Phnom Penh: Mekong Islands Cycling Tour with Silk Farm & Lunch

Summary

Cycle Phnom Penh’s islands, meet silk weavers, share Khmer food

You’ll cycle from Phnom Penh across the Mekong River by ferry and pedal through quiet villages on the Silk Islands. Chat with local families at a silk farm, try weaving (if you’re game), and share a fresh Khmer lunch before heading back by boat. Expect laughter, honest food, and moments that stick with you longer than expected.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — river water mixed with something sweet from a nearby fruit stall, right before we even got on our bikes at Areiksart Ferry Port. Our guide, Dara, had this easy laugh and kept checking if our seats were low enough (mine wasn’t, but I pretended). We wheeled onto the ferry with a handful of locals who barely glanced at us — just another morning for them crossing the Mekong River. I liked that.

Once we hit the Silk Islands, everything slowed down. The roads turned to packed earth and there was this soft crunch under my tires. Kids waved from behind fences; one tried to race us for a bit until his flip-flop flew off and he cracked up. Dara pointed out where the Cham Muslim community begins — you could tell by the shape of the mosques and how women greeted us with shy nods. It was humid but not in a bad way; more like you could feel every leaf breathing.

I didn’t expect to be so interested in silk weaving, honestly. But at the farm, watching fingers move so fast over those old wooden looms made me weirdly emotional — maybe because the family smiled every time we asked a clumsy question. The silk itself felt cool and almost slippery when they let us touch it. Lunch was simple: rice, fish amok, some vegetables I still can’t name, but it tasted like someone actually cared about feeding you well.

The ride back to Phnom Penh felt quieter — or maybe I just was. There’s something about seeing city buildings appear again after all that green space that makes you notice how much you’ve been away, even if it’s only been five hours. Still thinking about that kid losing his shoe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Islands cycling and cultural tour

• Meet guide at Areiksart Ferry Port
• Safety briefing and bike fitting
• Board ferry to Silk Islands
• Cycle through farms and villages
• Cycle 20-25km through Cham communities
• Take short ferry rides between islands
• Visit local Silk Farm for demonstration
• Cycle through orchards and market gardens
• Explore traditional village industries
• Enjoy traditional Khmer lunch
• Return to Phnom Penh by ferry

Top questions

How long is the cycling tour from Phnom Penh?

The cycling tour lasts about 5 hours in total.

Is lunch included on the Mekong Islands bike tour?

Yes, a traditional Khmer lunch is included during the tour.

Are bikes provided for this Phnom Penh cycling trip?

Yes, top quality mountain bikes are provided as part of your booking.

Can children join this cycling tour around Silk Islands?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats and tag-alongs are available on request.

Do we visit a real silk farm during this day trip?

Yes, you'll stop at a local family-run silk farm for a demonstration and refreshments.

Is pickup included for this Phnom Penh bike tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Areiksart Ferry Port garden at 7:45am.

What should I wear for cycling around Phnom Penh?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cycling and closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops).

What’s included

Your day includes mountain bike rental and helmet fitting at Areiksart Ferry Port in Phnom Penh, all ferry rides across the Mekong River to reach the islands, water and snacks along the way, an English-speaking local guide throughout your journey, entry fees for cultural stops including a hands-on visit to a family-run silk farm with refreshments provided there, plus a generous traditional Khmer lunch before returning to Phnom Penh by early afternoon.