silk island phnom penh tour

Wander-Lush

Cambodian Silk Weaving on Koh Dach, a Day Trip from Phnom Penh

Love silk, weaving and textiles? Don’t miss visiting Koh Dach, AKA Silk Island, as a day trip when you’re in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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Koh Dach, otherwise known as Silk Island, is just a short drive from Phnom Penh . Famed for its small-scale sericulture and rich tradition of silk weaving, I was lucky enough to visit the island this past weekend with Chomnab Ho (thanks to our mutual friend  Jane Heng for the introduction!).

As well as working full-time for social enterprise Cambodia Knits , Chomnab runs his own label, FAIRWEAVE . He has been collaborating with artisans on Silk Island since 2009, and now leads semi-regular tours for anyone who’s interested in learning more about Cambodian silk weaving.

He doesn’t have a formal tour schedule at the moment, but Chomnab kindly agreed to take me along the next time he was heading to Silk Island for business. His wife, who does research for a company in Phnom Penh, also accompanied us.

An Insight into Cambodia’s Silk Industry

On our way out to Silk Island, Chomnab gave me a quick run-down of the silk weaving industry in Cambodia. FAIRWEAVE works with co-ops in Kandal, Prey Veng, Takeo and Bantay Meanchay – but of these, Chomnab explains, Prey Veng is the only place where silk weaving could be considered sustainable.

In Prey Veng, co-op groups are larger (typically 10-15 people versus an average of five in the other provinces), and weavers use fly-shuttle looms, meaning they can work a lot faster to produce greater quantities of textiles.

They also weave with silk organza, which lowers the price of their textiles and makes them more attractive to exporters.

There are, of course many downsides to scaling-up production; Chomnab is passionate about helping women weavers boost their income, and his focus is on working with smaller groups on product diversification.

Cambodia is home to approximately 20,000 weavers (most of whom work exclusively with silk), but there are only 50-100 sericulturists (silk producers) in the entire country. That’s a ratio of 400:1!

It’s no surprise, then, that 95% of Cambodia’s raw silk material – about 300 tonnes annually – is imported from neighbouring Vietnam.

A mere 3-4 tonnes is grown locally, something that private sector and development stakeholders are looking to change .

Vietnamese silk is still dyed in Cambodia, giving the weavers control over the colour hues and dying process. A lot of co-ops use synthetics, but on Silk Island, Chomnab is promoting the use of natural dyes. His colour samples include plum, moss, green tea and sunflower . My favourite shade is a rich golden brown, achieved with pigments extracted from coconut husk.

Getting to Koh Dach – Phnom Penh Silk Island

The drive to Silk Island takes about an hour from downtown Phnom Penh. The car ferry is the most pleasant but quickest part of the journey, taking only 15 minutes to cross from the mainland onto Koh Dach, a long and skinny island that rests in the middle of the Mekong River.

Pulling up at the jetty, we were presented with one of the more picturesque views of the Mekong I’ve seen: stilted houses and floating bungalows, thick green grass, and fishermen paddling into shore. No doubt this scene would look very different during dry season, when the river recedes to reveal high banks of dried-out mud.

Koh Oknhatei Village

Once off the ferry, there are signs pointing visitors in the direction of Silk Island’s main tourist centre. I was pleased when Chomnab started driving in the opposite direction, away from the small throng of tourists and tuk-tuk drivers and into Koh Oknhatei village.

Silk Island isn’t as pastoral as I had imagined; the houses and shops are quite densely packed. In Koh Oknhatei, many of the high-stilted homes have looms set up underneath.

There’s also a bright orange wat looming in the distance, and plenty of cows wandering the streets. Life operates at a slower pace here. It’s easy to see why so many visitors from Phnom Penh flock to Silk Island for a day trip – as Chomnab says, it’s the easiest way to experience Cambodia’s ‘country lifestyle’ without venturing too far from the city.

Weaving Sampot Chang Kben

Our first stop in Koh Oknhatei was at one of the households Chomnab works with. Manipulating a dizzying volume of bright-green threads, the women here were busy preparing the warp for a sampot or sarong skirt.

There are dozens of different sampot designs, and when exactly each one is worn depends on social class, time of day, or what occasion is being celebrated. Chomnab refers to the particular garment they are making as a sampot chang kben , a four-metre length of woven fabric – oftentimes heavily embellished with delicate repeat patterns and metallic threads – that is worn fixed around the waist.

