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PHNOM PENH – EXPLORE THE SILK ISLAND

HALF DAY
Riding your bike, get on board for a day of relaxation and discoveries. Visit Silk Island, a charming place located near Phnom Penh and famous for its silk weaving art. You'll get to admire beautiful landscapes and experience the heart-warming hospitality of the locals. After witnessing how the local women create the fascinating fabric, cruise on a private boat along the Mekong River and get back to the capital.

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    PHNOM PENH – EXPLORE THE SILK ISLAND

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    IN CONSTRUCTION

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Visit Silk Island.
    • Ride bike.
    • Discover inhabitants hospitality and women weaving silk.
    • Cruise on a private boat back to the city

    Just a 15 kilometers drive away from Phnom Penh, you’ll explore the charm of rural Cambodia within the beautiful Koh Dach island.

    Koh Dach is the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing break and discover a glimpse of the island’s primary occupation: silk weaving. This traditional Cambodian art gave the island its surname, The Silk Island, and makes it a national treasure.

    Riding your bike, wander on the narrow lanes among palm trees and discover the beautiful verdant green landscapes of the island. Far from the buzzing atmosphere of Phnom Penh, you’ll witness men and women wearing the traditional cotton krama as they’re working the paddy fields among water buffalos. You will also get to admire the traditional small houses on stilts and the splendid pagodas dotting the landscape. The hospitality of the inhabitants, especially the children greeting at every corner of the streets will be the fondest memory of your visit.
    Although the most striking image of your tour will be the women weaving uninterruptedly under each of their houses, making beautiful colorful silk scarfs.

    After exploring the island, you will get back to the city by private boat, the perfect occasion to enjoy a mini-cruise on the Mekong River. It’s the ideal opportunity to discover the hidden face of Madame Penh, the other name of Phnom Penh.

    Useful Information
    Everyday. Morning or Afternoon. Half day. Family welcome.

    Q&A

    Q&A

    Official Language: Khmer
    Capital: Phnom Penh
    Surface: 181 035 Km2
    Population: 16 204 486
    Currency: Riel (KHR)
    Telephone code: +855

    The RIEL is the national currency. But the US Dollar is also accepted throughout the country and prices are generally displayed in Dollars. The exchange rate is relatively stable: 1USD=4000 Riels. Warning: banknotes printed before 1990 are not accepted in Cambodia and their value decreases if the banknote is torn or scratched or graffitied or folded. In the case of a payment in Dollar, the change will be returned to you in Riel. The Euro and other foreign currencies are easily exchangeable in airports and markets.

    Credit cards are now widely used in tourist cities (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville) and you can withdraw Dollars. Cash withdrawals are possible in major cities in Laos, with a credit card (Visa or American Express). Payments are also possible in some hotels, luxury shops, or restaurants. But the cost of the levies (variables) remains quite high (3% commission). We recommend that you carry cash to cover your personal expenses throughout the trip.

    The Khmer kingdom of Cambodia reached its peak in the 12th century. Agriculture remains the dominant economic sector (57.6% of the working population). Cambodia’s main industries are clothing and tourism (more than 2 million in 2007/08). Oil and gas were discovered in the country’s territorial waters in 2005. Despite the extreme poverty of a large part of the population (31% below the poverty line), Cambodia has experienced strong economic development since the late 1990s, with an average GDP growth rate of 10% per year between 2004 and 2007.
    Cambodian cuisine blends Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and French influences. The food is based on rice and soups. There are more fish dishes (caught in the Tonle Sap or Mekong) and chickens than buffalo and pork meat. Among the many exotic fruits, mango and pineapple have a unique taste in Cambodia.
    Cambodia is surrounded by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Its area is of 181 035 km2 and its sea border, 443 km long, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It has three large mountain ranges: the Elephant Mountains to the south, the Cardamom Mountains to the west and the Annamite Cordillera to the east.
    State religion since 1989, Buddhism Theravada has 14.2 million followers, or 96.4% of the population. The other religions are Islam (2.1% of the population, most of whom are Chams), Christianity (1%, practiced by many Vietnamese and some Khmer). Most holidays are celebrated on the same dates every year, and some festivals like the Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and the Feast of Water follow the lunar calendar and move a few days before or after each year.

    No vaccination is required. However, it is recommended to protect yourself against hepatitis A and B (ask your doctor for advice). We advise you to bring your own:

    of a broad-spectrum antibiotic;
    of your usual medications if you are undergoing treatment;
    an anti-diarrheal and an intestinal antiseptic (Intetrix, Immodium…);
    a protective cream against mosquitoes;
    moisturizing sunscreen, lip stick;
    a healing ointment and a local antiseptic.

