Cambodia’s Knai Bang Chatt boutique destination transforms into beacon of regenerative tourism
After more than two decades as one of Cambodia’s most renowned boutique destinations, Knai Bang Chatt is evolving - under the name Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West – into a reimagined resort concept that fuses the brand’s 22-year legacy with innovative new wellness, adventure, and cultural experiences designed to define the future of sustainable luxury travel in Southeast Asia.
Located in the serene coastal town of Kep, once known as Cambodia’s “Côte d’Azur,” Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West stands as a beacon of regenerative tourism – a model that prioritises positive impact on local communities, ecosystems, and economies. The resort's recent expansion includes two flagship additions: the Kep West Wellness Centre, and the Discovery Centre, both designed to deliver personal and transformative guest journeys.
The transition to Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West is more than a rebrand; it reflects a broader mission to offer guests a place of healing, self-discovery, and connection with themselves, the local community, and the planet.
The newly launched Kep West Wellness Centre positions wellness not as an amenity, but as a central pillar of the resort’s identity. Overseen by Wellness Manager Lana Yang (an expert in somatic therapy, Tibetan sound healing, and yoga), the centre offers a curated selection of spa rituals, movement-based healing, and personalised wellness itineraries. From one-day retreats to immersive multi-day programs, the Centre attracts travellers seeking rejuvenation in an environment designed for meaningful transformation.
The Discovery Centre offers a wide spectrum of ocean and land-based activities; from sailing and kayaking through mangroves to mountain biking, dolphin expeditions, and cultural excursions to Kampot pepper farms and colonial sites. Every excursion is designed to offer a deeper connection to Kep’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Centre also collaborates with Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) to enable guest- participation in marine restoration and education programs.
Knai Bang Chatt’s commitment to regeneration is not new. Over the past two decades, the brand has channelled significant investment into local development, from preserving heritage architecture to funding education, healthcare, and employment for families in Kep. The collaboration with MCC has helped protect more than 12,000 hectares of fragile marine habitat under the Marine Fisheries Management Area (MFMA), a pioneering step in marine conservation for Cambodia.
As Kep undergoes a renaissance with revitalised beachfront, cultural investments, and improved infrastructure, Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West is playing a central role in guiding this transformation responsibly. With initiatives like Art for Kep, a multi-year program supporting local artists and cultural tourism, the resort continues to lead by example in how hospitality can become a force for good.
Jef Moons, Founder and Chief Executive of Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West advised “we’re not just inviting guests to stay, we’re inviting them to become part of a movement. Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West represents our belief that travel can be beautiful, meaningful, and impactful all at once.”
More information at www.kepwest.com/knaibangchatt
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