Islands around Sihanoukville

Most of the islands off Sihanoukville, and there are at least 23 of them, are deserted and undeveloped. Basic accommodations are now available in some of them. Ko Russei or Bamboo Island, Ko Tai Teav and Ko Rung Samloem. These facilities are currently very basic with a restaurant for food, drinks and a place to hang out. There is a private luxury resort on Ko Dek Kuol and it should come as no surprise that more of such resorts will be put up in future on these lovely and pristine islands.

Ko Russei

It is a one hour boat ride away from Sihanoukville but a far cry from the crowded Occheuteal Beach. Here, the sand is golden, fishermen are on their boats offshore, and the footprints on the sand are yours, and maybe of a few other fellow travellers. A group of antique Russian guns on the beach adds intrigue to the place. On this island there is only tranquility and those who visit it fall under its spell quickly. Ko Russei used to be a naval base.

Its lodgings are basic wooden bungalows on the beach. All the BimBamboo bungalows have ocean views, rooms with fans and private showers. A hammock strung between the palm trees offers additional opportunities to laze.

Great Scuba Diving

Commonly known as Rabbit Island, it sits off shore from Kep, just 30 minutes away by boat. The beach where the boat anchors is lined with coconut trees, lazy chairs, beach huts and a few shacks offering outstanding fresh seafood.

The islands of Koh Rung Samloem and Koh Kon have top notch diving sites, and are an easy two hour trip away from Sihanoukville. Further out, Koh Tang and Koh Prins are pristine and rich with coral and marine life, Trips to the latter two islands require an overnight stay. The temperature of the water hovers between 27º C- 31ºC and the sites are usually only around 15 m deep.