Koh Oknha Tei (Silk Island) - a small island in the middle of the ocean
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Koh Oknha Tei (Silk Island)

4.3
·913 reviews·Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Discover traditional silk weaving on Koh Oknha Tei, a vibrant island community supporting local artisans and preserving ancient crafts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

More active workshops

CrowdLow
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Koh Oknha Tei (Silk Island) - a small island in the middle of the ocean

Koh Oknha Tei (Silk Island)

Best Time

Morning

More active workshops

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover traditional silk weaving on Koh Oknha Tei, a vibrant island community supporting local artisans and preserving ancient crafts.

4.3
(913 reviews)

"Buy beautiful silk directly from weavers and witness the intricate process firsthand!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Boat Tour Options

Tours offer convenient boat transport. Negotiate prices for shorter trips focused on silk production.

Visit Artisan Homes

Don't miss visiting homes for step-by-step silk production insights.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Silk Weaving Demonstrations

Silk Weaving Demonstrations

Villages

Witness the intricate, time-honored process of silk thread creation and hand-weaving.

Artisan Homes & Workshops

Artisan Homes & Workshops

Villages

See silk production firsthand in local homes and learn about the journey from cocoon to fabric.

Direct Silk Purchases

Direct Silk Purchases

Villages & Shops

Buy beautiful, high-quality silk directly from weavers at excellent prices.

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Planning Your Visit

Island Access & Timing

Getting to Koh Oknha Tei involves a boat ride, often part of a tour. Consider visiting in the morning for more activity, as afternoons can be quieter. Plan for at least a few hours to fully appreciate the silk-making process.

Supporting Local Artisans

Your visit directly supports the local community and helps sustain traditional silk weaving. Purchasing silk directly from the artisans offers great value and ensures your money benefits them directly.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
More active workshops
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Quieter, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Silk island ( Koh Dach )

Boat Tour Options

Tours offer convenient boat transport. Negotiate prices for shorter trips focused on silk production. Reddit

Visit Artisan Homes

Don't miss visiting homes for step-by-step silk production insights. Reddit

reddit.com

What are your opinions of silk island half day cruises? Is it better to use TukTuks?

reddit.com

How to get to SIlk Island as a solo traveler using boat and grab? How much should I expect to pay?

Buy Directly from Weavers

Get better prices and support locals by buying silk directly. Reddit

Silk Museum vs. Village

Village visits offer more authentic interaction and better prices than the Silk Museum. Reddit

reddit.com

Silk Island Question

Tips

from all over the internet

Boat Tour Options

Tours offer convenient boat transport. Negotiate prices for shorter trips focused on silk production. Reddit

Visit Artisan Homes

Don't miss visiting homes for step-by-step silk production insights. Reddit

Buy Directly from Weavers

Get better prices and support locals by buying silk directly. Reddit

Silk Museum vs. Village

Village visits offer more authentic interaction and better prices than the Silk Museum. Reddit

Tuk-Tuk Alternative

Consider Tuk-Tuks for island transport if not on a cruise. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(913 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Koh Oknha Tei for its authentic silk-weaving demonstrations and the opportunity to support local artisans directly. Many highlight the value and quality of silk purchased from weavers in the villages, recommending it over the Silk Museum. Some note that afternoons can be quieter.

"We took the boat for 500 Riel per person, They offered us a tour of the entire island but we refused. We only wanted to see the silk production.

Mrs. Anna invited us to her home and showed us the silk production… step by step and explained everything.

We bought silk from her at a very good price, better than in the silk museum.

When we were in the silk museum, the entrance was free but… at the entrance there are many “guides”who charge 20,000 Riel.

I think it’s too much for 10 minutes be a guide… there is not much to see and explain for this price.

You can see it yourself, and buy silk…"

Plan Spontan

"The place where you can see how the silk is made by hand woven and all the processes from the start till finished. Great to visit the village here because by visiting, we can be part of the supporting the local people on this island to have a job and protect these hand made silk to be sustained. For those who in Phnom Penh can come and visit as it’s far from the city."

Vichika

"Silk Island was a tour stop for us today on our Mekong River cruise. We were taken to Silk Island by Tuk Tuk where we were able to see the process of creating silk thread from the silk cocoons.
We watched the spinning and also so many ladies weaving. The workmanship is very fine. It was lovely to learn that they can create about half a metre in a day."

Helen Edley

What People Like

Authentic silk weaving
Direct artisan support
Good silk prices

What People Dislike

Afternoons can be quiet

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Koh Oknha Tei is by boat, often as part of a Mekong River cruise or a dedicated half-day tour from Phnom Penh. Some tours offer boat rides for around $25 USD per person, including about an hour on the island. Reddit

Yes, several boat companies operate tours to Silk Island, particularly from the night market area in Phnom Penh. These tours typically include a boat ride and a short visit to the island. Reddit

While boats are the primary mode of transport for tours, Tuk-Tuks are mentioned as an alternative for getting around the island itself once you arrive, or potentially as a way to reach the departure point for boat tours. Reddit

Boat rides to Silk Island are generally about one hour each way, making it feasible for a half-day trip from Phnom Penh. Reddit

Koh Oknha Tei is located on the Mekong River and is considered a day trip destination from Phnom Penh, accessible by boat. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Silk Museum has free entrance, but guides there may charge a fee. Visiting the villages and artisan homes directly is generally free, with the expectation that you might purchase silk. Reddit

