Silk Island (Koh Dach)
Phnom Penh, KHM
Known by locals as Koh Dach, Cambodia’s Silk Island sits upstream on the Mekong River and provides a tranquil escape from the bustle of Phnom Penh. Step back in time on a visit to this village and see artisans at work, learn about the silk trade, and collect some handmade crafts before heading back to the mainland.
The rural community on Silk Island is made up of well-trained silk masters who hand-weave glamorous fabrics and is an ideal place to shop for silk garments. Make the most of your time by visiting the island as part of a day trip to the Mekong Delta from Phnom Penh, traveling either by ferry or guided tour. Tours generally transport you around the rural area by a combination of boat, bike, and bus and grant you access to silk-weaving workshops, where you’re likely to observe artisans at work.
While on the island take time to bike the scenic trails, visit the temple, and dine at several eateries that offer up fresh fish and local Khmer cuisine.
Silk Island promises a drastic change of pace to that of Phnom Penh, making it ideal for travelers looking to escape the freneticism of Cambodia’s capital.
Bring cash if you plan to purchase silk garments, as most vendors do not accept credit cards.
To cycle the trails, rent a bicycle from the ferry drop-off point; the circumference of the island is 25 miles (40 kilometers), so take plenty of water if you plan to cycle the whole way around.
A few home-style accommodation options and several restaurants provide options to stay the night.
The journey to Silk Island from Phnom Penh takes about 1.5 hours. Many guided tours include round-trip transportation. To reach the island independently, hire a taxi or a tuk-tuk to the port and then board a ferry for the island. The ferry ride takes around 20 minutes.
To make the most of SIlk Island’s coastal location and lush greenery, visit between November and April, when the monsoon season is dormant and skies are generally blue and sunny.
Cambodia’s capital city is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding countryside. In addition to Silk Island, other popular day trips from Phnom Penh include Boeung Snae, a floating forest that harbors hundreds of bird species; Kirirom National Park, home to mountain vistas and wildlife-rich forest; and Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
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