History of Chhay O'kut Rapid, Chi Phat Eco Tourism site, Tmar Bang district, Koh Kong province

(Written by Ty Theavy, edited by www.ecoadventurecambodia.com)

“Chhay O’kut” Rapids: This rushing flow of water derives its name from the strength of these rapids in the rainy season. Chhay means rapids and O’Kuot means to shuffle along on your bottom. These rapids, just 2 kilometers from the Visitor Center, are 150 meters wide and can be dangerous during rainy season when no one can cross these rapids without shuffling along on his or her bottom. Villagers come here to swim and bathe or take refreshment here.  Many believe that a spirit lives in the rapids, so when you come here you need to make sure you only talk about good things, otherwise the spirit may be angry with you.

This is the original script:

Chhay Ors Kuot (Shuffling bottom rapid)

This is a rushing flow of water which we call Chhay Ors Kuot. Chhay means rapid. Ors Kuot means to shuffle along on your bottom. This rapid was only 2 kilometers from Chi Phat, and many of the Chi Phat villagers come to swim and bathe or take refreshment almost every evening. This rapid is 5 metres deep and 150 metres wide in August. Its water winds from the Tra Pang Ka Et pond near Cham Sla village. The people say this rapid always has a casualty every year and it is the most dangerous for a passerby in October. No one can cross this rapid without shuffling on his or her bottom. The people believe that here has its spirit. So when you come here you need to make sure you only talk about good things, otherwise the spirit may be angry with you.