Silk Island and Angkor Ban are ports of call on Mekong River itineraries, with Scenic Cruises calling mostly September through November and again in spring.
Silk Island, known locally as Koh Dach, rises from the Mekong River not far from Phnom Penh, its shaded lanes and wooden stilt houses offering a gentle contrast to the capital's bustle. Communities here, including the village of Angkor Ban, have long been associated with traditional silk weaving, and visitors can watch artisans tend mulberry groves, spin thread, and work wooden looms passed down through families.
Life on the island moves at an unhurried pace, with rice paddies, fruit orchards, and modest homes lining the riverbank. A short boat crossing from the mainland makes it an easy half-day outing, best explored on foot or by tuk-tuk to see weaving up close. The island offers a genuine glimpse of rural Cambodian life alongside a craft tradition still practiced much as it always has been.
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How our planners would spend a day in Silk Island > Angkor Ban.
Watch a Silk Loom Demonstration
Step into a family workshop to see hand looms turn raw thread into golden silk, a process passed down for generations. Tuk-tuks from the boat landing reach the weaving hamlets in about 10 minutes.
Cycle the Riverside Village Lanes
Pedal or stroll past stilt houses, rice paddies, and fruit orchards for an unfiltered look at rural Khmer life just a short crossing from Phnom Penh. Allow an hour or two to wander at an easy pace.
Cross the Mekong by Local Ferry
The short wooden ferry ride from the mainland is part of the experience, offering river views and a glimpse of daily boat traffic before setting foot on the island.
