Hin Ta Hin Yai
Let's be honest about why anyone comes here: two rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Beach that look uncannily like male and female genitalia. Grandfather and Grandmother, in Thai, with a folk tale about an elderly couple lost at sea attached to explain them. It's a giggle, you take the photo, and that's the novelty done in about five minutes.
What keeps it from being a waste of a morning is the coastline itself. Rugged shore, open sea, waves that get big and dramatic around November. Sunset is when the place earns its keep, with colour over the water and the noise of the surf underneath it. You can walk the rocks at your own pace and climb about if you're careful, and some people swim. There's a small market by the site selling food, drinks and souvenirs, and the coconut ice cream served in the shell is the thing to get. Budget twenty to thirty minutes and don't expect more than that.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Hin Ta Hin Yai, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
⭐️ Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks) We arrived by taxi — entrance is free and it’s easy to walk around and explore the rocks. You can climb carefully, take amazing photos, and even jump into the water for a quick swim! There’s a small local market nearby with food, drinks, and souvenirs. The area is clean, peaceful, and well-maintained. Don’t miss the coconut ice cream served inside a fresh coconut with a red flower on top — it’s a must! 🍦🥥🌺 #KohSamui #Thailand #HinTaHinYai #IslandVibes #TropicalParadise
The place is beautiful, especially at sunset, when the sky fills with vibrant colors and the sound of the sea waves enhances the experience.
Nothing too special, but the natural views around the rocks are nice enough for a quick stop. The area can get a bit busy, but it’s easy to wander around for a few minutes, grab some photos, and move on. On the plus side, there was some decent ice cream nearby, which kind of made the better as it was hot. Overall, worth a quick visit if you’re passing through, but not a must-see.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 11,240 reviews on Google.
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Hin Ta Hin Yai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hin Ta Hin Yai worth visiting?
Hin Ta Hin Yai holds a 4.2★ rating from 11,240 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Hin Ta Hin Yai?
Hin Ta Hin Yai is typically open 08:30-18:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Hin Ta Hin Yai?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Hin Ta Hin Yai located?
Hin Ta Hin Yai is at 92 84310 126/92 Moo 3 Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
92 84310 126/92 Moo 3 Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailandgobuyticket.com/big-buddha-temple-wat-phra-yai-tickets-toursVisitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Hin Ta Hin Yai
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
Lamai Thai Cooking School
Hands-on Thai cooking classes held in a home kitchen near the beach in Maret, Koh Samui.
Koh Samui Excursions
Beachfront tour agency on Lamai Beach specialising in private and group excursions around Koh Samui.
Lamai Viewpoint & Heart Stone
A heart-shaped rock, a few Buddhist shrines and a big view over the coast, all in one hilltop stop.
Lamai Muay Thai Camp
Long-running community-feel camp behind Lamai beach — traditional two-a-day Muay Thai training with a loyal returning crowd, minutes from the sand.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Hin Ta Hin Yai
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas