Pig Island Koh Samui: Where to Swim With Pigs in Thailand

Where is Pig Island in Thailand?

Pig Island is Koh Madsum, a small island just south of Koh Samui. It is not in Phuket, Krabi or the Phi Phi Islands.

If you are staying on Koh Samui, you reach the island by boat from the southern part of the island, usually from Thong Krut or the fishing harbour at Bang Kao.

That short distance is one of the biggest reasons the trip is so popular. Unlike Koh Samui excursions that need a long offshore transfer, Pig Island fits easily into a half-day itinerary.

Is Pig Island really called Koh Madsum?

Yes. Koh Madsum = Pig Island.

You may see different spellings on maps, tour listings and booking platforms:

• Koh Madsum
• Koh Mudsum
• Koh Mat Sum
• Ko Matsum
• Pig Island

They all refer to the same small island south of Koh Samui. The different spellings come from transliterating a Thai name into the Latin alphabet, so do not assume they are different places.

Why are there pigs on the island?

The pigs are now the island’s defining attraction.

Different stories circulate about how they first arrived, and tour pages do not always agree on the origin. The one you will most often hear from boat captains is that a local released a family of pigs on the island, and they stayed. Our Koh Madsum guide goes into the account in more detail.

The useful fact for visitors is simpler: the pigs live around the beach and are used to people arriving by boat.

You will usually see them:

• walking across the sand;
• resting in shaded areas;
• approaching visitors;
• eating;
• now and then wading into the shallows.

Because they are animals, their behaviour varies. There may be plenty of movement when you arrive, or they may be lying down out of the midday heat.

Can you really swim with pigs in Thailand?

Sometimes, yes.

Pigs on Koh Madsum can go into the shallow water, and current Pig Island tours still advertise the chance to see them around the shoreline. Some tour descriptions specifically mention pigs in the shallows or “swimming pigs.”

But the phrase “swim with pigs” can create the wrong expectation. You are not booking a timed wildlife encounter where animals are guaranteed to swim beside you.

A more accurate description is:

You visit a beach where pigs roam freely, and some may go into the water while you are there.

If that happens, great. If they stay on the beach, you still get the core Pig Island experience.

What is the experience like?

After arriving by boat, you step onto or near the beach and have free time to explore. The pigs are often close to the main visitor area.

You can:

• see the pigs;
• take photos;
• walk along the beach;
• swim;
• relax;
• buy refreshments, depending on the facilities operating that day.

The stop feels informal, with no long guided programme. Outside food and drink are not allowed ashore, so on tours that include lunch it is served on Koh Tan or back on Koh Samui.

That is why Pig Island works best combined with Koh Tan snorkeling. The pigs alone may not fill several hours, but they make an excellent beach stop within a longer boat trip.

Is it ethical to visit Pig Island?

It is a reasonable question. The safest approach is to treat the pigs as animals, not props.

That means:

• do not chase them;
• do not grab or restrain them;
• do not force them into the water;
• supervise children;
• avoid crowding resting animals;
• follow local instructions about feeding;
• do not give them random human food.

Tourism can change animal behaviour, so your own conduct matters. If a pig walks away, let it walk away. A photo is not worth stressing an animal.

Can you feed the pigs?

Policies and practices can change, so follow the instructions given by the island staff or your guide on the day. Do not assume that any food in your bag is suitable.

If feeding is permitted, use only what the local staff or operator says is appropriate.

Avoid:

• sweets;
• processed snacks;
• alcohol;
• salty food;
• anything you have simply brought from your hotel buffet.

The goal is to watch the pigs without turning the visit into a feeding frenzy.

Are the pigs friendly?

They are used to visitors, but they are still animals. Some approach people confidently; others ignore you.

Do not assume “friendly” means they want to be touched. Use the same common sense you would around any unfamiliar animal:

• give them space;
• do not surprise them;
• keep small children close;
• avoid getting between animals and food;
• listen to local staff.

Is Pig Island good for children?

For many families, yes.

Children often find the idea of pigs on a tropical beach hilarious before they even arrive. The trip is also relatively easy, because the boat crossing from southern Koh Samui is short compared with many full-day excursions.

The standard combination offers several different activities:

• boat ride;
• pigs;
• beach;
• swimming;
• Koh Tan snorkeling.

That variety stops the day from feeling repetitive.

Things parents should check

Before booking, check:

• minimum child age;
• children’s life jackets;
• boat shade;
• boarding method;
• toilet availability;
• hotel pickup;
• food;
• tour duration.

