Koh Russei (also known as Bamboo Island) is one of Cambodia's finest beach destinations — a small island off the coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand, with white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and vibrant coral reefs. The island is almost entirely undeveloped — no roads, no vehicles, no permanent structures beyond a few bamboo beach restaurants — making it one of the few genuinely unspoiled island experiences remaining in Southeast Asia.
Capture the magic of Koh Russei (Bamboo Island), Cambodia with these insider tips from our photography team.
The optimal time to visit Koh Russei (Bamboo Island), Cambodia is during Nov–Mar. This is when you'll find the best combination of weather, water conditions, and crowd levels.
Located in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, this Gulf of Thailand destination offers a unique beach experience that earned its #70 ranking on our list of the world's most Instagrammable beaches.
Coordinates: 10.88° N, 76.07° E
Koh Russei (also known as Bamboo Island) is one of Cambodia's finest beach destinations — a small island off the coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand, with white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and vibrant coral reefs. The island is almost entirely undeveloped — no roads, no vehicles, no permanent structures beyond a few bamboo beach restaurants — making it one of the few genuinely unspoiled island experiences remaining in Southeast Asia.
This stunning Gulf of Thailand destination has earned its place as one of the world's most Instagrammable beaches. With 28–31°C water temperatures and low crowd levels during peak season, it's a photographer's paradise. The golden hour here (6:05 AM – 6:50 AM · 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM (ICT)) offers magical lighting that transforms every shot into a masterpiece.
Whether you're capturing the wide-angle shoreline or intimate details of the sand and surf, Koh Russei (Bamboo Island), Cambodia delivers. The unique geography and natural beauty make it a must-visit for beach lovers and content creators alike.
Koh Russei (Bamboo Island), Cambodia is located in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Coordinates: 10.88° N, 76.07° E. The best approach depends on your starting location—most visitors fly into the nearest major airport and arrange ground transportation or a local boat transfer to reach the beach.
Nov–Mar — Golden hour: 6:05 AM – 6:50 AM · 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM (ICT). Visit during these months for optimal weather conditions and the best photography opportunities.
Drone regulations vary by location. Always check local laws before flying, especially in protected areas, national parks, or near wildlife. Some beaches may require permits for commercial drone use.
