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Pig Island Koh Samui

Pig Island Koh Samui — Koh Matsum Boat Trips & Day Passes

Warm shallows meet curious snouts, morning tides turn gold.

48K+ travelers chose this
Free Cancellation
Right now: Moderate — weekday morning High tide in the afternoon may reduce beach walking areas.
4–5 hours total
1 Languages
8–15 guests per boat
Free Cancellation
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Koh Samui Island Hopping: Pig Island & Koh Tean Adventure 7 hr
Guided Experience

Koh Samui Island Hopping: Pig Island & Koh Tean Adventure

4.6 (3582)
€42
  • Expert local guide
  • Small group
  • Skip-the-line access
  • Free cancellation
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Samui Island Expedition: Viewpoints, Elephants & Pig Island 6 hr
Guided Experience

Samui Island Expedition: Viewpoints, Elephants & Pig Island

4.8 (143)
€44
  • Expert local guide
  • Small group
  • Skip-the-line access
  • Free cancellation
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Is it worth it?

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.

What makes it worth it

  • Entry fee is just 50 THB and includes bottled water
  • Koh Madsum's cove offers calm, clear water for a swim
  • Distinctive encounter unlike any other Koh Samui beach stop
  • Short visit fits easily into a half-day itinerary

Keep in mind

  • Boat transfer costs far exceed the 50 THB entry fee
  • Pigs are domesticated, not wild — expect a managed encounter
  • Compact cove beach disappoints visitors expecting a wide shoreline
  • Midday heat and tourist crowds degrade the experience quickly

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.

Head to head

Pig Island Koh Samui vs Ang Thong Marine Park — Which Tour to Choose?

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 Dramatic viewpoints, kayaking, and hiking
Travel Time from Samui 45–90 minutes by boat
Activity Intensity High; steep viewpoint climbs and kayaking
Key Highlights Emerald Lake, viewpoints, and limestone cliffs
Suitability for Kids Moderate; long boat ride and steep climbs
Snorkeling Quality Good; protected marine life at Koh Wao

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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Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling Adventure 6 hours Free Cancellation

Koh Samui: Pig Island & Koh Tan Snorkeling Adventure

Explore Koh Tan's reefs and meet the famous pigs of Koh Madsum on this tropical island hopping boat tour.

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Your journey

Step-by-step — what your day looks like

1

Pier Departure

Board a traditional longtail boat at Thong Krut Pier in southern Koh Samui.

2

Boat Transit and Snorkeling

Travel across the calm waters, stopping for a snorkeling session near the reef of Koh Tan.

3

Beach Arrival and Fee Payment

Disembark into the shallow waters of Koh Matsum and pay the 50 THB entrance fee.

4

Pig Interaction and Beach Time

Meet the resident animals, swim in the shallow bay, and enjoy the tropical scenery.

5

Return Journey

Board your boat for the return trip to the southern coast of Koh Samui.

What you'll see

Highlights not to miss

Ao Matsum Main Beach

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.

Mad Sum Bar

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.

Overhanging Shoreline Swings

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.

Coral Reef Shallows

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.

Resident Farmyard Haven

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.

The experience

What the visit is really like

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.

Everything You Need to Know

Your complete experience guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Your Guide to Pig Island Koh Samui

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.

Dress code

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.

Bags & security

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

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.

Families & strollers

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.

Accessibility

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.

Food & drink

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.

Not allowed

× Single-use plastics × Glass bottles × Alcoholic beverages brought from outside × Drones without permits × Harmful animal feed × Litter × Weapons × Sharp metal objects × Hoverboards × Large suitcases × Strollers

What to bring

✓ Sunscreen ✓ Towel ✓ Dry bag ✓ Water shoes ✓ Cash in Thai Baht ✓ Insect repellent ✓ Change of clothes

Opening hours

Mon 08:00 – 17:00

Quietest morning arrivals.

Tue 08:00 – 17:00

Fewer crowds mid-week.

Wed 08:00 – 17:00

Great weather for sailing.

