5 hr
Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling Express
- Entry ticket
- Mobile voucher
- Valid same day
- Free cancellation
Pig Island Koh Samui — Koh Matsum Boat Trips & Day Passes
Warm shallows meet curious snouts, morning tides turn gold.
Compare fares, pick the fit — all bookings are mobile-voucher and eligible for free cancellation where shown.
5 hr
7 hr
6 hr
Worth it for most first-time visitors
At 50 THB entry — roughly the cost of a street-food lunch — pig island koh samui sounds like a genuine bargain. The reality is more layered. Koh Madsum, the compact island where the swimming pigs live, is a pleasant cove destination, but the experience diverges sharply from the social-media version. These are domesticated animals, habituated to tourists and fed by on-site staff — not wild pigs that wandered spontaneously into the sea. Interactions feel managed rather than candid, and the ethical treatment of the animals is inconsistent enough to warrant real consideration. The 50 THB entrance fee covers admission and a bottle of water, but it represents only a fraction of total costs. Boat transfers — the only way to reach Koh Madsum from Koh Samui — are a separate, often substantial expense, and pig island koh samui tickets account for the smallest portion of what you actually spend. The beach itself is compact: a shaded cove rather than the sweeping shoreline that viral footage implies. The value case still holds for first-time visitors and novelty-seekers. A low entry price, clear Gulf of Thailand water, and the genuine oddness of feeding pigs beside a tropical cove deliver a low-pressure experience unlike anything else on the island. Pig island koh samui tours work best when treated as a quick, curious detour rather than a centrepiece day out. Repeat visitors or travellers who prioritise beach quality over novelty will find the boat transfer cost harder to justify.
Bottom line: At just 50 THB to enter Koh Madsum, this pig island koh samui tour earns its place on a first visit — provided you factor in boat transfer costs and arrive expecting novelty, not a premium beach day.
They complement each other; visitors seeking a relaxed beach trip prefer a pig island koh samui tour, while those wanting dramatic limestone cliffs choose the marine park.
|
Top pick Pig Island (Koh Matsum) |
Ang Thong Marine Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Casual beach relaxation and animal encounters | Dramatic viewpoints, kayaking, and hiking |
| Travel Time from Samui | 15–30 minutes by boat | 45–90 minutes by boat |
| Activity Intensity | Low; mostly beach walking | High; steep viewpoint climbs and kayaking |
| Key Highlights | Friendly beach pigs and Koh Tan snorkeling | Emerald Lake, viewpoints, and limestone cliffs |
| Suitability for Kids | Excellent; short travel and shallow waters | Moderate; long boat ride and steep climbs |
| Snorkeling Quality | Moderate; nearby reef at Koh Tan | Good; protected marine life at Koh Wao |
| See tickets & prices |
Verdict: Book pig island koh samui tours for a short, low-intensity longtail boat ride, or purchase pig island koh samui tickets to see the animals on Koh Madsum.
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Explore Koh Tan's reefs and meet the famous pigs of Koh Madsum on this tropical island hopping boat tour.
Board a traditional longtail boat at Thong Krut Pier in southern Koh Samui.
Travel across the calm waters, stopping for a snorkeling session near the reef of Koh Tan.
Disembark into the shallow waters of Koh Matsum and pay the 50 THB entrance fee.
Meet the resident animals, swim in the shallow bay, and enjoy the tropical scenery.
Board your boat for the return trip to the southern coast of Koh Samui.
This 400-meter stretch of powder-white sand serves as the primary habitat for the resident pigs. Visitors can walk along the shore to feed the animals and swim in the calm, shallow waters. The beach is flanked by mature trees that offer natural shelter from the tropical sun.
This rustic open-air beach shack serves fresh coconuts and local Thai dishes from 08:00 to 17:00 daily. It features a sandy floor and wooden benches where travelers can sit and enjoy cold drinks. The kitchen prepares traditional meals using fresh ingredients sourced daily from the main island.
