Koh Dach and Koh Okhna Tey, the Silk Islands

If you are looking for the "real" Cambodia, not far away from the chaos of Phnom Penh (5km north) you will find two little islands: Koh Dach and Koh Okhna Tey. These are most known by foreigners as the Silk Islands, due to the main activity of their inhabitants: weave silk.

Sunset on the ferryboat

To get there, you have to take an old ferry to traverse the Mekong river, and you will be there within 5 minutes. The price is 500r (less than $0.15) per person, plus 500r if you have a scooter/bike/car.

You will dock on the smallest island, Koh Okhna Tey, which has the best roads and infrastructures, whereas the biggest, Koh Dach, is much wilder, especially if you go all the way north.

People are very kind here. They don't see so many tourists around, so you will definitely the attraction of the day. Many of them will ask you to come and see how they work silk (and, of course, they hope you will buy something!). If you don't feel like going, you can just politely refuse (In my opinion, with a smile everything works better). Anyway, don't be afraid to take some time to talk to the locals, you will have an unique experience. Furthermore, if you have a camera and you are not afraid to use it, they - especially kids - won't be bothered at all to talk with you and/or pose for you.

                     

Koh Okhna Tey

The temple of Koh Okhna Tey

As I said, this is the smallest island. I strongly recommend to take some time to get lost on the island, as you will see some amazing things over there. You will find hospitals, schools and pagodas, as well as a wonderful - but unfortunately abandoned - ancient theatre and what remains of a monarch guest house.

The theatre is surrounded by wild nature, and if you follow the footbridge you will see a beautiful construction - that I guess it was some kind of temple long time ago. It is kept in good condition (and it is probably the only thing around here), with painted statues of Hindu Gods and Goddess.

Koh Dach

Koh Dach

The wildest and the biggest of the two island, it offers the best landscape and pictures of the area: big fields, lakes, small farms and grazing animals all over. If you go in the northern part, you will find a kind of "picnic" area, right on the Mekong, where you can spend some time relaxing and enjoying the wonderful view of the river, maybe tasting some fresh mango! And, if you are brave enough, you can also try to dive into the stream, as locals do...