Koh Dach
Silk Island on the Mekong: ancient weaving heritage, stilt-house villages, and tranquil countryside one ferry ride from Phnom Penh.
Koh Dach (Silk Island) is a tranquil 30-square-kilometre island in the Mekong River just north of Phnom Penh. Famed for its generations-old silk-weaving heritage, it offers a peaceful countryside escape worlds away from the capital's traffic.
Weaving. The Silk Weaving Centre, about a kilometre from the main ferry drop-off, demonstrates silkworm rearing, mulberry cultivation, spinning, and intricate pattern-making. In the villages, traditional Khmer stilt houses host hand-operated wooden looms — local women happily show how they weave iconic Cambodian kramas (checkered scarves).
Cycling. Hire a bicycle or scooter at the ferry dock. The mostly flat island features sandy trails through fruit orchards (bananas, mangoes, corn), rice paddies, and Buddhist pagodas like Wat Ampor Phal. At the northern tip, a seasonal sandy riverbank with bamboo picnic huts — grilled chicken and swimming in the fresh river.
Getting there. Tuk-tuk to Kdey Jas Ferry Dock (National Road 6, past the Japanese Bridge). Ferries roughly 5:30 AM–8:30 PM, ~1,000 Riel ($0.25) per passenger, ~3,000 Riel for tuk-tuk or motorbike. Full-day tuk-tuk from the city: ~$25–30. Bring cash (USD or KHR) — few cards or QR on the island. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) inside pagodas.
At Koh Dach we rent bikes at the ferry and ride into rice fields and silk workshops — the capital's noise fades, replaced by looms clacking and the Mekong flowing by.
Géraldine & Jean-Pierre
Visit & info
- Silk Weaving Centre and village workshops (kramas)
- Bike / scooter rental at the ferry
- Pagodas, orchards, and seasonal northern beach
- Kdey Jas ferry — cash essential
- Organised trips from Phnom Penh (see below)
Photo gallery
Go further
Explore Koh Dach with our Phnom Penh partner tours — silk weaving or a Mekong cruise.