These hand-carved wooden swings are suspended from low-hanging tree branches directly above the water line. They provide a scenic spot to sit and watch the waves roll in during high tide. The sturdy ropes are regularly inspected and can hold up to two adults at a time.
These clear, shallow waters extend about 50 meters from the shore and serve as a cooling sanctuary for the pigs. Visitors can wade alongside the swimming animals and observe small tropical fish darting over the sandy bottom. The gentle waves make it highly suitable for wading and photography.
Located just behind the main beach bar, this shaded sanctuary is home to the island's resident chickens and rabbits. The animals roam freely in a fenced garden area designed to protect them during peak heat hours. Caretakers feed them fresh greens and vegetables multiple times a day.
You board a longtail or speedboat at Thong Krut pier and cross a stretch of flat, clear water, the mainland shrinking behind you within twenty minutes. As the hull slows near Koh Matsum, you spot the first snouts — pigs already wading out, paddling toward the boat with the unhurried confidence of animals who have done this a thousand times. You step down into knee-deep shallows and the sand is warm underfoot. A pig nudges past your shin; a piglet trots along the waterline. You crouch to hand-feed one, then wade back to dry sand where goats and chickens pick through the shade of the palms. The water here is bathwater-warm and calm enough to stand in for as long as you like. You walk the short beach, phone out, catching the pigs mid-paddle against the turquoise. Guides keep bottled water on hand — worth it in the heat. Most pig island koh samui tickets bundle a snorkelling stop nearby, so you rinse off, pull on a mask, and drift over shallow reef before the boat swings back toward Samui. By the time you re-board, salt-dried and sunlit, the herd has already returned to the sand to wait for the next arrival.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Pig island koh samui tours take you by speedboat or longtail boat to Koh Mudsum, a compact islet off Samui's southern coast where a resident herd of pigs wades into the shallows to meet visitors. The swimming-pigs experience often pairs with a snorkeling stop in the clear Gulf of Thailand waters, making this one of the most talked-about island-hopping day trips in the region.
The pigs of Koh Matsum did not swim here by choice — they were released onto the uninhabited islet only in the last decade, part of a small tourism venture that has since drawn steady boat traffic across the Gulf of Thailand. What began as a handful of animals has become one of the more unusual stops on any pig island koh samui itinerary, a low sandbar roughly four kilometres off the southern coast of the main island. Koh Matsum sits within the Taling Ngam district of Ko Samui, part of Surat Thani province, its beaches ringed by shallow turquoise water that shelves gently enough for a pig to wade. The setting is unremarkable geologically — no dramatic karst, no towering headland — and that flatness is precisely the point. The gradient of the shore lets the animals paddle out to arriving longtail boats, a spectacle that owes as much to the Ang Thong archipelago's calm inner waters as to the pigs themselves. The comparison to the Bahamas' Exuma pigs is inevitable and openly acknowledged; Koh Matsum is Southeast Asia's answer to that phenomenon, engineered rather than accidental. The resident herd is a mix of domestic breeds, kept fed and habituated to human contact, and their presence has reshaped a formerly quiet fishing stretch into a fixture of the region's island-hopping circuit. Alongside the pigs, goats, chickens and the occasional buffalo share the sand, giving the place the loose feel of a beach smallholding. Within the wider constellation of koh samui landmarks — Big Buddha at Bang Rak, the Fisherman's Village at Bophut, the Na Muang waterfalls inland — this islet occupies an odd niche, neither temple nor natural wonder but a manufactured curiosity that has proven durable. The clear water, the fringing palms and the animals' unbothered wallowing combine into something photogenic and faintly absurd. A pig island koh samui tour typically pairs the stop with snorkelling reefs and neighbouring islets, folding the herd into a broader day on the water. As of 2026 the site remains privately managed, its modest entrance arrangement funding the animals' upkeep and the boats that ferry visitors the short crossing from Thong Krut pier.
The pigs did not swim here by choice — released onto an uninhabited islet, they became Southeast Asia's engineered answer to the Exuma phenomenon.