Chang kben woven on a jacquard loom are favoured by Cambodia’s wealthy, including the Royal Family, whereas simpler textiles like the ones being woven here are generally affordable enough for most Khmer, and are usually worn at weddings.

Wedding season falls during Cambodia’s dry season, so once the rain picks up, the market for sampot chang kben all but disappears.

Silk scarves, on the other hand, are a perennial product (and more popular among tourists), which is why Chomnab and others (notably the ITC , which has been supporting Cambodian weavers since the early 2000s) have introduced scarves and other products to fill the annual void in weavers’ incomes.

Preparing the Warp

Having satisfied Chomnab’s latest order of scarves, the women had moved on to a chang kben . Working with 2500 silk threads and 56 bobbins, the process of preparing the warp takes two or three people about a fortnight to complete.

After the threads have been separated and organised on the warping tool, each individual thread is then fed into a reed – a task that is even more time-consuming and very hard on the eyes. The pattern is then prepared on the loom, and only then can the weaving begin.

To get an idea for the end product, I was also shown a partially finished chang kben on the loom. This particular garment features the same colour palette and a detailed jasmine flower pattern.

The women here sell their chang kben on to local traders, which makes for a piecemeal income. Because of its time-intensive nature, they only attempt two or three chang kben per year, weaving for a few hours per day in between other work.

With the addition of Chomnab’s scarf orders, they now have enough work to keep them busy throughout the year.

Had we come a few days earlier, we might have witnessed a different stage of silk preparation: bobbin spinning. This step is the precursor to the warp preparation, so it shows what colourway the women are going to weave with next.

Their homemade spinning wheel is quite a contraption, thriftily patched together from sticks and powered by a re-purposed bicycle wheel.

Backyard Weaving

Our second stop for the day was a totally different set up. The woman at this house underwent product development training with ITC several years ago, and as a result, she went on to set up a small shop inside her living room where she sells textiles woven by the women in her community.

Naturally, she also has a loom. Since her house is concrete and set on the ground, her weaving studio is set out the back in a covered courtyard.

She too was working on a chang kben on the day we visited.

Our Koh Dach visit: Summary

It was such a privilege to see weaving and the different stages of silk preparation in some of Koh Dach’s less-visited homes. Even if you’re visiting Silk Island alone, it still makes for an excellent day trip out of Phnom Penh – especially if you’re interested in handicrafts. Part 2 of this post will include information about the visitor’s centre and sericulture demonstration.

Getting to Koh Dach from Phnom Penh

If you don’t have your own car or aren’t lucky enough to have a Chomnab on hand (!), there are other ways of getting to Koh Dach from Phnom Penh.

By motorbike: Cross the Japanese Bridge and drive down Road 6 to reach the ferry terminal. Buy a ticket for you and your bike (about 1,000 Riel). Once on Koh Dach, you can explore using the directions mentioned above.

By tuk-tuk: In the city, hire a tuk-tuk for the day (expect to pay about 30 USD, plus 3,000 Riel for the ferry ticket) to drive you around Koh Dach. Most drivers are experienced with driving around Silk Island and know where to take tourists.

On a tour: Another way to experience Koh Dach is with a Silk Cruise along the Mekong River. You’ll learn all about the history of silk production in Cambodia, stop off at the weaving workshops in Prek Boeung Kong Pagoda, and if the season is right, visit Koh Dach beach for a traditional Khmer BBQ.

Spending the night on Koh Dach

Koh Dach is a really nice place to get away from the chaos of Phnom Penh. Why not spend a night on the island and make a staycation of it?

The Bale Phnom Penh is a stunning new resort property on Koh Dach island. The property features a big pool and Mekong River views.

For something a little more budget-friendly, Villa Koh Dach is a homestay located in one of the villages. Red House is set in a gorgeous traditional wooden house and features private balconies and home-cooked meals.

Koh Dach: Pin it!

What an awesome article! I am planning on visiting this coming November. Would it be possible to buy only a few pieces of scarves there and would you know how much one would cost usually? I plan to buy some and give it to my closest friends and family members so I don’t think I am going to buy tons of them.

