🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're touring the southern side of Koh Samui, Hin Ta Hin Yai is usually one of the stops every tour makes — it sits right at the end of Lamai Beach, it's easy to reach, there's no entry fee, and you only need about 20–30 minutes to look around. The main draw is the two oddly shaped rocks the locals named 'Hin Ta' (Grandfather Rock) and 'Hin Yai' (Grandmother Rock), plus the open sea view and the photogenic wooden walkway that runs along the boulders. Let's look at what's actually here and how to prepare.
What Hin Ta Hin Yai is and where it sits on the island
Hin Ta Hin Yai is a cluster of natural seaside rocks at the southern end of Lamai Beach, in Maret subdistrict, a few minutes' drive from the main Lamai area. The name comes from two rocks that the sea eroded into shapes resembling male genitalia (Hin Ta, Grandfather Rock) and female genitalia (Hin Yai, Grandmother Rock) — the 'odd' factor that keeps a steady stream of people stopping for photos. Around them, large boulders tumble down to the waterline, with walkways and viewpoints so you can wander the whole area.
- Location — the southern end of Lamai Beach, on the southeast side of the island, near Wat Sila Ngu, and right on the southern island-tour route
- Entry fee — none, it's free to walk around
- Opening hours — accessible any time, but the shops and parking are busiest during the day, roughly 8am to 6pm
- Time needed — about 20–30 minutes to look around and take photos; it's a stop along the way, not a full-day destination
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The legend of Ta Khreng and Yai Riam, and where the name comes from
The local legend goes that long ago an old couple named Ta Khreng (Grandfather Khreng) and Yai Riam (Grandmother Riam), from Pak Phanang in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, set out by sailboat to ask for the hand of the daughter of Ta Mong Lai, over in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on behalf of their son. As the boat reached the Lamai headland, a big storm capsized it and the couple drowned. Their bodies turned into the rocks you see today — a kind of marker for a marriage proposal that never reached its end.
The story ties into the Ta Mong Lai legend over on the Prachuap side too. If you've heard of Khao Ta Mong Lai and the grandfather-grandmother rocks around Ban Krut before, you'll spot the connection. Different localities tell slightly different versions, but the core is the same: a couple traveling to make a marriage proposal, their boat wrecked here. That's why the spot also gets tied to themes of love and blessing couples.
Photo spots and the clifftop walkway
Once you walk down from the parking area past the row of shops, you reach wooden and concrete walkways running along the boulders that lead you to spots where you can see Hin Ta and Hin Yai clearly. The most popular angle frames Grandfather Rock with the sea behind it, along with the spots up on the boulders where you can see the line of rocks running out into the water. On a clear day the sea here turns a bright blue-green that photographs really well.
- The Grandfather Rock angle — there's a sign and a marked spot for it; people often queue to shoot here midday, so go early morning or late afternoon if you want a photo without crowds
- The wooden walkway along the boulders — you can walk to several angles that show both the sea and the line of rocks, good for full-length shots
- The tidal pool between the boulders — at high tide there are shallow, clear pools; some people wade in to soak their feet, but watch out, the rocks are very slippery
- For the sun — this spot faces east out to sea, so it suits morning light more than evening light
Walking the rocks safely
The seaside rocks here are wetter and more slippery than they look, especially the ones the waves hit. Wear shoes with good grip, don't walk out close to the waves for a photo, and on days when the sea is rough, just watch from the walkway — don't climb down to the outermost rocks.
Shops, souvenirs, and Samui coconut
The walkway from the parking area down to the rocks passes a row of small shops selling souvenirs, postcards, T-shirts, knick-knacks, and food and drinks. The standouts are the coconut stalls — fresh coconut water, young coconuts, and coconut sweets like cold-pressed coconut oil and coconut desserts, since this area used to be old coconut plantation land on the island. Prices at the shops by tourist spots run a bit higher than regular markets, so if you want to buy souvenirs seriously, save it for Lamai market or the shops in town.
If you like coconut sweets, this area and the Lamai zone are where they're easy to find. Try a hot coconut dessert or a coconut ice cream while you wander the rocks — it's a nice snack that suits the seaside setting.
Where to go next nearby
The good thing about Hin Ta Hin Yai is that it sits on the southern island-tour route, so it's easy to stop here and continue elsewhere. Many people slot it in as a stop on a day of visiting temples and waterfalls.
Lamai Beach
The main beach right next door — white sand, fewer people than Chaweng, a chilled vibe. Walk on or grab a seat at a beachfront spot.
Wat Sila Ngu (Wat Laem Sor)
A seaside temple nearby with a pagoda and pretty sea views. Easy to add for a quick stop on the same route.
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai, Koh Samui)
The big Buddha statue on the hill over by Bophut, an island landmark. Drive on around to the other side to reach it.
RoundupAll things to do in Koh Samui
See everything across the island — beaches, temples, waterfalls, and boat trips — to plan your own route.
What to know before you go
- Parking fee — entry is free, but some parking lots charge a small fee, around 10–20 THB per vehicle, so keep some cash on hand
- Go in the morning — the sun isn't harsh yet and there are fewer people, so it's easier to take photos than at midday when the tours all arrive at once
- Clothes and shoes — wear shoes with good grip since you'll be walking on rocks; a hat and drinking water help a lot, as there's little shade
- Time to budget — this stop doesn't take long, so treat it as a quick stop and don't set aside a full day
- By motorbike — if you're riding your own motorbike, parts of the island ring road are steep and winding, so ride slowly, wear a helmet, and watch for slick roads in the rain
Honesty — set the right expectations
Hin Ta Hin Yai is a short photo stop, not a place you need to linger at. Some people expect something grand and end up feeling it's smaller than they pictured. It's more enjoyable seen as a bonus during an island tour. And for the sea and waves, check the day's weather first — if the waves are strong, don't go down close to the water.
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