Cambodia

Located approximately 15 kilometers from Phnom Penh, Koh Dach is the perfect getaway to enjoy a peaceful break and discover the traditional Khmer craft of silk weaving. Often referred to as a true island of treasures, Koh Dach attracts many visitors with its traditional charm, so emblematic of Cambodia. Make sure to include a visit to the island during your stay in Phnom Penh.

Exploring Silk Island

Description

Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island, is relatively small, measuring 12 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers in width.

The Charm of the Island

Koh Dach is a true oasis just outside Phnom Penh. Nature lovers and travelers seeking authentic encounters with locals will especially appreciate the island. It offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for reconnecting with oneself. Strolling through the island or relaxing on its beaches makes Koh Dach a genuine holiday destination. You’ll be warmly welcomed by the locals—especially children—who will greet you with smiles at every turn. Along the dirt paths, trees and charming stilt houses line the way. One of the most memorable sights is the women weaving tirelessly beneath these traditional homes.

Limited Infrastructure

Koh Dach has modest infrastructure. You'll find only a few rustic restaurants, small shops, a local produce market, a small school, and a handful of pagodas. The villagers’ houses are typical of rural Cambodia—charming, with vegetable gardens and small flower patches.

Activities

• Take a Walk

Exploring Koh Dach on foot is a wonderful opportunity to observe local daily life. You can choose to explore the island on foot, by tuk-tuk, or by horse-drawn cart. Morning is the best time to walk, with birds and roosters providing a natural soundtrack, and the local market in full swing. You’ll find fresh produce and handmade goods, and you’ll be greeted by smiling vendors offering fabrics and crafts. Bargaining is a lively tradition between tourists and sellers—be ready to join in!

• Stop at Wat Samaki

During your visit, consider stopping at Wat Samaki. Although part of the temple complex is still under construction, the site already houses stupas, Buddha statues, monks, and animals symbolic of the Buddhist religion. A large flowering tree with fragrant brown fruits—called “cannonball tree” by locals—stands out. Its vivid pink blossoms are often used in traditional medicine and are said to grow only near pagodas.

• Navigating the dirt paths

The island’s roads are mostly dirt paths. In the dry season, motorbikes zoom over the speed bumps, but during the rainy season, the roads turn muddy, making travel—especially on foot—quite difficult and messy.

• Learn the Art of Silk Weaving

Silk weaving is Koh Dach’s primary activity and a deeply rooted tradition among its villagers. While most French visitors don’t know the island’s original name, they often refer to it simply as "Silk Island" due to this renowned craft.

Visitors have the chance to learn the basics of weaving through hands-on workshops with local artisans. A guide will explain the entire silk-making process—from silkworm cultivation to the weaving itself.

Weaving is mostly done by women of all ages —mothers, young girls, teenagers, and grandmothers. Raw silk is provided by wholesalers who then purchase the finished textiles by the meter. Though earnings are modest, this practice sustains the village’s economy and reputation. These small weaving workshops have also become a source of tourism revenue. Upon arrival, a local will likely approach you offering a visit to a weaving workshop for just $1 USD.

The handcrafted fabrics are sold in Phnom Penh’s markets and boutiques, primarily as tablecloths and garments for men and women.

• Enjoy the fine sandy beach

Koh Dach also offers a lovely white-sand beach on the island’s northern end. Perfect for relaxing, its shores are lined with beautiful stilt houses painted in bright, cheerful colors. The dry season is the best time to enjoy a swim in the island’s refreshing waters. A small entrance fee of 2,000 riels is required to access the beach, and visitors can rent bamboo huts right by the water to watch the sunset in comfort.

Climate

Like the surrounding Phnom Penh region, Koh Dach has a tropical savanna climate with a dry winter. Rainfall is higher in summer than in winter. The rainiest months are August, September, and October. The average annual temperature in Phnom Penh is 29.1°C, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C between November and April. It remains warm year-round.

What to do on Koh Dach

• Visit a local silk weaving workshop
• Take a walk and engage with the daily life of villagers
• Explore Wat Samaki and admire its numerous stupas and Buddhist statues
• Relax and enjoy the sunset at the beach

How to get there

To reach Koh Dach, take the Japanese Bridge located north of Phnom Penh via taxi, tuk-tuk, or moto-taxi. The distance to the bridge is about 12 kilometers from Phnom Penh, with the ride costing approximately $10 USD per person. From there, take a ferry to the island, located in the middle of the Mekong River. The ferry operates from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The crossing costs 1,000 riels (about $0.25 USD) per person or 3,000 riels ($0.75 USD) if you bring a motorbike.

Getting around

Once on the island, moto-taxis and tuk-tuks are available for touring. However, given the island’s small size, walking or cycling is a great way to explore at your own pace. Scooter rentals are also available and cost around $5 USD per day if you wish to see the surroundings more easily.

Best time to visit

The most favorable months to visit Koh Dach are January, February, and December.