Pig Island FAQ

Pig Island is the nickname for Koh Madsum, a small island off the south-west coast of Koh Samui. Pigs roam its white sand beach, alongside a few dogs. There is a beach restaurant, kayaks and a short path to a viewpoint. Most trips also stop at Koh Tan next door for snorkelling. Read our full Koh Madsum guide.

For most people, the speedboat tour is the best value: 4–5 hours, a meal, snorkel gear and hotel transfer from 1,450 THB. Choose the small-group longtail for a slower, traditional boat. Choose the sunset tour for the late light and dinner. Families and groups often prefer a private boat.

A longtail is a traditional wooden Thai boat. It is slower and rides the swell gently, so it suits small children and anyone prone to seasickness. A speedboat is faster and leaves more time on the islands, but it bumps more in choppy water. Compare both on our Pig Island tours page.

Shared tours take about 4–6 hours including hotel transfers. The small-group longtail picks up around 08:15 and returns about 14:00. Private longtails and speedboats run 5–6 hours. The Pink Dolphins and Pig Island tour takes about 6 hours, and the shared sailing yacht about 8. Each tour page lists its own timings.

Yes. The Pig Island sunset tour picks up between 13:00 and 14:30. You visit the pigs in the softer afternoon light, cross back as the sun goes down, and have dinner at a beach restaurant. Kayaks and the island fee are included. It costs 1,550 THB per adult and 1,350 THB per child.

Yes. A private longtail to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan costs 5,950 THB per boat for 5–6 hours. A private speedboat costs 11,950 THB per boat. A three-island longtail including Koh Rap is 8,450 THB. You choose the pickup time and the pace. See all options on our private boat page.

Yes. The shared boutique sailing yacht trip costs 4,500 THB per person for about 8 hours, visiting Pig Island and Koh Tan. For your own group, the Private Catamaran King runs 5 hours for 21,000 THB per boat. The private sailing catamaran runs 8 hours, with sunset sailing, for 27,000 THB per boat.

Generally, yes. They are used to visitors and spend much of the day dozing in the shade or wading in the shallows. They are still animals, not props. They can push or nip when they smell food, and mothers protect their piglets. Stay calm, keep food bagged and follow the guide. See our Koh Madsum guide.

This is a fair question, and we take it seriously. We ask every guest to follow simple rules: no chasing, lifting, riding or over-feeding. The pigs roam freely and spend the hottest hours in the shade. We have written an honest page on what we know and what we do not: are the pigs well treated?

Only if the guide says so, and only with food the guide approves. Too much food, or the wrong food, is bad for the pigs and makes them pushy. Never feed by hand from a bag in front of a crowd. Wash your hands afterwards. Read how we protect the pigs before your trip.

The pigs sometimes wade or swim in the shallows on their own. You can swim nearby, but do not chase them into the water, grab them or hold them. Give mothers and piglets plenty of space. The best swimming and snorkelling is at Koh Tan, next door, where the reef sits close to the beach.

Besides the pigs, there is a white sand beach, a beach restaurant and bar, kayaks, a viewpoint and the wooden Mad Sum Island sign. Facilities are basic. It is a small island, so tours usually stop there for an hour or so. Many tours then continue to Koh Tan or Koh Rap for snorkelling and lunch.

Koh Tan is the larger island next to Koh Madsum. It has small fishing villages, quiet beaches and a shallow coral reef that suits beginners. Some tours have lunch at a Koh Tan beach restaurant. Expect coral and fish rather than big marine life. Our Koh Tan guide covers the snorkel spots.

Yes, with sensible care. The crossing is short and the beach is shallow. Children should wear a life jacket on the boat and stay close to an adult around the pigs. Ask us to confirm child sizes for your date. Our parent’s guide to Pig Island covers boats, timing and packing.

Yes. Every boat carries life jackets, and we ask children to wear one on every crossing. Adults who are not confident swimmers should wear one too, including while snorkelling. If you need a small child or infant size, ask us to confirm child sizes for your date when you book. See our kids guide.

Choose a longtail, which rides more gently than a speedboat. Go in the morning, when the sea is often calmer, and sit near the back. Take a motion-sickness tablet before you board. Our small-group longtail tour is a good choice, or a private longtail if you want to stop when you like.

Please message us before booking. A speedboat can bump hard in a swell, so we usually suggest a private longtail on a calm morning. Check with your doctor before any boat trip. We will look at the forecast for your date and give you an honest view on WhatsApp.

Yes. You do not need to swim to enjoy the trip. Wear a life jacket on the boat and while snorkelling, and stay in the shallows. Many guests simply relax on the beach or watch the pigs. Tell the guide you cannot swim so they can keep an eye on you. See the Koh Tan snorkel spots.

Partly. Boarding a longtail often means stepping down from a pier or wading from the beach. Speedboats can be easier from a pier. Island paths are sand, and the viewpoint path is uneven. Message us on WhatsApp with your needs, and we will tell you honestly which boat and route will work.