Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai/Hin Ta)
126/92 Moo 3 Ko Samui, Surat Thani, THA
Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (also known as Hin Yai and Hin Ta) are rocky outcrops located on Lamai Beach. The often-photographed, commented-upon, and giggled-about rock formations bear an uncanny resemblance to male and female genitalia, making them a must-see attraction for many tourists. Plus, the rocks are set on a lovely stretch of beach and create tranquil tide pools.
According to local lore, the rocky formations are the shipwrecked bodies of an elderly couple that turned to stone. It is believed that the man and woman were on their way to ask a young woman for her hand in marriage on behalf of their son. But their boat was caught in a storm and they died at sea. As legend goes, the rocks are proof of their true intentions. Guided tours of Koh Samui usually include a stop at Lamai Beach to see the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks.
- Ta means grandfather and Yai means grandmother.
- The small beach near the rocks is not suitable for swimming, but you can dip your feet in the pools.
- Because this is a popular attraction, you’ll find plenty of souvenir stands selling drinks and snacks here.
The Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks are located along the sands of Lamai Beach on Koh Samui’s southern east coast, by the Hua Thanon fishing village, about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) south of central Lamai Beach. From the road, follow the trail lined with souvenir stalls to the rocks. You can also easily grab a taxi to get here.
On Sunday evenings at Lamai Beach, there's a popular night market where vendors sell all sorts of wares, and there are plenty of street-food stalls to browse. Peak tourist season in Koh Samui is from December to February, thanks to the warm temperatures, sunny days, and lack of rain.
After Chaweng Beach, Lamai is Koh Samui’s most popular beach. Once a haven for backpackers, the beach has become more developed in recent years, but still maintains more of a relaxed setting as compared to Chaweng. The waters here are deep and clear, which makes it attractive to those looking to swim.
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