On Silk Island, amidst Khmer weaving and ceremonies

On board a ferry crossing the Mekong, you arrive at Silk Island or Koh Dach, situated to the north-east of that seemingly inextricable tangle of branches formed by the waters of this mesmerising river: here there are still many family-run weaving workshops open to visitors, allowing them to witness all the various stages of production, including the dyeing process that follows weaving, which is still carried out using the old wooden looms. By hiring a bicycle, you can easily get around from one shop to another (the island is 12 kilometres long and three kilometres wide) and you may even happen upon interesting Khmer wedding ceremonies, for example at the Silk Island Community Centre, where experiences with local weavers are often organised, or at Atlas Weaving. Back in the city, you can treat yourself to a taste of Khmer cuisine at the Shangri-La’s restaurants, perhaps whilst savouring the surprising tea menu.