Just across the river from the capital, Koh Dach, widely known as Silk Island, feels a world away from the traffic of Phnom Penh. The island is a patchwork of farmland, villages, temples and wooden houses on stilts, and it is known for its handloom silk and cotton weaving. A guided bike tour is the best way to explore it, because the lanes are flat, quiet and car-free, and the guide can take you inside the family workshops. The booking page for the Mekong Islands bike day trip describes a half-day of about five hours that begins with a hotel pickup and a scenic ferry crossing to the island. You then cycle some twenty to twenty-five kilometres through villages and fields, stopping at a family-run business that makes tofu skin in Koh Dach village and at a weaving house where silk and cotton are made on looms beneath the stilted homes. A bicycle, a helmet, water, snacks and fruit are included, along with a donation to the village.
The details
The tour runs with a live English-speaking guide and starts early, at around half past seven in the morning, which keeps the ride cooler and the lanes quiet. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, and so are the bicycle, helmet, water, snacks and fruit. Cancellation and rescheduling are free until 24 hours before the start. The ride is about twenty to twenty-five kilometres, mostly on flat, village roads, so a moderate level of fitness is enough. Check the booking page for the current price, availability and any group-size limits.
What you will see
The ferry ride across the river is the first highlight, with views of the city skyline and the river traffic. On the island, you pass rice fields, vegetable plots, small temples and wooden houses, and the guide explains how silk is reared, dyed and woven. At the tofu-skin business, you can watch the delicate sheets being lifted from the pot, and at the weaving house you can see the looms at work and buy scarves or lengths of fabric if you wish, with no obligation.
Making the most of it
Wear a hat, sunscreen and closed shoes, and bring a little cash for any purchases. The ride is best in the cool season, between November and February, while in the wet season paths can be muddy, so ask the operator about conditions. Because the tour returns by late morning, it pairs well with an afternoon at the Russian Market or a sunset cruise. If you prefer the same island by tuk-tuk, look for other half-day tours.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day bike ride with hotel pickup, a ferry crossing to Silk Island, village lanes and visits to a tofu-skin business and a silk-weaving house.
Best time
The cool, dry months from November to February are the most comfortable, and the early start beats the heat in any season.
How long
About five hours from the 7:30 start, including the ferry and the stops.
Tips
Wear a hat, sunscreen and closed shoes, bring a little cash for scarves or snacks and ask about conditions in the wet season.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers, couples and families who want a calm morning of village life away from the city.
- Families
- The flat lanes and short stops suit confident child cyclists, though the heat and distance may be a lot for very young ones.
- Couples
- A relaxed, scenic ride with a ferry crossing and a chance to watch silk being woven.
- Pair with
- The Russian Market or a cooking class in the afternoon, and a sunset river cruise in the evening.
- Time needed
- A morning, back at your hotel before lunchtime.
Good questions
What is Silk Island near Phnom Penh?+
Silk Island, or Koh Dach, is a Mekong river island across from the city known for farmland, villages and handloom silk and cotton weaving. It is reached by a short ferry crossing.
What is included in the Silk Island bike tour?+
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, a bicycle and helmet, water, snacks, fruit and a village donation. Check the booking page for the latest details.
How far do you cycle on the tour?+
You cycle roughly twenty to twenty-five kilometres on flat village roads. A moderate level of fitness is enough for most visitors.
What time does the tour start?+
It starts at about half past seven in the morning, with hotel pickup beforehand. The early start keeps the ride cooler.
Can I cancel the Silk Island bike tour?+
Cancellation and rescheduling are free until 24 hours before the visit, as the booking page shows. Confirm the terms when you book.
