KOH DACH SILK ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
Go Off the Beaten Path for Captivating Images of Rural Cambodia
KOH DACH SILK ISLAND PHOTO TOUR
If you have more than a day to spend photographing Phnom Penh, don’t miss this amazing day trip to Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island, located just 14 km north of the city. Nestled in the heart of the Mekong River, you’ll be amazed by this place where time seems frozen in the past. Make sure to visit the lively morning market at Koh Okhna Tey where you can photograph sellers and locals starting their day. Then take a break at the silk center to observe the entire process from silk worms to traditional wooden looms.
Along the way, you’ll see a variety of fruit trees, rice fields, corn fields and farms that make up this charming island. A beautiful reclining Buddha statue rests in a temple surrounded by small forests and villages, providing a glimpse into the local lifestyle. The trip ends in the north at the “beach” where Phnom Penh residents like to relax on weekends and reconnect with their roots while eating fried fish or chicken.
Expect to see many smiles and capture unforgettable images on this day trip rarely visited by tourists. Local meals are provided in a nice homestay to fuel up during the journey and fully experience each stop.
JEAN-FRANCOIS (JEFF) PERIGOIS, YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
Jean-François, known as Jeff, is a French travel and commercial photographer based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Having lived in the city for 15 years, Jeff is intimately familiar with the streets of Phnom Penh and Koh Dach island. One of his long-term photography projects has been documenting the architectural and lifestyle changes taking place in the city. Jeff is also knowledgeable about the history behind many of the buildings in Phnom Penh and enjoys sharing interesting stories about them. Previously a Fujifilm and Sony camera user, he now shoots with Nikon cameras including the Z 7II, Z5, and Zfc mirrorless camera system.
In 2020, Jean-François published a photo book entitled “Old French Quarter: Phnom Penh – Cambodia” featuring his work. From March to May 2022, large prints of some of his photographs were also displayed on the exterior walls of the French embassy in Phnom Penh as part of an exhibition.
SILK ISLAND | PHOTO GALLERY
Introduction to Koh Dach, the “Silk Island”
Just a short distance north of the bustling capital Phnom Penh lies a peaceful oasis known as Koh Dach, or “Silk Island”. This slender island of about 37 sq km stretches nearly 12 km long and 3 km wide in the middle of the mighty Mekong River.
Koh Dach has a long history as the center of Cambodia’s silk weaving traditions. For centuries, the island has been home to the nation’s silk weaving villages, where generations of artisans have kept the intricate craft alive. Here, Khmer women work tirelessly on old-fashioned looms, producing dazzling silk textiles.
While Koh Dach is easily accessible from the capital, it feels far removed from the chaos of the big city. The island moves at a relaxed pace, with scenic villages, Buddhist temples, silk shops, and dirt roads best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk. For visitors, Koh Dach serves as the perfect day trip destination to immerse in Cambodia’s fascinating silk weaving traditions and rural island life.
PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
Capture vibrant street life at the morning market in Koh Okhna Tey Document the intricate process of silk production from the silk worms. Explore the countryside for shots of lush rice fields, fruit trees, and traditional farms Head to the beach where locals relax for candid portraits and slices of daily lifeKOH DACH SILK ISLAND | FAQ’s
The silk making process involves:
- Growing mulberry leaves to feed silkworms
- Harvesting cocoons and extracting silk strands
- Dyeing the threads
- Preparing the loom
- Weaving the threads into gorgeous fabrics!
It's amazing how much meticulous work goes into those lovely silk scarves.
Famous silk garments include:
- Sampot - a wrap skirt with ornate patterns
- Sampot chang kben - a silk skirt worn for weddings
- Krama - a checked scarf
Cambodian silk is woven into vibrant fashions and textiles.
Some challenges facing Koh Dach's silk weaving include:
- Competition from mass-produced and imported fabrics
- Lack of interest from younger generations
- Declining profitability of small-scale production
It's increasingly difficult for weaving to provide a viable living.
It's hard to predict the future of Koh Dach's heritage craft. While weaving is declining and facing challenges, there are also efforts to sustain it through:
- Reviving sericulture to produce local silk
- Involving the younger generation
- Adapting designs for modern appeal
Hopefully by valuing its importance, silk weaving will continue enriching Khmer culture.