Comfortable swimwear and lightweight beach clothing are recommended when visiting the Pig Island Koh Samui. Water shoes are highly useful to protect against coral fragments in the shallow wading areas. Ensure you bring a dry change of clothes for the return boat ride.
There are no secure lockers or bag check facilities available on the beach. Keep your belongings in a waterproof dry bag to protect them from ocean spray during the longtail boat transit. Keep all valuables with you at all times.
Photography is permitted everywhere on the island, and there are no fees for taking pictures of the roaming animals. Drone flying is strictly prohibited unless you have obtained written authorization and official permits beforehand. Protect your camera gear from sand and seawater splashing.
Parents must closely supervise children around the larger animals to prevent accidental bumps or bites during feeding. Infant life jackets are rarely provided on standard longtail boats, so families should bring their own safety gear.
The island is not wheelchair accessible as guests must board and disembark from boats directly in the shallow water. There are no paved paths, and navigating the soft sand can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Restroom facilities on the island are basic and lack accessible features.
Outside food and drinks are permitted, though feeding the pigs any processed human food is strictly forbidden. A small local beach bar sells coconuts, cold beverages, and basic Thai dishes. The entry fee of 50 THB includes a bottle of water for each adult visitor.
Quietest morning arrivals.
Fewer crowds mid-week.
Great weather for sailing.
Ideal morning snorkeling water.
Slightly busier afternoon tours.
Popular weekend beach day.
Active pig feeding times.
Opening Hours
08:00–17:00
Address
Koh Matsum, Taling Ngam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Best Arrival Window
08:30–11:00
Entrance Fee
50 THB (Entrance fee per adult, includes a bottle of water)
Coordinates
9.2023° N, 99.9482° E
Car · 30–45 mins to pier · Free parking, boat extra
Drive to Thong Krut Pier in the south of Koh Samui where you can park your vehicle. From there, hire a local longtail boat to make the crossing to the beach of Pig Island Koh Samui.
Taxi · 45 mins to pier · 800–1,200 THB
Book a taxi or private minivan transfer to Thong Krut Pier from your hotel. Ensure you coordinate a return pickup time with your driver as taxis can be scarce at the pier in the afternoon.
Public transport · N/A · N/A
There is no direct public transit or shared songthaews to the pier or the island. Visitors must rely on organized excursions or private vehicle hire to reach the departure points.
Cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled boat departure receive a full refund on the booking. No refunds are provided for late cancellations or for the non-refundable 50 THB entrance fee paid on arrival.
Recommended time
Half a day
While booking a standard pig island koh samui tour is highly popular for social travelers, organizing private pig island koh samui tours via traditional longtail boat allows you to customize your itinerary and avoid rigid group schedules. Most trips to the area last about four hours, a half-day duration that perfectly accommodates the scenic crossing, leisure time on the sandy shores, and a guided snorkeling session around the marine life of Koh Tan. It is best to verify whether your boat operator bundles the mandatory entry fees or if you need to purchase your own pig island koh samui tickets at the pier to gain access to pig island koh samui. To maximize your experience, aim for the recommended arrival window of 08:30–11:00; arriving early is essential to beat the scorching midday sun, avoid the largest crowds, and see the pigs when they are most active and friendly.
Crowd levels through the day
Weather · crowds · average price — dots go green to amber to red as each metric rises.
This dry season offers comfortable temperatures averaging 27°C and calm seas. It is the peak tourist period, so booking your Pig Island Koh Samui tour well in advance is essential to secure a boat. Water visibility is excellent for snorkeling near the adjacent reefs.
These hot summer months see temperatures rising up to 34°C with high humidity. Midday sun can be intense, making the morning arrival window from 08:30–11:00 the best time to see the pigs active before they seek shade. Sea conditions remain generally calm.
This period brings occasional short rain showers, but daytime temperatures remain warm around 31°C. Tourist numbers are slightly lower, allowing for a more relaxed visit to the beach. Boat operators continue daily schedules subject to weather conditions.
The monsoon season brings frequent heavy rainfall and rougher seas, particularly in October and November. Many longtail boat operators suspend services when waves are high, so check daily weather forecasts before planning your trip.
