Knai Bang Chatt (meaning the halo around the Buddha’s head) is the only ‘luxury’ hotel in Kep and offers the chance to enjoy a relaxing seaside holiday in Cambodia after a tailor made tour of Cambodia.
Knai Bang Chatt offers understated luxury in a fabulous setting. Rooms are spacious but minimalist, decorated in earthy tones and accented with Khmer art and artefacts. The seafront setting is idyllic, with lawns surrounding a swimming pool and over-looked by two magnificent trees.
Just 18 uniquely designed rooms are set in three renovated villas, designed with large terraces open to views of the lawns, sea and islands.
In the 1950’s Kep was something of a glamorous seaside destination for the Cambodian elite who built large villas by the sea. During the Khmer Rouge era, these villas fell into a state of disrepair. Such was the fate of the 3 villas at Knai Bang Chatt.
The iconic Blue Villa once belonged to the Governor of Kep, the Grey Villa was owned by a relative of the King, the Red Villa owned by the Head of Customs. In 2006 the villas were bought by a Belgian couple and restored to their original grandeur, with a new villa building added and a charming boutique hotel was brought to life.
Throughout Knai Bang Chatt, trees, pebbled pathways, and natural bamboo screens define the open space and time-weathered wood is transformed into seating and dining areas that blend seamlessly into the relaxed and beautiful surroundings.
7 new rooms were added in a fifth villa at the end of 2012 and existing rooms were upgraded and enhanced with the addition of Khmer artefacts and artworks.
Knai Bang Chatt is also a great location for enjoying some activities such as a Cambodian Cooking Class, yoga, or visits to riverside Kampot or some of the nearby islands.
It’s the setting of Knai Bang Chatt on a very tranquil stretch of Cambodian coastline, which is the real highlight of this boutique hotel. The luxury is in the peaceful setting, the hammocks strung between the trees, the sunsets and the sense of tranquillity.
The sunsets are simply spectacular and the Sailing Club restaurant is the ideal spot from which to admire the views.
The original 3 villas date back to the 1970’s and were designed by protégés of Vann Molyvann, himself a pupil of world-renowned architect Le Corbusier.
The owners of Knai Bang Chatt support the local community through a charity ‘Hand in Hand’, which supports initiatives including training staff into the hospitality industry.
Don’t expect a glorious beach. In fact there’s hardly really a beach at all, the sea laps up against the sea wall.
The beauty of Knai Bang Chatt is the lovely seaside setting, so don’t book a stay at Knai Bang Chatt expecting everything to be seamless and ‘luxury’ in the ‘5 star’ sense. The philosophy is more simplicity and the Japanese concept of ‘beauty in imperfection’. Rooms don't feature TV’s.
Our experience has been that the staff are overwhelmingly friendly and charming at Knai Bang Chatt and indeed the hotel helps in training local young people into the service industry.
