| Phnom Penh is one of Asia's relatively undiscovered | | | | of beaver-busy silk weavers churning out |
| gems; one of the many Asian cities caught between | | | | unfathomable yards of fabric whose decadent |
| the splendour of its past and the reality of modern | | | | softness has won them a reputation that almost |
| urbanization. Modern development is still in its awkward | | | | extends into the global sphere. |
| and uncertain youth in the city, but the dignity of the | | | | At first glance, the settlement presents the typical |
| royal palace, the unhindered wilderness creating a lush | | | | stilted homesteads and identifiers of any other village. |
| green vista around the banks of the To L and Mekong | | | | However, a closer look yields the a land loom under |
| Rivers and the unspoiled fishing villages lining their | | | | almost every house, with some people using wheels |
| shores - these all exude a unique charm that the | | | | of bicycle parts to spin the fine threads of silk while still |
| recent horrors and devastation of wars cannot | | | | others dye the fabric in rainbow hues. While many |
| disperse. | | | | silk-weaving houses can be seen on the way, the |
| One of the best ways to enjoy this unique meld of | | | | teeming industry and dedication of these workers |
| nature and rural Cambodian culture is by charting a | | | | make Koh Dach a truly unique spectacle to behold. |
| boat or catching a ferry ride along the Mekong River. | | | | The islanders are far from being one-trick ponies - |
| The cares and cankers polluting modern living fade | | | | they're also skilled a myriad of other assorted |
| further away with every ripple of the meandering | | | | handicraft such as pottery, woodcarving, jewellery |
| waters and soon one become absorbed in a passing | | | | cutting, painting and osier craftwork, making it one of |
| montage of shrimp farms, stilted homesteads and | | | | the best places to shop of souvenirs. Silks can also be |
| villages full of people who appear to have stepped out | | | | bought freely here, without the intervention of the |
| of the pages of some unhurried time in history. | | | | middle-man, but not much of a discount can be |
| Koh Dach is an island village of some special note | | | | expected as the mainland vendors rarely keep a very |
| from among the collection of quaint settlements along | | | | high profit margin from the silks. |
| the River. This strip of land in the Mekong spans a | | | | The island itself is a small slice of tropical paradise |
| mere 30 square kilometres, which is found an hour's | | | | complete with white sand-strewn beach up north that |
| boat journey up river from Phnom Penh, is known far | | | | is an idyllic sunbathing and swimming spot during the |
| and wide as the "Silk Weaving Island". Silk spinning and | | | | dry season. |
| dying are the chief industries of its people, thousands | | | | |