Hi May, there are gift shops and some women sell the scarves directly to visitors individually. I’m not sure of the exact cost, but everything is handmade so expect to pay a bit more than you would in Phnom Penh city. Enjoy!

I’m so happy to find your lovely story about silk weaving and the silk island. I’m having a trip to Cambodia late this month and will stay in Phnom Penh for 2.5 days.

I’ve been struggling if I should spare half a day for a trip/guided tour to this island. Now I believe that I’m going to do so after reading your story. Would you mind sharing with me the best place on the islands (Koh Oknha Tey? Koh Dach?)? I would really like to take a look at the real countryside life of Cambodians of the city and buy a few locally made scarfs. (I’ll have another tour to the countryside on a quad with Backstreet Academy)

Hi Louis! Thanks so much for your comment. You must be excited about your upcoming trip! The islands are small and easy to navigate, so it’s possible to see everything in a day. The main tourist centre is on Koh Dach.

Enjoy your trip and please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!

It’s so nice to have discovered such a beautiful blog – I love the whole textile stories series in particular. You write so beautifully about parts of the world i’ve never been to and yet now feel I have a glimpse of – also due to your really nice photos. I find the making process of fabric fascinating and calming also, and as you pointed out, producing something so delicate from such an industrial (varying degrees of obviously!) environment is fascinating to see.

Hi Ellie! Thanks so much for your comment. I enjoy your writing very much as well! I could write about textiles all day – it’s definitely one of my favourite topics and there’s so much inspiration to be found in this part of the world. I’m glad you like the post series.

If you make it to Cambodia anytime soon, be sure to get in touch!

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• Koh Dach Exploring Cambodias Silk...

Koh Dach: Exploring Cambodia's Silk Island

Koh Dach – or Silk Island – may be a short way from Phnom Penh, but its a world away from the capital’s hustle and bustle. We look at the best ways to explore Silk Island, and what to do while you’re there.

Located just a 45-minute tuk-tuk or moto drive and short ferry journey away from Phnom Penh , a visit to Koh Dach is a great way to escape the humdrum of capital life while discovering rural Cambodia.

The cooling calm of the island is not only a great respite: it’s also a fun way to learn more about Cambodia’s silk weaving history, stroll through quiet villages, relax on the river or go for a dip.

Silk history

Visitors can learn more about the process, from the plumping up of the silk worms with mulberry leaves, spinning the yarn and dyeing techniques to seeing the final product.

The main silk weaving centre is about 1km from the ferry landing. It houses a series of stilted wooden houses, where weavers sit with their handmade wooden looms and create patterned silk scarves and traditional Khmer skirts. Free tours of the centre are available – a $1 or so tip for your guide will be very well received.

While the tour doesn’t take long, a great way to round it off is at the centre’s café, on the banks of the River Mekong. Here you can kick back on a bench with a fresh coconut or snack, or hire a hut for a few dollars and chill with food and drinks. The centre has also created a safe spot for swimming in the Mekong.

For those wanting to continue on their silk discovery, a silk weaving village sits close to the centre. Here, you can watch women at work on their looms and buy products – remember to put your haggling hat on to bag a bargain.

On your bike

The best way to tour the island is by bicycle. The road around the island is about 40km, and passes sleepy villages and pagodas, paddies and farms.

Bikes can be rented at the ferry drop-off point for the day for a couple of dollars, or you can hire one from the mainland and cycle there (or take it in a tuk-tuk) .

Several tour operators also put on cycling tours of the island, with Grasshopper Adventures’ half-day tour being a popular pick with visitors. It is about 20 to 25km on and off paved roads, and costs $45.

If the thought of cycling in Phnom Penh freezes you with fear, then hitting the islands roads is a very different story. Apart from a handful of cars and a few motorbikes, otherwise the roads – think single lane tracks – are quiet and safe. And they are studded with small stalls selling drinks and snacks for you to stop off at for a break.

Koh Dach’s oasis of calm is addictive, and once you’re there you may never want to leave.

Thankfully, in the last few years a few guesthouses have cropped up. They range from simple homestay style accommodation to private apartments and swimming pools.

Le Kroma Villa comes highly recommended. Owned by a Khmer woman and her French husband, the resort comes complete with tropical gardens, an infinity pool overlooking the river, and fresh modern rooms, equipped with AC, hot shower and terrace. If you’re there at weekends, tuck into the oven-fired pizzas. A restaurant serves Khmer food throughout the rest of the week. The pool at the resort and the bar are also open to non-guests.

