Phnom Penh: Silk Island Bike Tour with Ferry & Local Crafts

Summary

Cycle Phnom Penh’s backroads to Koh Dach, meet weavers and cross the Mekong by ferry

You’ll pedal quiet backroads from Phnom Penh to Silk Island by ferry, cycling past farms and orchards with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Watch traditional silk weaving up close, snack on local treats, and share stories with villagers before heading back—expect real warmth and glimpses of daily life you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the turn for the Siem Reaper bike shop—there’s this little alley that doesn’t look like much, but suddenly you’re inside with a bunch of other half-awake folks, picking out helmets. Our guide, Dara, grinned at my clumsy attempt to adjust the seat (he fixed it in two seconds). We set off just as Phnom Penh was waking up—broom sellers calling out, a whiff of grilled pork from a cart somewhere. I didn’t expect the city’s noise to fade so quickly once we started pedaling out toward the river.

The ferry ride to Silk Island (locals call it Koh Dach) is short but weirdly calming. You stand with your bike wedged between baskets of vegetables and people on their way to market. The Mekong looked almost silver in the early light. Once we landed, everything slowed down—a couple of kids waved at us from behind banana trees. The road was dusty and soft under my tires; I kept blinking at how green everything was compared to the city.

Dara led us through tiny farming villages where chickens darted across our path and old men sat squinting at us over mugs of tea. He stopped at a silk weaving house—just a wooden stilt place with looms clacking away underneath. The women weaving let us feel the rough threads before they became that impossibly smooth silk (I still can’t wrap my head around how patient you’d have to be). Dara explained how this craft has been passed down for generations here—Li laughed when I tried to say “silk” in Khmer; I definitely butchered it.

We snacked on something sweet wrapped in banana leaf—I never caught the name—and drank cold water while Dara told stories about growing up near here. Heading back, my legs were tired but not in a bad way. The city felt different after all that quiet green space. I keep thinking about those looms and that ferry ride whenever I hear traffic now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phnom Penh Silk Island bike tour

• Meet at Siem Reaper bike shop
• Bike fitting and briefing
• Depart Phnom Penh city
• Board ferry to Silk Island
• Cycle through countryside and villages
• Visit silk weaving craft
• Return to Phnom Penh city

Top questions

What time does the Silk Island bike tour start?

The tour meets at 7:20 am at Siem Reaper bike shop and departs at 7:30 am sharp.

Is hotel pickup included for this Phnom Penh bike tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

How long does the day trip to Silk Island from Phnom Penh last?

The tour returns around 12:30 pm, making it a half-day trip.

Are snacks or drinks provided on this bike tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included during the ride.

Is an English-speaking guide provided for the Silk Island bike tour?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the group throughout.

Can infants join this cycling tour?

Specialized infant seats are available for young children.

Are e-bikes available for this Silk Island cycling trip?

E-bikes are available as an option for participants.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health conditions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water and snacks along the way, all ferry crossing fees covered, use of a Trek mountain bike with helmet, plus guidance from an English-speaking local expert before returning to Phnom Penh by lunchtime.