Shade is limited on the beach, so wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply reef-safe sunscreen. The 50 THB entry fee includes a bottle of water, but carrying extra fluids is highly recommended.
Remember to bring cash in Thai Baht to pay the 50 THB entrance fee on arrival. Credit cards are not accepted on the island, and there are no ATMs available.
Waterproof dry bags are essential for the boat crossing to Pig Island Koh Samui. Waves can splash over the side of longtail boats, easily damaging electronics.
If you want to secure a spot on a catamaran or speedboat, purchase your Pig Island Koh Samui tickets online in advance. Private longtail boats can usually be hired directly at the pier.
Review different Pig Island Koh Samui tours to find one that includes snorkeling stops at Koh Tan. Combining these two locations offers a complete day of adventure.
Keep a polite distance from the pigs and do not feed them processed foods. Only feed them fruits purchased from the local caretakers to keep them healthy.
Sharp coral pieces and rocks line the shallow waters where you disembark. Water shoes protect your feet when wading from the boat to the sandy beach.
Thong Krut, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
The primary departure point for longtail boats heading to the island; look for the operator booths near the pier entrance.
Get directionsLocated at the eastern end of the beach under the shade of overhanging palm trees, these classic rope swings offer a direct view of the shallow turquoise ocean. Capture the classic postcard shot on a pig island koh samui tour by posing on the rustic wooden seat with the sea behind you.
The north-facing beach features soft white sand that shelves gently into the Gulf of Thailand. Shoot wide angles from the water's edge looking at the pigs cooling off in the shallow sea, a highlight of popular pig island koh samui tours.
Stand on the northern shoreline of Pig Island to frame the dramatic green peaks of Koh Samui's southern coast across the water. A wide-angle lens captures the contrast between the white sand, longtail boats, and the distant mountains from this sandy stretch on pig island koh samui.
Located just behind the beach shacks under the tree canopy, this fenced area is where the herd rests during midday heat. Access is included when you pay the entrance fee at the dock or show your pre-booked pig island koh samui tickets.
Visiting the remote beach at pig island koh samui is an exciting escape for families with young children. The rustic nature of the destination means parents must prepare carefully for boat safety and island conditions.
The terrain on this Koh Samui pig island tour is completely sand-covered with no paved paths, making strollers useless. Keep your hands free by leaving them behind and using a baby carrier for infants.
Most local longtail boat operators only carry adult-sized life vests. When booking pig island koh samui tours, always verify that properly sized safety gear is available for small children.
If you are traveling with toddlers, choosing a private pig island koh samui tour is the best option. This gives you full control over the schedule, allowing you to head back to the main resort areas if the kids get restless.
The animals on this Koh Matsum day trip are friendly but highly food-motivated and can accidentally knock down smaller kids. Have children place food on the sand instead of hand-feeding them to avoid bites.
Be sure to buy your pig island koh samui tickets in advance to secure an early morning departure. This lets you visit when the temperatures are cooler and the pigs are more active.
Before heading out to explore the shore, plan your meals around the limited options on Koh Matsum. A rustic shack provides refreshments on the beach, making a hearty post-trip meal near the departure pier a popular choice. While on the beach of pig island koh samui, you can buy fresh drinks to stay cool.
Located directly on the beach, this rustic venue serves coconut shakes, local beers, and basic Thai classics like fried rice. Cocktails average around 200 THB, and you must bring cash. It is a convenient stop during your pig island koh samui tour.
Located right near Thong Krut Pier where many pig island koh samui tours depart. It is highly rated for its traditional southern Thai dishes, such as spicy tom yum soup and cashew chicken.
A health-conscious oasis specializing in organic whole-food dishes and fresh smoothies. It is a great stop after returning to Samui, especially for travelers who booked their pig island koh samui tickets independently.
Real experiences from real travelers
The longtail pulled up around nine and the pigs walked straight down to the water before we even stepped off. Water was warm and clear, and the crew handed us fruit to feed them. Our pig island koh samui tour also stopped at a quiet snorkel spot on the way back.