How to get there

Many tour operators offer day trips to the island, where transportation is organised as part of the package.

Alternatively, you can make your own way there by getting a tuk-tuk or moto across the Japanese bridge and driving along Road 6 to the ferry terminal.

The ferry costs about 3,000 riel for a tuk tuk, 1,000 riel for a moto and 700 riel for a bicycle. Expect to pay between $25 and $30, depending on your negotiating skills, for a tuk-tuk for the day.

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Silk Island Tour by Tuk-Tuk

Trip Style: Classic Adventures

Approx. 4.5 hours

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Trip Code: SRT-SIT

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Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with our half-day Tuk-Tuk tour to the Silk Island. Our tour will take you to the hidden gem of the silk island where you will experience the rural side of Phnom Penh. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you will witness the everyday life of the people living in tiny villages. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the silk houses and learn about traditional silk weaving practices.

Trip Details

1 - 8 People

2+ Years Old

8:00 am - 12:30 pm

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Home » Attractions » Phnom Penh Attractions » Silk Island (Koh Dach)

Silk Island (Koh Dach)

Silk Island gets its name from its numerous silk weaving communities that inhabit the island, a craft dating back as far as the pre-Angkorian era in Cambodia.  

The island of Koh Dach, known locally as Silk Island, is a 30 square kilometre area of fertile farmland surrounded by the Mekong river, just a few kilometres from Phnom Penh. The laid back pace of life on the island seems a world away from the sprawling metropolis of the nearby city.

Getting to Silk Island

Numerous tour operators offer day trips to the island, usually by tuk tuk or car via one of the ferry crossings. If you have your own transport you can either head northeast out of town over the Japan-Cambodia friendship bridge and along National Highway #6 to the ferry port, or, if you’re on a bike, you can catch the ferry at the end of the Riverside pathway into Kandal province. From here you should follow the river up to the next ferry crossing to cross back over onto Koh Oknha Tei and use the bridge to reach Silk Island. The ferry each way costs 500 riel ($0.12) on foot, add 200 riel for a pushbike, 500 riel for a motorbike, or 3000 riel for a tuk tuk. Cars and 12 seater minivans are 8000 and 10000 riel, respectively. 

Getting Around Koh Dach

The island is the perfect place for a bike ride, with lush, green fields, quiet dirt roads and Buddhist pagodas dotted all over. As you can imagine, the island is pretty flat, and is pretty easy for kids to navigate.

Basic bikes can be rented for just a few dollars a day at the ferry landing, or you can hire mountain bikes in town and ride them there, the latter being recommended if you’re planning on getting off the main roads and really exploring. Before heading out make sure to apply plenty of sun cream and take plenty of fluids with you, or make regular water stops along the way.  

If Cycling is not your thing, hiring or booking an organised tour on the back of a tuk tuk is the way to go. Many of the roads on the island are single carriage, dirt roads, and the relatively small tuk tuks are able to navigate them with ease. You will also gain the benefit of the driver’s local knowledge, who will more than likely take you around the island at a leisurely pace, making several stops along the way. 

Silk Weaving Centre

Located a stone’s throw from the ferry landing, is the silk weaving centre, where visitors can learn about the whole silk production process. You can see the silkworms bulking up on mulberry leaves and their golden cocoons being harvested to make yarn. Which is then spun and dyed by hand in a variety of vibrant colours before finally being woven into fine silk. 

In the centre’s stilted houses, skilled silk weavers create the famously soft silk cloth the traditional way, using handmade wooden looms.It takes years to learn the craft and as such the most intricate patterns are woven by the artisans, with their apprentices producing the simpler single color and lighter weight fabrics. The final products, such as traditional silk scarves are on display and available for purchase, and the prices reflect the skill level required to produce the product.  

If you prefer you can take a guided tour of the centre, or grab a tasty drink or snack and relax in a hut perched on the banks of the Mekong. There are other silk weaving villages that you can visit on Silk Island and buy products, as ever in Cambodia be prepared to haggle for a bargain. 

Silk Island Accommodation

Should the island’s tranquillity and charm really rub off on you, there are several options for an overnight stay. Accommodation ranges from humble home stays and cheap guest houses to boutique hotels with private swimming pools. 

