Bestseller
Private
Private
Last updated 25 October 2026 · By the Pig Island Samui team
Pig Island (Koh Madsum) sits a few kilometres off the south-west coast of Koh Samui. There is no public ferry. You reach it by boat from Thong Krut pier or Bang Kao, usually 15–30 minutes by longtail. Either hire a boat at the pier yourself or book a tour with hotel pickup.
Where is Pig Island?
Pig Island is the local nickname for Koh Madsum, a small island just off the south-west tip of Koh Samui. You will also see it spelled Koh Mad Sum, Koh Mat Sum or Ko Matsum. Its neighbour is Koh Tan, a larger island with fishing villages and a shallow reef. Koh Rap, a quieter third island, lies close by.
The pigs live on a white sand beach on Koh Madsum, next to a simple beach bar and restaurant. Facilities are basic. For the full picture of the island itself, read our Koh Madsum guide.
Which pier do boats leave from?
Almost every trip starts on Samui’s south coast. Two departure points matter.
- Thong Krut pier (open in Google Maps). A small fishing village pier and the main base for longtails to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum. This is where you hire a boat on the spot. There is roadside parking near the pier.
- Bang Kao (open in Google Maps). A quieter bay about 10 minutes’ drive east of Thong Krut. Some operators launch their boats from here. It is less set up for walk-in hire, so book ahead if you want to leave from Bang Kao.
From Thong Krut a longtail takes about 15–20 minutes to Koh Tan. From there it is a short hop to Koh Madsum. A speedboat covers the same water in about half the time.
How long is the drive to Thong Krut?
Thong Krut is in the far corner of the island from the busy east coast. Allow more time than you think, especially in the rain or after 16:00. These are approximate driving times by car or scooter in normal traffic.
| From | Approx. drive to Thong Krut | Route notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lamai | 20–25 min | About 10–12 km, south along the coast road |
| Lipa Noi | 15–25 min | West coast, closest of the main beach areas |
| Nathon | 25–30 min | About 13–18 km, down the west coast |
| Chaweng | 35–50 min | About 25 km, via Lamai |
| Maenam | 40–60 min | Via Nathon and the west coast |
| Bophut / Fisherman’s Village | 45–65 min | Via Chaweng and Lamai, or the west coast |
| Choeng Mon | 50–70 min | North-east tip, the longest run |
The last few kilometres follow Route 4170 through steep hills with tight bends. That stretch gets slippery in rain. If you are not a confident rider, take a taxi or a tour with pickup.
Can you hire a longtail at Thong Krut yourself?
Yes. Boatmen wait near the pier and will offer you a trip. There is no ticket office and no timetable. Boats run on demand, mostly between 09:00 and 15:00.
What you can expect to pay. Recent visitor reports put the asking price at about 2,500–3,000 THB per boat for a return trip of two to three hours. Some people pay less after bargaining, and longer trips with a lunch stop cost more. Prices vary with season, fuel, group size and the boatman’s mood. Treat these figures as a guide, not a quote.
The boat is priced per trip, not per person. That makes DIY good value for a group of six and poor value for a couple.
Before you step on board, agree these points clearly:
- The total price, in baht, for the whole boat.
- Which islands are included: Koh Madsum only, or Koh Tan too.
- How long you stay at each stop, and the time you leave to come back.
- Life jackets for every person, including correct sizes for children. Check them before you leave.
- Snorkel gear, if you want it. Many DIY boats do not carry it.
Pay at the end, not at the start. Bring cash for the boat, the island fee and drinks. Do not count on finding a cash machine on the island.
Getting to the pier by scooter or taxi
Scooter. Rental on Samui costs roughly 150–350 THB a day for a 125cc bike, cheaper in the west than in Chaweng. You need a licence that covers motorbikes, plus an International Driving Permit. Without one, most travel insurance will not pay out after an accident.
Taxi. Samui taxis rarely use the meter. Agree the fare before you get in. From the east coast a return trip to Thong Krut costs far more than a scooter. Ask the driver to wait or book the ride back in advance. There is little traffic going out of Thong Krut.
Songthaew. The shared pickup trucks do run along the south coast, but they do not follow a timetable. Using one to meet a boat is a gamble.
DIY or a tour: which is better?
Be honest with yourself about your group size and how much you want to organise. Here is how the two options compare.
| DIY longtail | Tour with pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheap for 5+ people sharing one boat | Fixed price, better value for 1–4 people |
| Transport to pier | Your own scooter or taxi | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
| Snorkel gear and lunch | Usually extra or not offered | Included on most tours |
| Guide | Boatman only, little English | Crew who know the pigs and the reef |
| Safety | Check life jackets yourself | Life jackets and accident insurance |
| Weather call | You and the boatman decide | Captain cancels if unsafe; refund or new date |
| Flexibility | High, if you negotiate well | Set times on shared tours; total on private boats |
Our view: DIY works for a confident group of five or more with their own transport. For couples and families, a tour usually costs about the same once you add taxis, and it is far less hassle.
Tours with hotel pickup
A tour removes every step above. A minibus collects you from your hotel, the boat is waiting, and you are dropped back at your door.
- Pig Island Speedboat Tour: 4–5 hours, morning or afternoon, lunch or dinner, snorkel gear and kayaks. From 1,450 THB per adult.
- Small-group longtail tour: a traditional boat for up to 12 guests, lunch on Koh Tan, island fee included. From 1,750 THB.
- Private longtail to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan: your own boat for 5–6 hours, 5,950 THB per boat.
See every option side by side on our Pig Island tours page, or check the full Pig Island price list.
From Koh Phangan or a cruise ship
Staying on Koh Phangan? Take a morning ferry to Samui and join a tour, or charter a speedboat straight from Phangan. Our guide to visiting Pig Island from Koh Phangan has a sample day.
On a cruise ship? Ships usually anchor off Nathon and tender guests ashore. Nathon is about 25–30 minutes from Thong Krut by road. Our cruise ship guests tour is timed to your port call. Send us your ship name and times, and we will plan the day around them.
Sea conditions and safety
The crossing is short, but it is still open sea in a small boat. Weather decides the day.
- January to April: the driest and calmest months. The best time for flat water and clear snorkelling.
- May to September: hot, with passing showers. The south coast is generally calm.
- October to December: the north-east monsoon. This is Samui’s wettest period, and some days are too rough to sail.
Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons. If a captain says no, accept it. Wear the life jacket on the crossing, use reef-safe sunscreen and carry water. Our best time to visit guide covers the seasons month by month.
On the island, remember the pigs are animals, not props. Do not chase, lift or ride them, and do not over-feed them. Follow the guide and wash your hands afterwards. Travelling with children? Read Pig Island with kids first.
