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Mekong Island - Koh Dach - 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
Cambodia has a lengthy silk-weaving history that stretches back to pre-Angkorian times. While the art is dwindling, countrywide efforts are being made to rekindle the craft. Koh Dach is dotted with weaving communities.
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.
- Royal Palace - The Royal Palace, in Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. Its full name in the Khmer language is Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol.
- Silver Pagoda - The Silver Pagoda is located on the south side of the Royal Palace in Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh. The official name is Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram as known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot which is commonly shortened to Wat Preah Keo in Khmer. The vihara houses many national treasures including many gold and jeweled Buddha statues.
- Wat Phnom - Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was built in 1372, and stands 27 metres above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city. The pagoda was given the name of Wat Preah Chedey Borapaut. Wat Phnom is the central point of Phnom Penh.
- Private Transportation (Tuk Tuk) & Tour Guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All entrance fees included
- Complimentary cold bottle of water
- Private English Speaking Guide
- Drinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
- Surcharge for special request on food, and meals.
- All other service not stated in the program
Phnom Penh’s fierce energetic environment can be a bit much at times. Concede, take a pause and make your way northwards to the pastoral Silk Island, the epicenter of tranquility on this all-day Tuk Tuk journey. We commence our exploration by delving into the harmony of Cambodian life in regions distant from the frenzied city. Test your skills in farming at a regional farmstead, communicate with traditional silk artisans and gain insight into their craft, then amble around the island’s minuscule hamlets and raw landscape at your leisure. Afterwards, we will return to the urban expanse to explore Wat Phnom Duan Penh, a place of immense historical significance having been built in 1372 and is the city’s foundation. Finally, we will visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda which is a cluster of edifices that serve as the regal residence of Cambodia’s sovereign.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