Boat tours to Silk Island can range from around $25 USD per person for a half-day trip, covering the boat ride and island visit. Prices can vary depending on the operator and duration. Reddit

It's advisable to check with local tour operators or your accommodation in Phnom Penh for booking options. You can often find tour companies at the night market. Reddit

While there are no strict opening hours, visiting in the morning is recommended as workshops tend to be more active. Afternoons can be quieter. Reddit

Yes, you can arrange for guides, particularly at the Silk Museum, though their fees can be high. Visiting artisan homes often provides an informal, direct interaction with the weavers. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in the villages and workshops, allowing you to capture the beautiful silk-making process. Always be respectful of the artisans and ask for permission if unsure. TikTok

The most photogenic scenes include women working at looms, the vibrant colors of silk threads, and the detailed steps of silk production from cocoon to finished fabric. Instagram

Photography policies can vary, but generally, it's allowed. However, the more authentic and visually rich experiences are often found in the local villages. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful as some workshops might be dimly lit. A versatile lens that can capture both close-ups of the weaving and wider village scenes is ideal. TikTok

Information on drone usage is not readily available. It's best to assume restrictions may apply and avoid flying drones without explicit permission to respect local customs and privacy. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

The best place to buy silk is directly from the artisans in their homes and workshops within the villages. This ensures you get authentic products at good prices. Reddit

Prices are generally considered very good when buying directly from the weavers, often better than what you might find in markets or the Silk Museum. Reddit

You can find a variety of silk products, including scarves, fabric lengths, and other textiles, all handcrafted by the local artisans. Reddit

While prices are already good, polite negotiation might be possible, especially if you are purchasing multiple items. Reddit

The silk is special because it's produced using traditional, handmade methods, supporting local livelihoods and preserving a valuable cultural craft. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Koh Oknha Tei offers a unique educational experience for families. Children can be fascinated by watching the silk worms and the intricate weaving process firsthand. It's a great opportunity to teach them about traditional crafts and the value of handmade items. TikTok

Keep in mind that the island is accessed by boat, which can be an adventure in itself for kids. While exploring the villages, ensure children are supervised and respectful of the artisans' workspaces. Purchasing a small silk item can be a memorable souvenir for them. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the key is to negotiate tour prices for boat trips to Silk Island. While tours might be around $25 USD, exploring options and potentially joining a group can lower costs. Reddit

The most significant saving comes from buying silk directly from the weavers in the villages. This bypasses middlemen and offers much better value compared to purchasing from markets or even the Silk Museum, where guide fees can add up quickly. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers & Culture Enthusiasts

Koh Oknha Tei is a paradise for those seeking authentic, high-quality silk products and a deep dive into Cambodian culture. The opportunity to purchase directly from artisans ensures you're getting genuine handcrafted items and supporting the local economy. Reddit

Immerse yourself in the traditional silk-weaving techniques by visiting the villages and speaking with the weavers. Understanding the labor and artistry behind each piece enhances the appreciation for your purchases and provides a rich cultural experience. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Silk Making

Koh Oknha Tei is renowned as a traditional silk-weaving center, where the entire process, from silkworm cultivation to the final woven product, is still practiced by hand. Visitors can witness the fascinating journey of silk, starting with the reeling of silk threads from cocoons. This delicate stage requires skill to ensure the threads are uniform and strong. Reddit

Following the reeling, the threads are dyed using natural or synthetic colors. The true magic happens at the hand looms, where skilled artisans, often women, meticulously weave intricate patterns and designs. It's remarkable to see that a single scarf can take up to four days to create, and a two-meter length of fabric can take ten days, highlighting the immense labor and artistry involved. TikTokReddit

Visiting the villages allows you to see this craft firsthand, often in the homes of the weavers. This direct interaction not only educates visitors but also provides crucial economic support to the local community, helping to sustain this valuable heritage. Reddit

Supporting Local Communities

A visit to Koh Oknha Tei is more than just sightseeing; it's an opportunity to directly support local livelihoods and preserve traditional crafts. By purchasing silk products from the artisans themselves, you ensure that your money goes straight to the families involved in the weaving process, empowering them and helping to maintain their way of life. Reddit

Many travelers emphasize the importance of buying silk directly from the weavers, noting that prices are significantly better than in tourist markets or even some official museums. This direct patronage not only offers a fair price for the artisan's hard work but also fosters a sense of appreciation for their skills. InstagramReddit

Beyond economic support, your visit contributes to the cultural preservation of silk weaving on the island. It helps keep these traditional techniques alive for future generations and raises awareness about the value of handmade goods in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit

Accessing Koh Oknha Tei typically involves a boat trip, often arranged as part of a half-day tour from Phnom Penh. These tours usually include a boat ride to the island, a visit to the silk-weaving villages, and the return journey. Prices can be around $25 USD per person for a 3-hour excursion. Reddit

While the Silk Museum offers information, many visitors recommend focusing on the villages and artisan homes for a more authentic experience. Here, you can see the silk-making process step-by-step and interact directly with the weavers. Some travelers found the guides at the Silk Museum to be overly expensive for the brief information provided. Reddit

When exploring the island, consider that afternoons can be quieter, with fewer artisans actively working. Mornings are often recommended for a more vibrant atmosphere. While boats are the primary transport to the island, Tuk-Tuks can be used for getting around once you are there. Reddit

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