Learn the story behind the grandmother and grandfather rocks, shaped like body parts, near the fishing village of Hua Thanon on Koh Samui.
Although to some they seem carved by fate, or as a humorous joke, these rocks nicknamed grandfather (Hin Ta) and grandmother (Hin Yai) have actually been shaped by nature into forms that resemble male and female genitalia.
These genitalia-shaped rocks standing close together are not just good for a giggle at the expense of nature, but also give an insight into Thai myths and legends too.
As with all attractions in Thailand, there are plenty of salespeople at this site to enchant you with their wares. After you leave the stalls hawking everything from souvenirs to food and drink, appreciate the astounding coincidence that made such unusually shaped and well-placed rocks.
There is a legend about how these came to be, which no one should leave without learning. It tells the story of an older couple, Ta Kang and Yai Riam, who decided it was time for their son to wed. They set off together in a boat from Nakhon Si Thammarat to arrange a marriage with a girl from Prachuap Khiri Khan province. However, as they travelled a storm came up and wrecked them. Their bodies washed up on the coast, only to be transformed into the male and female genitalia-shaped rocks that forever spell out their intention for their son.
If geological jokes are not your scene, enjoy a fresh coconut juice from one of the stalls and go for a walk along the beautiful, boulder-strewn beach, or jump in for a cooling swim. Grab a postcard or two from the stalls on your way out.
