Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks, Ko Samui
Hin Ta and Hin Yai, some fascinating rock formations on Koh Samui’s south coast, have been a source of mirth and wonder on the island since they were discovered by the locals many years ago. Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the Art of the Ribald. But in Thailand anything is possible and these rocks, known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai), look, respectively, like male and female genitalia.
Set on the rocky coastline between Lamai and Hua Thanon, Hin Ta and Hin Yai raise indulgent chuckles or embarrassed titters from those who go to see them. This unusual and titillating sight has, naturally, given rise to a legend explaining how the rocks came into being.
The Hin Ta/Hin Yai legend is a tale of tragedy tinged with hope, as described on a signboard near the rocks: “A folklore of Samui Island tells the story of an old couple by the name of Ta Kreng (Grandpa Kreng) and Yai Riem (Grandma Riem) who lived with their son in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Since their son had come of age, they felt that it was time he got married.
“One day they decided to sail to the neighbouring province of Prachuap Khiri Khan to ask for the hand of the daughter of a man named Ta Monglai. During their sea journey, their boat was seized by a storm. The old man and his wife were unable to swim ashore. They died at sea, turning into rocks as proof to the would-be bride's parents of their true intentions. The rocks stand there to this day.”
The views from the rocks and vicinity are spectacular, stretching across the sea to nearby islands. Close to Hin Ta and Hin Yai is a small white-sand beach that is not suitable for swimming but offers a refreshing place to cool your feet after a day of island exploration. The pristine waters here are so clear that colourful marine life can often be seen from the surface.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai are found near the traditional Muslim fishing village Hua Thanon and in the surrounding area there’s a lush landscape of plantations and buffalo fields, offering a brief glimpse of how life might have been on Samui before the rise of tourism.
Those who forget to bring their camera may easily find a variety of postcard pictures of the rocks and other Samui sights in the vendor stalls set up here to cater to the steady stream of curious visitors. Many souvenirs plus drinks and snacks are for sale, including the must-try Thai sweet called ‘galamae’.
