In Khmer, Knai Bang Chatt means a rainbow encircling the sun and in Buddhism, this rainbow is the halo around Buddha’s head.
Keeping this symbolism in mind, Knai Bang Chatt was developed as an exclusive retreat to protect and shelter visitors and offer them a home away from home.
Opened to the public in 2006, the resort still prides itself on signature blend of privacy and personalized service.
The lush and private grounds house a collection of completely remodeled and expanded colonial villas, creating a unique seaside destination to discover the splendors of Cambodia and its beautiful and friendly people.
HISTORY
At the turn of the century Kep was known as “Kep-sur-Mer,” a seaside getaway and weekend retreat for the colonial French elite.
During the mid 1950s, considered by many as the Golden Age of Cambodia, Kep also became popular among wealthy Khmers as a vacation destination and eventually a place of residence.
By the early 1960s, the growing seaside town experienced a boom in development and was favored by King Norodom Sihanouk and the architectural leaders of the time.
Tragically, for much of the 1970s, Kep became a stronghold for the Khmer Rouge forces and the city and its villas fell into a state of serious disrepair.
Among the abandoned villas were the original three houses of Knai Bang Chatt, all of which were built between 1962 and 1965 by protégés of Vann Molyvann, the renowned Khmer pupil of Le Corbusier.
The iconic Blue Villa belonged to the governor of Kep, the Grey Villa was owned by a relative of the King, and the Red Villa was owned by the Head of Customs.
After the initial owners, Jef Moons and Boris Vervoordt, purchased the buildings in 2006, they joined with Francoise Lavielle, a French architect living in Phnom Penh, to restore the villas to their original architectural grandeur and to build an additional pavilion (the Brown Villa).
During the second half of 2012, the resort underwent another complete renovation, adding a fifth villa and expanding to 18 spacious rooms which have all been tastefully furnished with local antiques and artifacts.
The concept of elegant lines, natural materials, and subtle earthy hues combine perfectly to create a sense of continuity with the surrounding gardens, swaying palm trees, and open views of the sea.
A driving force behind the clean lines and minimalist style of Knai Bang Chatt is adopted from the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which places importance on rustic simplicity, understated elegance, and the inherent beauty of imperfection.
Appreciation for the elements and the ingenuous integrity of natural objects can be found in polished teak wood beds, natural earthy tones, and imperfect ceramic lamps and vases.
Throughout the property, 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.
Entered through private staircase, the suite contains a large sleeping area, separate lounge area with comfortable seating area, large double-sized bathtub, and a private terrace with spectacular views of the sea.
Unique open plan suite, Room 18 (80sqm), encompasses the entire second floor of the New Villa.
The garden view room, with a twin bed and large, beautifully tiled bathroom, has private balcony and shared use of a large terrace with beautiful views overlooking the gardens and Gulf of Siam.
Knai Bang Chatt has one single room, Room 5 located on the first floor of the iconic Blue Villa.
The property features seven individually appointed Garden Double Rooms.
Room 3 (25sqm) on the ground floor of the Blue Villa has a 4-poster bed and a garden view.
Room 8 (31sqm) on the ground floor and Room 11 (31sqm) on the first floor of the Brown Villa each have partial garden and sea views and contain a double bed, writing desk, and spacious bathroom.
Room 12 (35sqm) on the ground floor of the Red Villa features natural stone walls, a sitting alcove, large bathroom, and a view overlooking the pool.
Room 15 (45sqm) on the ground floor of the New Villa is unique with private garden and an in-room bathtub.
Room 17 (39sqm), two of largest double rooms, are located on the first floor of the New Villa and feature writing desks, outdoor seating and partial sea views.
There are three twin rooms on the property.
Room 1 (26sqm) on the first floor of the Grey Villa has two double beds, a comfortable sofa, and shared use of a large outdoor terrace with scenic views out to the sea. Combines well with Room 2 for larger parties or families.
Room 10 (20sqm) located on the first floor of the Brown Villa features two twin poster beds and a writing desk overlooking
the tranquil gardens. Combines well with Room 9 for larger parties or families.
Room 14 (38sqm) on the ground floor of the New Villa has an outdoor terrace with a partial sea view and can be configured as a twin or double room.
Seaview Double Rooms are the most popular six rooms on the property.
Room 2 (38sqm) on the first floor of the Grey Villa has an excellent sea view, separate lounge area with comfortable seating and a TV, and shared use of a private terrace with outdoor seating.
Combines well with Room 1 for larger parties or families.
Room 4 (25sqm) on the ground floor and Room 6 (27sqm) on the first floor of the Blue Villa, both have beautiful views
of the sea and a private terrace.
Room 7 (38sqm) on the ground floor and Room 9 (38sqm) on the first floor of the Brown Villa feature uninterrupted sea views, seating areas, and large bathrooms.
