Koh Dach - Phnom Penh's Silk Island

Koh Dach is an island in the Mekong River about 15 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. It is renowned for the thousands of silk weavers and the quality of the silk they produce.

It makes for an enjoyable day trip from Phnom Penh. First, you'll have a pleasant boat trip to the island. The island itself is a rural paradise, an oasis of tranquility very close to the city. You can buy silk there right from the producer.

Yesterday, the Phnom Penh Post reported the islanders are complaining about the lack of trade lately. They blame it on the troubles between Thailand and Cambodia at the Preah Vihear temple, but I think it probably has more to do with the global economic crisis and the effects it may have on the tourism market in Cambodia. I personally do not see much effect yet, but that may come in the next few months.

Anyway, if you are visiting Phnom Penh, make a day trip to that wonderful 'Silk Island'. In the dry season there's even a quite pleasant 'beach' on the north side of the island (and yes, the water there is clean). Negotiate your trip with one of the boat owners on Phnom Penh's river boulevard, Sisowath Quay.