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Hin Ta - Hin Yai |
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หินตา หินยาย |
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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’.
Hin Ta &
Hin Yai Rocks
Opening Hours: . Entry to the rocks is free of
charge and available all day in daylight hours.
Location: Hin
Ta and Hin Yai are located off Route 4169 on Samui’s south-east
coast, about two kilometres south of central Lamai Beach. It’s
about 11 kilometres away from Chaweng Beach and 17 kilometres
from the airport.
How to get there: As one of Koh Samui’s
most popular attractions, every taxi driver will know how to get
here, or you can arrange to stop here when booking a tour of the
island. |
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Province |
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Surat Thani |
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District |
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Ko Samui |
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City |
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Maret |
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Genre |
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Scenary |
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Opening time |
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na |
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Entry fee |
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Free |
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Coordinates: |
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9.451931 N |
100.039896 E |
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