Silk Island

Unclaimed

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.

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…

There are no tickets for this place, you are free to visit until 4pm. I came around 5pm lucky to still see some ladies working. But the silk shop is closed. There is a volunteer guide around that showed us around and provide detailed explanations on the process from silk to clothes. He bought us to another in-house silk factory. I think its his home where we can purchase silk made by locals. I'm not sure what's the difference but the one is see in the airport is 100 USD and the ones here are going for 15 USD each and cheaper if u buy more. For transport we got a tuktuk driver we found near the aeon mall and the hold trip to and back to our hotel is 25 USD. The island is slightly far from where we stay and need to take a boat. I think it will cheaper if u rode a motorbike there.

We got a very good overview on silk farming and craft production. The guide gave us very detailed information. Fascinating experience!