Grandmother & Grandfather Rocks – Koh Samui, Thailand
Back in July 2016 I met my high school friend Tatiana in Thailand for a Thai Island Hopper East tour with Contiki. It was an amazing 9 days, starting in Koh Samui, followed by Koh Tao and ending in Koh Phangan. It was a great first trip to Thailand and I’m already dying to go back!!
On our first full day, we took a jeep tour with Mr. Ung’s Magical Safari Tours. Some of our stops were the Grandmother & Grandfather rocks, the Mummified Monk, a Jungle Waterslide, the Secret Buddha Garden, the Big Buddha and ended with downtime at the beach. It was a great way to see Koh Samui!
Our first stop was Hin Ta and Hin Yai, which are super hilarious genitalia rock formations (no, i’m not joking!) at Lamai Beach in the southern coast of Koh Samui. Hin Ta which means grandfather in Thai, is instantly noticeable among the hill of rocks, but Hin Yai which means grandmother in Thai, is a little hidden and when spotted you will giggle uncontrollably because, the accuracy!!! HA!
Our tour guide, Johnny telling us about the legend of 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. Their son had come of age, they felt that it was time he got married.
One day they decided to sail to the neighboring province of Prachuap Khiri Khan to ask for the hand of the daughter of a man named Ta Monglai. On 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.
^^ someone dropped their phone, this was the rescue mission! ^^
^^ fresh coconut ice cream served in the most perfect way! ^^
^^ This is where I had the first of MANY watermelon smoothies, sadly not pictured ^^
Off to the next adventure! Stay tuned for more Thailand posts!