garden or ocean views.
Saltwater infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, carved from volcanic rock. One of the most-mentioned features by guests.
Concierge available to assist with tour bookings, activities, and travel arrangements.
Town car and limo services can be arranged through the property.
Bicycles available at no charge for guests to explore the local area.
Complimentary on-site parking available for guests.
BUILD YOUR KNAI BANG CHATT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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