Silk Island wonders - Koh Dach: Phnom Penh’s best-kept secret

Already explored Phnom Penh’s iconic landmarks and looking for your next adventure? Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island, is a serene escape just a short trip from the capital. This charming island offers an authentic and peaceful experience, far removed from the bustling city center. Discover a quieter side of Cambodia, rich in tradition and natural beauty. Read on to learn why Koh Dach is a must-visit destination during your stay in Phnom Penh!

Written by Thom DOAN (Travel Consultant) Updated on 26-11-2024

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Table of contents

Why visit Silk Island - Koh Dach?
How to get to and around Silk Island
What to see and do on Koh Dach?
Full-day itinerary from Phnom Penh to Koh Dach
Practical information and tips for a successful visit

Why visit Silk Island - Koh Dach?

Silk Island, also known as Koh Dach or Mekong Island, is a tranquil retreat just 15 km from Phnom Penh. A 40-minute journey by road and ferry brings you to this peaceful island, surrounded by the Mekong River. Its fertile, alluvium-rich land sustains authentic local life, offering a serene escape from the bustling capital.

A Legacy of Silk Weaving

Silk Island is celebrated as a hub for traditional Cambodian silk weaving. For generations, artisans here have preserved this craft, turning silkworm cocoons into intricate fabrics. Visitors can explore local workshops to witness the entire process, from silkworm farming to hand-weaving on wooden looms. For an immersive experience, try weaving your own piece of silk—a memorable way to engage with this living tradition.

Authentic silk products

The island is also an excellent place to buy high-quality silk products. Handmade by local artisans, these fair-trade items are both unique and affordable, making them perfect souvenirs. (Read more: 14 Must-Buy Cambodian Souvenirs)

A rural escape

Koh Dach is also the perfect place to buy authentic silk items at much more affordable prices than in the tourist shops of Phnom Penh. These pieces, handmade by local artisans, are perfect souvenirs: original, fair trade and of high quality.

The island is also a haven of peace, surrounded by vegetable farms, rice paddies and the historic silk weaving workshop, further adding to the rural charm of this unspoilt place.

How to get to and around Silk Island

Getting there

Silk Island (Koh Dach) is about 40 minutes to 1 hour from Phnom Penh, accessible by tuk-tuk, bike, or ferry.
Take a Tuk-Tuk: A tuk-tuk ride to the ferry pier costs around $10.
Take the Ferry: Board a ferry to cross the Mekong River to the island.

Getting around

On Foot or Bike: The island is small and easy to explore this way.
By Scooter: Rent a scooter for faster travel.
By Tuk-Tuk: Tuk-tuks are available for a more comfortable ride.

For the full experience, we recommend renting a bike or scooter, ideal for discovering every corner of the island.

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What to see and do on Koh Dach?

The Silk Weaving Craft on Koh Dach

Visitors discover the traditional Khmer art of silk weaving. Here, craftsmen transform silkworm cocoons into fabrics of remarkable finesse, using ancestral techniques. After boiling the cocoons to extract the threads, these are carefully wound and woven by hand on wooden looms. The meticulous process begins with the boiling of cocoons to separate the delicate threads, then the weaving that gives birth to magnificent fabrics.

Visitors can observe every step of the process in local workshops and even try their hand at creating their own piece of silk, learning about this ancestral know-how. It's the perfect opportunity to bring back a unique souvenir while supporting local artisans and discovering a fascinating craft that combines patience, precision and creativity.

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The daily life of the inhabitants

Koh Dach is also a great place to enjoy yourself in rural Cambodian life. While exploring the villages, travelers can meet artisans, fishermen, and farmers and participate in traditional activities such as fishing, bamboo basket making, or fruit harvesting. The hospitality of the locals and their willingness to share their way of life provide an authentic and enriching experience.

The local inhabitants of Koh Dach — *The local inhabitant of Koh Dach*

Samaki Temple and its stupas

For a spiritual immersion, the Buddhist temple of Samaki is a must. This peaceful site, known for its Buddhist stupas and statues, invites you to meditate. Visitors can admire symbolic sculptures and, if they wish, attend ceremonies, thus being introduced to Cambodian spirituality in a serene and soothing setting.

Full-day itinerary from Phnom Penh to Koh Dach

Morning: Depart Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk or taxi to the pier. Cross the Mekong River by ferry. Upon arrival in Koh Dach, explore local villages, farms, and tranquil landscapes on foot or by bike. Visit the silk weaving workshops and learn about the traditional manufacturing process, with the chance to try your hand at weaving yourself.
Midday: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant while enjoying typical Cambodian dishes.
In the afternoon: Continue your exploration of the island by bike or scooter, soaking up the scenery and visiting the surrounding rice paddies and farms. Take advantage of this moment to relax before preparing for your return.
Late afternoon: Return to the pier to take the ferry to Phnom Penh.

Practical information and tips for a successful visit

Best time to visit Koh Dach

The best time to visit Koh Dach is during the dry season, from November to March, to enjoy the pleasant climate and explore the island comfortably. (Learn more about: Best time to visit Cambodia)

Where to stay in Koh Dach?

To ensure a pleasant experience, it is recommended to check reputable booking sites like Booking or Agoda and check travelers' reviews. Feel free to contact the hotel directly to confirm the details of your reservation. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Kroma Villa Koh Dach: A perfect choice for families, offering modern amenities while maintaining a typical Cambodian setting.
Red House Koh Dach: Accommodation with a traditional design and friendly atmosphere, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Tips

Sunscreen: Koh Dach is very sunny. Bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated, especially during your explorations.
Cash payment: Card payments are rare on the island. Prepare cash for shopping and activities.
Buy local silk: Enjoy artisanal silk products, often cheaper than in the city, while supporting local crafts.
Family Safety: Some areas can be risky for children. Be careful on narrow roads and dirt roads, especially on bicycles or scooters, near fields or agricultural areas.

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silk island's inhabitants

Our Final Words

The silk and cotton products here are very famous. Nowadays, young people prefer to work in the city, but there are still many people who work in their traditional trades. If you are in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and have enough time, we recommend visiting this island before the concrete houses take over and these traditional skills disappear.

For an even more rewarding trip, don't miss our tours that combine Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Discover these three neighboring countries and enjoy a unique experience, between history, culture and incredible landscapes.