Hin Ta and Hin Yai — “Grandfather Rock” and “Grandmother Rock” — are two natural granite formations on the headland at the southern end of Lamai that look unmistakably like male and female genitalia. They have been a source of local amusement, and tourist photographs, for generations.
According to legend, an elderly couple were sailing to a neighbouring province to arrange their son’s marriage when their boat was wrecked in a storm; they drowned and were turned into the rocks. Beyond the joke, this is an attractive piece of coast, with smooth boulders, rock pools and clear water.
Top things to do at Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks
Find the rocks
Hin Ta, the tall “grandfather”, is obvious. Hin Yai, the “grandmother”, is a cleft in the rocks at the waterline a little further round. Take care on the boulders, which are slippery when wet.
Try kalamae
The lane down from the car park is lined with stalls, some of them selling kalamae, a sticky Samui toffee made from coconut milk, palm sugar and rice flour, often stirred in big pans in front of you.
Walk on to Lamai
The southern end of Lamai Beach is a short walk away, so the rocks combine easily with lunch or a swim.
How to get to Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks
- By road: signposted off the ring road just south of Lamai; there is a paid car park, then a short walk through the stalls.
- On a tour: a standard stop on island sightseeing tours.
Insider tips
- Go early or late to avoid tour-bus crowds and the midday heat.
- Visiting the rocks is free; you pay only for parking.
- The sea here is not good for swimming — rocks and waves.
Best tours & tickets for Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks:
Sightseeing tour from €22 Koh Samui: Half-Day Highlight Tour + Elephant Camp Option
A quick, inexpensive orientation loop of the ring road’s best-known sights, ideal for your first or second day. We would skip the optional elephant-camp add-on and visit one of the island’s observation-only sanctuaries separately instead.
- The island’s main landmarks by air-conditioned minivan
- Temples, viewpoints and the famous rocks in one loop
- Low price and thousands of reviews
Jeep safari from €42 Koh Samui: Mr. Ung’s 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch
The best-reviewed land tour on the island. An open-backed 4WD climbs tracks that ordinary rental cars and scooters should not attempt, linking the sights of Samui’s mountainous middle in one day. Expect a bumpy, dusty, fun ride; check the listing for the exact stops on your date.
- Open 4WD up steep tracks into the island’s interior
- Typically includes a waterfall, hill viewpoints and the Secret Buddha Garden
- Lunch included
