Koh Russei Island
Small Cambodian island near Sihanoukville, sandy beaches
Koh Russei (Bamboo Island) in Preah Sihanouk province is a small Cambodian island with beaches and shallow reefs-popular for day trips from Sihanoukville and snorkeling.
Koh Russei at a Glance#
About Koh Russei#
Koh Russei, also known as Bamboo Island, is a small uninhabited island in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia, lying off the coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a popular local destination for beaches and snorkeling.
The island’s attractions are its white sand beach and clear shallow waters that support nearshore coral and fish, making it a frequent stop on boat tours from Sihanoukville. Facilities are minimal and visits are typically limited to daytime recreation.
Koh Russei has no permanent settlement and is managed as part of the coastal island group associated with Sihanoukville tourism operations. Landing and short stays are common, but services and infrastructure are limited.
Geographically the island sits a few kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville in southern Cambodia and is one of several small islands that form accessible day-trip destinations from the mainland port.
- Short day-trip from Sihanoukville: The island is a short boat ride from Sihanoukville and is commonly visited on day trips for beach time and snorkeling over nearby reefs.
Exploring Koh Russei#
Koh Russei, or Bamboo Island, is one of the most popular day-trip islands off Sihanoukville, lying only about an hour from the mainland. Boat operators often advertise multi-island tours that combine snorkelling around smaller, beachless islands such as Koh Kteah and Koh Chaluh with a stop on Koh Russei’s sandy beach.
The island also has a few budget resorts built on beaches on opposite shores of its southern end. These simple bungalows are very popular, so it is worth booking ahead if you want to stay overnight.
How to Get to Koh Russei#
Koh Russei is reached by boat from Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk province). Day-trip operators and private charters run regular short crossings; confirm departure points and times ahead of arrival.
Tips for Visiting Koh Russei#
- Explore the sheltered bays by kayak for intimate reef viewing and quiet beaches.
- Respect local conservation rules - parts of the island may be managed for protection of seagrass beds and nesting birds.
- Visit in early morning for calm seas and better visibility for snorkeling.
Best Time to Visit Koh Russei#
Best during the dry season (November-April) for calm waters and snorkeling; monsoon months bring more rain and occasional rough seas.
Weather & Climate near Koh Russei#
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (3141 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 23° - 30° | 27° | 12 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 30° | 29 mm | some cloud | 74% | 2.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 25° - 33° | 35° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 35° | 314 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 32° | 491 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 32° | 618 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.6h |
| August | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 534 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 489 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 287 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 31° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.5h |
| December | Excellent | 24° - 30° | 27° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.4h |