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Last updated 25 October 2026 · By the Pig Island Samui team
Yes, you can visit Pig Island (Koh Madsum) as a day trip from Koh Phangan. Take an early ferry from Thong Sala to Koh Samui, about 20–45 minutes, and join a tour with pier pickup. Or charter a private speedboat straight from Koh Phangan. Both are return trips only.
What are your options?
Pig Island lies off Koh Samui’s south-west coast, on the far side of Samui from Phangan. The ferry plus a tour is cheapest. A private speedboat is fastest for groups.
Option 1: ferry to Samui, then join a tour
Most ferries leave from Thong Sala, Koh Phangan’s main pier.
| Operator | Phangan pier | Samui pier | Approx. crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | Thong Sala | Nathon or Maenam | About 30 min |
| Seatran Discovery | Thong Sala | Bang Rak | About 30–45 min |
| Songserm | Thong Sala | Nathon or Bang Rak | About 20–60 min |
| Haad Rin Queen | Haad Rin | Big Buddha (Bang Rak) | About 50 min |
Last checked: October 2026. Timetables change by season; check before you travel.
Fares are roughly 200–450 THB one way. For full timetables and booking tips, see our sister site’s guide to ferries between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Which pier is best? Nathon is closest to Thong Krut, the pier for Pig Island, at about 25–30 minutes by road. Bang Rak and Big Buddha are on the north-east coast, roughly an hour away.
Once you have your ferry booked, message us on WhatsApp to arrange pickup from the ferry pier. Our Pig Island Speedboat Tour runs in the morning and afternoon. Take the morning departure: it brings you back in time for an afternoon ferry. Afternoon tours finish after most boats to Phangan have left.
Option 2: private speedboat from Koh Phangan
A private charter picks you up on Koh Phangan, crosses to Samui’s south coast, and visits Koh Tan and Koh Madsum. You skip the ferry, the taxi and the pier.
We arrange these through our sister company Speedboat Samui. Staying a night on Samui? Our own private boats to Pig Island start from the south coast.
A sample day from Koh Phangan
This example uses an early ferry and our morning shared speedboat tour. Times are a guide only and depend on the day’s timetable.
- 07:30Ferry from Thong Sala Take one of the first boats to Nathon.
- 08:30Pier pickup Our driver meets you at the agreed point and heads south to the boat.
- 09:30Koh Tan Snorkel over the shallow reef while the sea is calm.
- 11:00Koh Madsum Time on the beach with the pigs, a swim and a kayak.
- 12:00Lunch and back Thai lunch, then the boat back to Samui.
- 14:30Ferry pier drop-off Ask us in advance to drop you at a pier with afternoon boats, such as Bang Rak.
- 15:30Ferry home Back on Koh Phangan by late afternoon.
Fast boats back to Phangan thin out after about 17:00. If timing feels tight, stay a night on Samui. Our full tour list shows every departure time.
Can I get a one-way drop-off?
No. All our Pig Island trips are return trips. We do not leave guests on the island or carry luggage between the islands. Moving islands? Take the ferry with your bags and book the tour for another day.
Weather and planning
October to December is the north-east monsoon. Both the ferry and the Pig Island boats can be cancelled on rough days. January to April has the calmest seas. Our best time to visit guide has the detail.
Treat the pigs gently: no chasing or lifting. Read more in our Koh Madsum guide.
