Abandoned houses of Kep

Interior wall that is now exterior and missing roof

In the 1950s and 60s, Kep was an exclusive retreat for Cambodia’s elite, including royalty and high ranking politicians. After the rise of the Khmer Rouge and the destruction that followed, Kep – and its exclusive retreats – were destroyed and/or left to ruin. It is eerie to drive or walk around and come across these abandoned homes, but as Kep is again on the rise, it is only a matter of time before development helps erase this aspect of the past.

We spent a lot of time wandering around taking photographs of these shells, pondering what this place must have been like in its former glory.

Cows graze in what was the front yard of this mansion

Old tiles help you imagine what once was in this place

Jungle takes over this former home