Room 13 (37sqm) on the first floor of the Red Villa has a stunning pool/sea view, sitting alcove, and special access to the outdoor sitting lounge above the Library.
As one of Kep’s only high-end restaurants, The Strand concept is to provide healthy and delicious cuisine from fresh and local products, including the abundant fish, crab, and seafood that is collected daily from the surrounding sea.
The ideal seaside destination to relax and enjoy sunset, the Sailing Club Restaurant & Bar offers a variety of cocktails/wines/beers and an extensive menu of local seafood and tasty western favorites.
A unique dining experience where healthy and delicious signature dishes are prepared and served by Knai Bang Chatt chefs.
Highlighting traditional Khmer herbs, spices and local produce, these daily 4-course lunch menus are available for USD $15.
Reservations required. The Strand restaurant is open to outside guests. Please note that appropriate attire is required in dining area.
Situated at the end of private jetty, guests enjoy a specially designed menu at a secluded and candlelit table surrounded by the tranquil sea. The floating dinner includes a welcome cocktail and a 3-course meal.
For a unique and unforgettable dining experience, the Sailing Club “floating” dinner is an ideal choice to celebrate your visit to Kep.
Situated on the roof of the iconic blue villa, guests are welcomed with a glass of sparking wine and offered a 4-course wine-paired meal by candle light.
The KBC rooftop dining experience offers total privacy and beautiful starlit views overlooking garden and the sea.
Housed in a former fisherman’s cottage directly over the sea, the Sailing Club is open daily for lunch and dinner from 10AM – 10PM. Free use of billiards table, ping pong, volleyball and boules.
10.00h - 22.00h
Mixed with fresh herbs and spices, chefs create daily menus with flavors that will scintillate the senses.
The Strand offers two options for fine dining – relax and enjoy the sea breeze in open-air pavilion or stay cool in the new air-conditioned fine dining restaurant.
Whichever you choose, you will be served with friendly and professional service in an elegant atmosphere.
Choose from daily set menus and a la carte fare, complimented by an extensive bar and wine list.
Healthy cuisine
Relaxation and tranquility are key elements at Knai Bang Chatt and whether you choose a rejuvenating treatment in the Spa or a relaxing massage just meters from the sea, the Spa of Knai Bang Chatt will pamper and enchant you.
Using pure essential oils and natural ingredients, products are not just indulgent, but wonderful for your skin and body.
Experience the best of Khmer and Asian massages combined with superb skills and human tenderness to help you achieve a state of pure bliss.
Products are hand blended with ingredients and contain rich, natural and organic ingredients.
Groom hands, relaxing hand or foot massage.
Fresh mango body wrap reliefs skin of toxins and impurities.
Suspending time, the treatments offer maximum protection against external factors ans radicals.
Soak up the sun, read a book, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful view from tranquil, seaside infinity pool.
The therapy focuses on your head and shoulders.
The Spa is your private time to relax, unwind, recharge, and rejuvenate.
Nestled within the lush and private gardens of the resort, yoga and meditation programs focus on balancing the mind and body.
CAVE & SECRET LAKE TOUR
The landscape between Kep and Kampot is dotted with jungled limestone mountains, many of which contain hidden caves and simple Buddhist shrines.
On this tour guests will first visit the caves of Phnom Chhnork known for their Pre-Angkorian carvings and a well-preserved 7th century shrine to Shiva.
As you explore the caves, keep an eye out for the various animal carvings and protruding stalagmites and stalactites. The next stop on the tour is the so-called ‘Secret Lake’, which was established through hard labor under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Originally created as an irrigation dam, the lake is situated in between the mountains and the rice paddies and provides the perfect location for a picnic or a swim.
KEP DISCOVERY TOUR
Get a glimpse into Kep’s earlier glory by visiting several abandoned colonial villas, including the former residence of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
Mixing the old with the new, you will also travel along the coastal roads, visit the famous crab shacks, a hillside temple, and the iconic siren of the sea statue overlooking Kep Beach.
The landscape between Kep and Kampot is dotted with jungled limestone mountains, many of which contain hidden caves.
During Private Cooking Experiences, guests get a better understanding of the traditional cooking techniques.
The countryside surrounding the city of Kep is full of beautiful scenery, traditional Khmer villages.
Once out to sea, guests can learn several traditional fishing techniques, relax and enjoy a swim in shallow waters.
A truly relaxing and seemingly remote destination, the island is blissfully undeveloped and is the perfect place to enjoy snorkeling in the shallow waters.
This introductory tour is perfect for the first time visitor to Kep or for repeat visitors interested in learning a bit more about the history of the area.
Kep National Park is classified as low land tropical forest and consists of three main Phnoms — Krasaing, KepToch, and Kep Thom.
On a limited basis, the Sailing Club offers sailing programs for both beginner and intermediate sailors.
KNAI BANG CHATT
Phum ThmeySangkat Prey ThomKep City Kep Province Kingdom of Cambodia