Grandpa and Grandma Rocks

The X-rated Rocks (Hin Ta - Hin Yai) in Lamai Beach

Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the Art of the Ribald. But in Thailand anything is possible including, on Koh Samui, the natural geological formations known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (the Grandpa and Grandma rocks), which look, respectively, like male and female genitalia. The beachside rocks, located between Lamai and Hua Thanon, raise indulgent chuckles or embarrassed titters from those who go to see them. Even stranger, they are close to one another, giving rise to a convenient legend explaining how they came into being.

Who Are They?

Lamai Beach

Anyone on Koh Samui will tell you the story, which goes like this: Ta Kreng and Yai Riem (grandpa Kreng and grandma Riem) lived with their son in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Their son having come of age, they felt it was time he got married, and they set their sights on a union with the daughter of Ta Monglay, who lived in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, about 400 kilometres to the north.

They set off by boat to press their suit but, on the way, the boat was caught in a storm and sank just off Koh Samui. The couple, unable to swim, drowned and turned into rocks: proof to the parents of the proposed bride of their good intentions. And there the rocks stand to this day.

Popular Place to Go

Galamae - a must-try Thai sweet

Close to the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks is a small white beach. It’s not really suitable for swimming, but it’s a good place to go to cool feet that are hot from sightseeing. The view is also beautiful, looking out across the sea to nearby islands.

Naturally, a small souvenir industry has grown up around Hin Ta and Hin Yai, with stalls selling clothes, postcards, drinks and snacks including a must-try Thai sweet called 'galamae'. There is a convenient parking and there is no charge for looking at these unusual rocks.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Location Map