Koh Dach Beach Resort at the northern tip of the island, is a basic, Khmer style resort popular with rowdy locals looking for some fun by the river’s edge. Here, you can relax in a simple bamboo shelter by the waters edge, and even take a dip in the mighty Mekong. The food hawkers here are not shy about ripping off foreigners, so always ask the price of the food before ordering to avoid any nasty surprises. 

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Phnom Penh Silk Island Tour: Is it worth it in 2024?

Are you planning a trip to Phnom Penh in 2024?

If so, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Silk Island. After experiencing a one-day tour including a visit to the island, I have to say it is well worth a trip , offering a unique experience that combines cultural exploration and scenic beauty making it the perfect Cambodian day trip destination.

To reach Silk Island, you’ll embark on a pleasant and fun tuk-tuk ride and cross the Mekong River on a traditional ferry. As you step foot on the island, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant atmosphere and the fascinating world of Cambodian silk!

As you may have guessed, Silk Island is renowned for its silk production, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness the skilful process firsthand. From the cultivation of silkworms to the weaving of exquisite fabrics, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the artistry and craftsmanship behind Cambodian silk.

And if you’re looking to bring home a piece of this cultural treasure, Silk Island is the perfect place to shop for silk clothing and accessories. Whether it’s a stunning scarf, an elegant dress, or a unique souvenir, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your taste.

We did and my god are they soft!

It’s an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and the chance to take home a piece of Cambodian silk.

Let’s dive deeper into this travel guide and see why Phnom Penh’s Silk Island is truly worth a visit.

Also, you can check out my posts on the best things to do in Cambodia, right here !

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W hat is Cambodian Silk?

Table of Contents

Cambodian silk is a luxurious fabric that holds a rich cultural significance in Cambodia.

It is known for its exceptional quality and skilful craftsmanship. To add to its romance, the production of Cambodian silk involves a diligent process that has been passed down through generations.

We saw the very process in front of our eyes and it was fascinating to see. I would never before considered how my clothes were made until its right in front of my nose and I can tell you it was impressive!

The journey of Cambodian silk begins with the cultivation of silkworms.

These silkworms produce fine silk threads by spinning cocoons. Then the skilled artisans carefully extract the silk threads from the cocoons, ensuring their strength and integrity.

Once the silk threads are extracted, they undergo a process called dyeing. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals are often used to achieve vibrant and harmonious colours. This traditional dyeing process adds to the uniqueness and authenticity of Cambodian silk.

After dyeing, the silk threads are ready for weaving. Traditional wooden looms are used to weave the threads into intricate patterns and designs. The weavers’ expertise and attention to detail result in stunning silk fabrics that showcase the beauty and elegance of Cambodian silk.

Cambodian silk is famous for its lustrous appearance, smooth texture, and lightweight feel. It is often used to create a wide range of products, including traditional clothing such as the sampot (a traditional Cambodian garment), scarves, shawls, and home decor items.

When visiting Silk Island, you will have the opportunity to witness the entire process of Cambodian silk production, from the cultivation of silkworms to the weaving of fabrics. Moreover, you can purchase genuine Cambodian silk products on the island, allowing you to bring home a piece of this exquisite textile.

It is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Cambodian silk and appreciate the skill and artistry behind its creation.

After chatting with a tuk-tuk driver outside the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, we agreed to do a tour consisting of a visit to Silk Island, Wat Siam Mongkol, Wat Prachum Sakor, Wat Sampov Treileak and Wat Phnom Daun Penh.

We were trying to visit the Royal Palace but due to an international event being hosted inside, it was closed on this particular day.

After departing the city centre we travelled to Siam Mongkol Temple aka, the Golden Temple which was striking and beautiful. We spent about half an hour inside before we left for the ferry.

About a fifteen-minute drive from the Royal Palace in a tuk-tuk, we zipped in and out of the traffic until we reached Silk Island Ferry Terminal and waited only a few moments before the ferry was full and we departed for Silk Island (very exciting!)

Silk Island Silk Shop

It didn’t take long, about ten-fifteen minutes to cross the Mekong River and once we were off the ferry we crossed Koh Oknha Tey Koh Dach Bridge and our first stop was in Silk Island Silk Shop !