    Water is not drinkable in Southeast Asia. Avoid tap water, require bottled water. It is harmless and safe to brush your teeth, but do not drink it.

    The Khmer kingdom of Cambodia reached its peak in the 12th century when great temples were erected, but the struggles between Hindus and Buddhists, Khmers, Mon and Cham tore the kingdom apart. The Siamese gradually established their political control over the Khmers while the Vietnamese also sought to dominate and colonize Cambodia. In 1863, France offered its protection to Cambodia, once again threatened by the Siamese (Thais). King Norodom I accepted the protectorate and Cambodia became a French colony. It was only after the Second World War that King Norodom Sihanouk negotiated with France the independence of Cambodia, which was granted on 9 November 1953. 

    After 15 years of reign, the king could not prevent the Khmer Communist Party from starting the armed struggle in 1968. In 1970, a military coup d’état precipitated Cambodia into a civil war that ended in April 1975 when the Khmer Rouge seized Phnom Penh. The brutality of Pol Pot’s troops served as a pretext for the Vietnamese to invade the country in December 1978. 

    They left the country following international pressure in September 1989. In May 1993, multi-party parliamentary elections were held. A new constitution was ratified and Norodom Sihanouk was once again proclaimed king. In 2004, he abdicated in favour of his younger son Norodom Sihamoni, currently in charge of the kingdom.

    Khmer (sometimes called “Cambodian”) is the official language, with a clear majority; it is estimated to have 11.2 million speakers, or 83.6% of the population, according to 2012 figures, far ahead of Vietnamese (1 million speakers), Cham (475,000 speakers) and Chinese (438,000 speakers). It is mainly spoken in Cambodia and the neighbour regions of Thailand by the Surin Khmer (northern) and in Vietnam by the Khmer Krom.

    MINI GLOSSARY

    Hello : Sour Seday
    Goodbye : Ly hai
    Thank You : Orkoun
    Can I have the bill? : Som kotleuy
    How much does it cost ? : Klei ponman
    I don’t understand : Ort yol
    My name is : Kyom tchmo
    Where are the toilets ? : Bantop teuk neuy na ?
    I don’t understand khmer : Kyom atché pissa khmer
    Do you speak english ? : Tah nyek neeyay preesah ahng-lay tay ?
    Hotel : Santa Khear

    The mobile phone network now covers a very large part of Cambodia. You can therefore use your mobile phone in Cambodia, it is no longer necessary to acquire a chip when you arrive. In addition, the Internet has made its entry into daily life. Most tourist sites are equipped, hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi.
    Cambodian craftsmanship has practically disappeared during the Khmer Rouge period and is slowly coming back to the surface. The country now offers a reasonable choice of handicrafts that can be found on the markets, in the shops or directly within workshops. The most popular souvenirs are silks and textiles, Kampot pepper, gold and silver jewelry, basketry and souvenirs from Angkor.
    Tips are not mandatory but are always appreciated. They should be used as a token of appreciation. If you are satisfied with the service, it is customary to tip the guide and driver. Plan about 3 dollars/day per person for a guide, half for a driver. Not tipping is better than giving a paltry amount that can be perceived as humiliating by some.
    No special rights to pay for photographing or filming in Cambodia, except in Angkor where the use of professional material is subject to authorization. In some places, photos are prohibited … thank you to carefully follow the instructions on this subject, to avoid any inconvenience.
    220 V with several possible socket types: two flat plugs, two round plugs or three plugs. Plan to bring a universal adapter. Power cuts are frequent throughout the country due to aging distribution network that is not adapted to today’s needs.

    On your way, you will often have the opportunity to meet local people. Wherever you are, be discreet and humble. The multiplicity of cultures and traditions means that certain attitudes are perceived differently in different countries. To avoid being disrespectful, take the time to understand the people you meet, take the time to make connections.

    There too, listen to the advice of your guide! He knows better than anyone the behaviors to avoid or adopt. For example, if you want to take a picture of someone, always ask them for permission. The best way for acceptance is to have established a prior contact. Similarly, do not distribute gifts at all … This often encourages children to beg, to avoid this kind of drift, it is better to refer to the local structures competent (donate to school, hospital, village chief etc.). Finally, be careful not to wear too light clothing (short shorts, cleavage …) and avoid exuberant behavior.