Phnom Penh to Silk Island: River Cruise & Local Life Tour

Summary

Explore Phnom Penh’s riverside and Silk Island weaving culture with local guide

You’ll cruise Phnom Penh’s Mekong River with a local guide, see the Royal Palace from the water, explore Silk Island’s weaving village by tuk tuk, meet local families, and relax with fresh fruit and unlimited drinks before heading back. Expect warm smiles, hands-on moments, and glimpses of daily Cambodian life you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the Royal Palace looked from the river — gold rooftops catching late morning light, kids waving from the banks. We drifted past old buildings (our guide, Dara, pointed out one built in 1961 — he said it like a secret) and then this faded hotel from ‘69 that still stands tall. The Mekong felt huge, busy but calm at the same time. Fishermen in tiny boats waved as we passed; some had laundry flapping on their houseboats. I could smell river water and something sweet — maybe fruit from a passing vendor?

Landing on Silk Island was like stepping sideways in time. Tuk tuks rattled us down narrow lanes lined with stilt houses and laundry lines. Dara stopped so we could watch women weaving silk — their hands moved so fast I almost missed how the threads changed color in the sun. He let me try saying “silk” in Khmer (Li laughed when I tried — probably butchered it). There was this earthy smell inside the workshop, mixed with boiled cocoons. Kids ran past us shouting hello; one handed me a mango slice sticky with juice.

We visited a small Buddhist monastery where monks were sweeping leaves into neat piles, orange robes bright against all that green. It was quiet except for birds and someone chanting softly inside. On the way back to the boat, Dara bought us fresh fruit platters (pineapple never tastes this good at home) and we sat on plastic chairs drinking cold beer while watching boats cross the Mekong again. I didn’t expect to feel so welcome here — or to still think about those woven patterns days later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Silk Island and Phnom Penh sights

• View Royal Palace from river
• See building in front of Royal Palace
• See Phnom Penh's first five-star hotel
• View Mekong Delta river lifestyle
• Visit silk processing on island

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Silk Island tour?

Yes, one-way hotel pickup is included before your river cruise to Silk Island.

How long does it take to reach Silk Island from Phnom Penh?

The boat ride from Phnom Penh to Silk Island is part of a half-day tour experience.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, unlimited beer and soft drinks are included during your trip.

Will we visit a real silk farm on Silk Island?

Yes, you’ll visit a working silk farm and see traditional weaving up close.

Is this day trip suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available.

Do we get to meet local villagers during the tour?

You’ll meet villagers on Silk Island and can observe daily life in their community.

What else is included besides transport?

The tour includes entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, fresh fruit platter, tuk tuk ride around the island, and return boat tickets.

What’s included

Your day includes one-way hotel pickup in Phnom Penh before boarding your return boat to Silk Island with an English-speaking guide; you’ll get entrance fees covered, enjoy a tuk tuk ride around the island villages, taste a fresh fruit platter along with unlimited beer and soft drinks before heading back across the Mekong.