I booked the pig island koh samui tour half as a joke and ended up loving the whole morning. The sand was almost white and the reef just offshore had plenty of fish. Go early before the sun gets brutal.
Koh Madsum itself is lovely and the piglets are genuinely friendly, though a few boats arrived at once around midday. The snorkeling near the cove was calm and shallow, good for nervous swimmers. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
We did one of the pig island koh samui tours from Bangrak pier and the longtail ride across was smooth. The pigs are used to people and came right up on the sand. Loved floating over the coral with the boat crew pointing out the bigger fish.
The shallows at Koh Madsum stayed a bright turquoise the whole visit and you can wade out a long way. Feeding the pigs was the highlight for my kids. Our guide timed it so we arrived before the crowds.
Smooth boat transfer and a laid-back few hours on the beach. The pigs nap in the shade and wake up when fruit appears. This pig island koh samui trip paired nicely with a snorkel stop over the reef.
The cove is postcard pretty and the water is bath-warm. There were more pigs than I expected and a couple of tiny piglets near the tree line. Wear water shoes because some patches near the reef are rocky.
We grabbed pig island koh samui tickets the night before and had no trouble joining a morning departure. The longtail crew were friendly and the snorkel gear was decent. Standing knee-deep with pigs swimming past was surreal.
Calm crossing, warm shallows, and pigs that clearly run the beach. We fed them, snorkeled the reef, and were back at the pier by early afternoon. One of the more relaxed island day trips we did.
The setting is pretty and the pigs are entertaining, but it can feel packed when several boats land together. The water and beach make up for it. Go on the first departure for the quietest experience.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The island is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, allowing visitors to enjoy the beach throughout the day. It is recommended to check weather conditions before booking your trip to Pig Island Koh Samui.
The entrance fee is 50 THB per adult, which includes a bottle of water upon arrival. Children can enter the island for free.
The official address of Pig Island Koh Samui is Koh Matsum, Taling Ngam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand. Access to this tropical location is only possible via boat from the southern coast of the main island.
The best arrival window is between 08:30–11:00, when the pigs are active and the temperature is cooler. Arriving during this window also helps you beat the main tour boats that arrive midday.
Yes, many operators offer a Pig Island Koh Samui tour that includes air-conditioned minivan transfers from major hotel areas like Chaweng or Lamai. These packages typically bundle the boat transit and snorkeling gear together.
There are no official bag restrictions, but visitors to Pig Island Koh Samui are advised to bring waterproof dry bags. Since you must wade through shallow water to disembark, keeping your electronics protected is critical.
Yes, the island is family-friendly, but parents must supervise kids around the larger free-roaming animals. Make sure to bring appropriate life jackets for children as boat operators may not always have infant sizes.
Light beachwear, swimwear, and sturdy water shoes are the ideal outfit for this excursion. Water shoes are particularly useful for protecting your feet from sharp coral fragments near the shoreline.
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and beverages to Pig Island Koh Samui, but feeding the animals outside food is strictly prohibited. You can purchase approved fruits from the local caretakers on the beach instead.
You can easily combine your visit to Pig Island Koh Samui with snorkeling at the nearby Koh Tan reefs or exploring Koh Rap island. Most boat excursions schedule stops at these locations before heading back to the mainland.
A quiet neighboring island known for its coral reefs and mangrove forests. It offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and has a small local village.
A scenic private island situated nearby, famous for its long sandy spit and wild deer that roam the beaches.
A peaceful fishing village beach on the southern coast of Koh Samui, serving as the main departure hub for boats heading south.
A golden beachfront pagoda located on the southwestern coast of Koh Samui, offering views across the water to the islands.
A luxury cliffside resort offering private pool villas with sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand.
A upscale beachfront resort located in Phang Ka, offering pool villas, dining, and easy access to southern boat tours.
A peaceful residential and resort area in southwest Koh Samui, ideal for travelers seeking a quiet stay close to the nature excursions.
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