Here we met a very friendly local who explained the process to us in detail. She showed us the products on offer and even let us have a spin of the wheel for good measure. This was an awesome experience even though it was somewhat “for the tourist” but I loved it!

I will say, however, that we were pushed to buy as much as we could. We only wanted one item and we were strongly encouraged to get more and dare I say it, even a few bad faces were thrown our way but I get it.

It is their livelihood and I would do the same to maximise profits. It wasn’t the end of the world after what was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

They impressed me so much even still!

Silk Island Community

Once we finished at Silk Island Silk Shop we made our way to Silk Island Community, a silk farm.

We paid only $2.00 to enter.

Here a young student was waiting for tourists to show them the cultivation process for a fee of our choice. She said it would go toward her college fees so we made sure to give her a decent fee.

Once inside we spent about thirty-five minutes being escorted through the premises while observing the traditional method of extracting silk for the creation of textiles.

It was fascinating to see the silkworms, hundreds if not thousands of them, moving in the trays, all waiting to be put to work.

You can touch the silkworms in your hand and boy, do they feel soft. Like jelly if I had to compare!

Keep an eye out for different coloured worms as they will be in different stages of the process. A bigger body are female butterflies and the male is a little smaller.

When the butterfly dies, the worm hatches out of the cocoon and the staff on the farm place both the wings and worm on the tray.

The male and female spend about 8 hours mating and the female lays 300-400 eggs on the newspaper in a tray for about 5 days.

After this takes place, both the male and female butterflies have ten days before they die.

To me, it was so interesting to learn about the biological process of the worms.

At 28 days they will be larger worms as seen below.

The worms spit out the silk from the mouth and go round and round until you have a little ball of silk!

Then they will hang on the all for about 10 days and the worms will have morphed into butterflies again by this stage!

The beauty of Mother Nature!

Beware of Scams

Travel isn’t always perfect!

After this wonderful enlightening experience, we visited the temples outlined above and met some friendly kids right inside one particular temple called Wat Prachum Sakor which can be found here !

However, we were manipulated by them.

It is common to have kids in Cambodia ask for pictures and be very friendly and then once all the photos are taken they will hold their hand out and say money.

We felt completely duped as their parents were right there and they weren’t in school where they should have been. We gave them some small money but it took us a little while to realise what happened.

Of course, not all kids can make it to school for many reasons but later we learned from reading up on the topic that we really should not give kids money as the parents will make them stand out at the tourist attractions and either beg or do what they did to us.

This will be your decision to give money or not, but I wanted to highlight our experience and the topic briefly as it is common in South-East Asia.

I think the tuk-tuk driver was in on it but I get why they do it.

How to get to Cambodia’s Silk Island

A fun and easy way to get to Cambodia’s Silk Island is by tuk-tuk.

You’ll start with a pleasant tuk-tuk ride from somewhere in the city. There are eager drivers scattered all over Phnom Penh, especially near the Royal Palace but not exclusively there.

It won’t be too hard to get a driver’s attention.

Then, you’ll cross the Mekong River on a traditional ferry. You shouldn’t have to wait too long, just until the ferry is full. Once you reach Pnomh Penh Silk Island, get ready to explore the vibrant world of Cambodian silk!

I promise it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Conclusion – Is Silk Island worth a visit?

Absolutely! The cultural experience it offers is a must for all travellers in Phnom Penh.

The journey to the island itself, including a pleasant tuk-tuk ride and a traditional ferry crossing, sets the tone for an exciting adventure. Once on the island, you’ll be greeted by the warm and friendly locals who are eager to share their knowledge and showcase their silk production.

However, it’s important to note that while the people are generally nice, some may be pushy when it comes to selling their silk products.

It’s understandable as their livelihood depends on it, but be prepared to politely decline if you’re not interested in making a purchase.

And be prepared to repeat yourself!

Nonetheless, the overall experience of witnessing the silk production process and exploring the island’s beauty is well worth it.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Silk Island during your trip to Phnom Penh.

Embrace the cultural immersion, appreciate the craftsmanship behind Cambodian silk, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of this unique destination.

Can you get Silk on the Island?

Yes, you can purchase genuine Cambodian silk products on Silk Island. The island is renowned for its silk production, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness the entire process of Cambodian silk production, from the cultivation of silkworms to the weaving of fabrics.

