Koh Dach – or Silk Island – may be a short way from Phnom Penh, but its a world away from the capital’s hustle and bustle. We look at the best ways to explore Silk Island, and what to do while you’re there. Located just a 45-minute tuk-tuk or moto drive and short ferry journey away from Phnom Penh, a visit to Koh Dach is a great way to escape the humdrum of capital life while discovering rural Cambodia. The cooling calm of the island is not only a great respite: it’s also a fun way to learn more about Cambodia’s silk weaving history, stroll through quiet villages, relax on the river or go for a dip. Silk history Cambodia has a lengthy silk-weaving history that stretches back to pre-Angkorian times. While the art is dwindling, countrywide efforts are being made to rekindle the craft. Koh Dach is dotted with weaving communities. Visitors can learn more about the process, from the plumping up of the silk worms with mulberry leaves, spinning the yarn and dyeing techniques to seeing the final product. The main silk weaving centre is about 1km from the ferry landing. It houses a series of stilted wooden houses, where weavers sit with their handmade wooden looms and create patterned silk scarves and traditional Khmer skirts.