Thu 08:00 – 17:00

Ideal morning snorkeling water.

Fri 08:00 – 17:00

Slightly busier afternoon tours.

Sat 08:00 – 17:00

Popular weekend beach day.

Sun 08:00 – 17:00

Active pig feeding times.

At a glance

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

Getting there

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.

Cancellation policy

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.

Plan your time

How long do you need?

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

Early Morning (08:00–10:00) Light
Late Morning (10:00–12:00) Moderate
Midday (12:00–14:00) Heavy
Early Afternoon (14:00–16:00) Moderate
Late Afternoon (16:00–17:00) Light
Plan ahead

When to go — year at a glance

Weather · crowds · average price — dots go green to amber to red as each metric rises.

December to February

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.

March to May

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.

June to August

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.

September to November

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.

Insider tips

Helpful tips for your visit

Hydration and Sun Safety

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.

Bring Cash for Fees

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.

Protect Your Gear

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.

Pre-Book Your Tickets

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.

Choose the Right Tour

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.

Respect the Animals

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.

Wear Sturdy Water Shoes

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.

Where to meet

Meeting points

Thong Krut Pier

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 directions
Photo spots

Best photo spots

Koh Matsum Beach Swings

Best light · Before 10:00

Located 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.

Koh Matsum Shallows

Best light · Between 11:00 and 13:00

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.

Beachfront Viewpoint

Best light · Late afternoon

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.

Island Treeline Enclosure

Best light · Between 08:30 and 11:00

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.

Gallery

Moments from the experience

With kids

Visiting with kids

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.

Strollers

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.

Boat safety

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.

Pacing

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.

Feeding the pigs

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.

Tickets

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.

Food & drink

Where to eat nearby

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.

Mad Sum Bar

$$

Beach Bar

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.

Fah Sai Restaurant

$

Local Thai Restaurant

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.

Sweet Sisters Cafe

$$

Organic Café

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.

Customer Reviews

What travelers say

Real experiences from real travelers

4.6
Based on undefined reviews
1 ★ 150
2 ★ 210
3 ★ 640
4 ★ 2100
5 ★ 9200
H
Hannah M.
United Kingdom · 2026-06-18

Pigs met the boat

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.

L
Lucas R.
Brazil · 2026-05-27

Better than expected

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.

S
Sophie K.
Germany · 2026-04-09

Fun but busy

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.

A
Andrew T.
Australia · 2026-07-11

Great half day out

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.

M
Mei L.
Singapore · 2026-03-22

Clear water and pigs

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.

D
Daniel F.
United States · 2026-02-14

Easy and relaxed

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.

C
Camila S.
Spain · 2026-01-30

Lovely beach

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.

K
Kenji A.
Japan · 2025-11-08

Piglets and snorkeling

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.

O
Olivia P.
Canada · 2025-08-19

Highlight of Samui

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.

M
Marco B.
Italy · 2025-06-12

Nice but manage expectations

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.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Around the corner

Nearby landmarks worth a detour

Koh Tan

15 min boat ride

landmark

A quiet neighboring island known for its coral reefs and mangrove forests. It offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and has a small local village.

Koh Rap

20 min boat ride

landmark

A scenic private island situated nearby, famous for its long sandy spit and wild deer that roam the beaches.

Thong Krut Beach

15 min boat ride

landmark

A peaceful fishing village beach on the southern coast of Koh Samui, serving as the main departure hub for boats heading south.

Laem Sor Pagoda

15 min drive from pier

landmark

A golden beachfront pagoda located on the southwestern coast of Koh Samui, offering views across the water to the islands.

Where to stay

Where to stay nearby

Conrad Koh Samui

15 min drive from pier

luxury

A luxury cliffside resort offering private pool villas with sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand.

Avani+ Samui Resort

10 min drive from pier

luxury

A upscale beachfront resort located in Phang Ka, offering pool villas, dining, and easy access to southern boat tours.

Taling Ngam District

15 min drive from pier

mid-range

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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