Koh Dach & Silk Island, Phnom Penh (2024) - Images, Timings

Koh Dach, Phnom Penh Overview

Koh Dach consists of two islands connected by a small bridge - the main island with the same name and a smaller Koh Oknha Tei or Silk Island. These islands are located on the banks of the Mekong river at Kandal in Kon Dach Commune, close to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The islands are popular among tourists for their beaches and the handicrafts produced here by the locals.

. Silk Island gets its name from the silk weavers residing in a village. These silk weavers produce Cambodia's popular handmade fabric - Silk Scarf or Karma, sarongs, and other items from silk. Planning a day trip to Koh Dach island while exploring Phnom Penh for a relaxing beach holiday is worth planning.

Silk Weaving Tours

There are day trip tours for tourists, where they can visit the village's silk weaving centre. During the tour, travellers get to know the end-to-end process of making silk fabrics, right from silk thread extraction from cocoons to uniquely weaving silk to dye and form various structures. Apart from silk weaving, tourists can visit the pottery centres and sculptures made of wood. The village also gives a first-hand experience of Khmer rural life with paddy fields, fishing and weaving as sources of livelihood.

The northern end of Koh Dach is home to Koh Dach beach, where the tourists can watch the sunset, swim and relax in the evening after touring around the village. You can also stay there in a resort, which has a luxurious beachside accommodations.

How To Reach Koh Dach

Koh Dach Island can be reached by taking a speedboat from many places along the Mekong river, including Sisowath Quay boulevard close to Phnom Penh city centre, from where boats leave regularly. It takes about 15 minutes to reach, and a boat ride costs about 3 USD for a one-way trip that is shared. There are day cruises to the island as well, which starts from other piers along the Mekong.