Whether you’re looking for a stunning scarf, an elegant dress, or a unique souvenir, Silk Island offers a wide range of options to satisfy your taste. It’s the perfect place to bring home a piece of this exquisite textile.

How long from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?

The travel time from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 hours to reach Koh Rong from Phnom Penh by boat.

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At 8:30AM Explore the marvels of Silk Island (Koh Dach) just outside of Phnom Penh . Take a Tuk-Tuk ride outside of the city and discover the beauty of the landscape of the island, the most famous day trip from Phnom Penh . The scenery of Koh Dach makes it seem like it was hundreds of kilometers away from a city as busy as Phnom Penh .  You need to take a ferry ride to this island on the almighty Mekong and experience Cambodian countryside in all its authenticity. Watch and learn how the local workshops produce silk fabrics and take a walk on the wild side!

** Start Tour at 8:30AM 

Services Inclusion

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Exploring Cambodia’s Silk Island

Photo by hodag/flickr.com

At Cambodia’s capital, who would have thought that among the skyscrapers and concrete panorama of Phnom Penh, there lies an island that shows off a wildly different side of the capital city. This island is referred to by the locals as Koh Dach, but affectionately called the Silk Island, Phnom Penh. What lies on this seemingly mythical Silk Island and what is the history behind its name?

Getting to Silk Island or Koh Dach

To find out its secrets, you will need to cross the Mekong river as it is the only way to access the island not far away from the city center. There are many ways you can do this. If you subscribed to a tour service, they may organize a comfortable cruise for you to travel to and around the island perimeter with ease.

If you are young at heart and prefer to travel like the locals, a tuk-tuk can take you to a ferry terminal to board the life-sustaining connection of the island people. If you brought along your scooter, you may ride the ferry with it and have the freedom to roam on the island on two wheels.

The welcoming scenery

Arriving at the ferry landing, you will encounter the typical scene of a port village where goods are being exported and imported across the river. You will also encounter a thematic sighting of merchants in their shops or on the streets, marketing the very soul of Koh Dach — linens and clothing made of silk, with hundreds of enchanting colors.

It is so easy to get lost in the beauty of the port village neighborhood, as you will find numerous shops and restaurants that cater to the visitors of the island. In the shade, tuk-tuk taxis are parked waiting for the people who would like to see more of the island. We highly recommend that you take them and go on a Cambodia culture trip, as the island’s charms are yet to come into full view.

The weaving center

The art of silk weaving dates back to pre-Angkorian times, when silk was the object of royalty, and when this wealthy silk-producing region was the envy of powerful empires to the west of the Indian Ocean. On the island, silk weaving communities attempt to keep the traditional method alive. Weavers operate wooden tools, loyal to the original designs of their predecessors with little mechanization. These artists truly trust their hands to fine tune and control the delicate silk.

Meanwhile traveling across the countryside reveals how much simple life could be as a Cambodian farmer living in these areas. Cattles graze freely while ducks march across the paddy fields to hunt down insects that would otherwise have destroyed the crops. The serene and peaceful atmosphere can make you forget that you are technically only 4 km from the city center.

Enjoy a peaceful sleep near Phnom Penh

The Balé Phnom Penh is a resort near the Mekong river, perfectly located across the Silk Island Phnom Penh and shares the same refreshing environment that is wildly different from the city center. Our complete resort services such as private fine dining and event organization complements the incredible experience of staying in our luxurious rooms. Visit our homepage to learn more.

Silk Island Tours

Known by locals as Koh Dach, Silk Island sits upstream on the Mekong near Phnom Penh and offers travelers to Cambodia’s capital city a quick escape from the urban landscape into a village that feels worlds away. The rural community of Silk Island is comprised of dozens of local artisans—well-trained silk masters who hand weave some of the most glamorous fabrics from one of the nation’s most prized resources. Visitors say that the residents who carry on this age-old craft are kind and inviting, offering a warm contrast to the hustle of city streets. Silk Island offers travelers the perfect opportunity to step back in time, see artisans at work, learn more about the silk trade and collect some handmade crafts before heading back to the mainland.

Phnom Penh Road #282, House No_#17,BKK, Chamka Moun, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia +855 78 646 424 +855 17757800