A private longtail is particularly convenient for families who want more control over timing. The private longtail to Pig Island with snorkel is priced per boat (from $101 for up to two people, 4.3/5 from more than 650 reviews).

What if you do not want to swim?

That is completely fine. You do not need to go into the sea to enjoy Pig Island: you can stay on the beach, watch the pigs and take photos.

“Swim with pigs” is marketing shorthand for the chance of seeing pigs in the shallows, and the trip still works for non-swimmers. If the itinerary also includes Koh Tan snorkeling, you can stay on the boat during that part if you do not want to get into open water.

Do you need to be able to swim?

Not to visit Pig Island itself.

For Koh Tan snorkeling, swimming confidence helps, although life jackets are commonly provided. If you cannot swim, tell the operator, and do not get into open water simply because the rest of the group is doing it.

What else is included on Pig Island tours?

Most Pig Island trips are not just transport to Koh Madsum. They usually combine several elements.

Depending on the tour, you may get:

• Koh Tan snorkeling;
• kayaking;
• paddleboarding;
• lunch;
• fruit;
• soft drinks;
• hotel transfers;
• snorkeling equipment;
• life jackets;
• guide;
• insurance.

Half-day catamaran tours, for example, continue to combine Koh Tan snorkeling or kayaking with a Koh Madsum stop, often over roughly four hours. The Koh Madsum and Koh Tan speed catamaran tour adds a kayak, a paddleboard and a light meal on board, and includes the landing fee (from $64, 4.5/5 from more than 100 reviews).

Always check the exact listing.

What is Koh Tan?

Koh Tan is the neighbouring island usually paired with Pig Island, and it is mainly included for snorkeling.

A simple way to remember the route:

Koh Tan = reef

Koh Madsum = pigs

That pairing is much stronger than visiting Pig Island alone, because you get two very different experiences within one short trip. Our Koh Tan island guide covers the reef stop in detail.

Can you snorkel at Pig Island?

You can swim around Koh Madsum, but the main snorkeling stop on many tours is Koh Tan.

If snorkeling matters to you, look for a tour that explicitly includes:

• Koh Tan;
• a snorkeling stop;
• equipment;
• approximate snorkeling time.

Do not assume every “Pig Island tour” has the same itinerary. Our Koh Samui snorkeling comparison sets Koh Tan against the other reefs within reach.

How do you get to Pig Island from Koh Samui?

There is no regular public passenger ferry. You normally reach Koh Madsum by:

• shared tour;
• private longtail;
• speedboat;
• catamaran trip.

Boats leave from southern Koh Samui, with Thong Krut the most common departure point. If your tour includes hotel transfers, you may never need to think about the pier at all. The full logistics are in our guide to getting from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum.

How long is the boat ride?

From southern Koh Samui, the crossing is short. Depending on the departure point, the boat and the sea, expect roughly 15–20 minutes by speedboat; a longtail takes longer.

This is one of Pig Island’s biggest advantages: you spend much less time in transit than on a Koh Tao or Ang Thong day trip. The road transfer from the northern beaches is the longer leg, at 40 to 50 minutes each way.

Longtail boat vs speedboat

Longtail boat

Choose a longtail if you want:

• a traditional Thai boat;
• a relaxed pace;
• a smaller group;
• a private charter;
• more atmosphere.

For such a short route, the slower speed is rarely a serious problem.

Speedboat

Choose a speedboat if you want:

• quicker transfers;
• a structured group tour;
• a more modern boat.

The half-day speedboat trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan is the most-reviewed Pig Island tour we track (from $42, 4.5/5 from more than 5,500 reviews).

Catamaran

Choose a catamaran if you prefer:

• more deck space;
• added water activities;
• a larger vessel;
• a comfort-focused shared trip.

Boat quality varies by operator, so read the listing itself instead of choosing by category alone. Our speedboat versus longtail comparison goes through what each is like on the water.

Shared tour vs private Pig Island tour

Shared tour

Best for:

• solo travellers;
• couples;
• small families;
• lower budgets.

Shared tours often bundle everything together. The full-day island hopping trip to Pig Island and Koh Tan is the shared option with the most time at both islands, entrance fees and lunch included (from $51, 4.6/5 from more than 3,600 reviews).

Private tour

Best for:

• families;
• groups;
• flexible timing;
• couples wanting privacy;
• travellers who dislike large groups.

A private boat is especially good if you want to reach Pig Island earlier or later than the biggest tour groups. The private longtail charter runs about four hours and lets you set the pace at both islands.

How long do you need on Pig Island?

Around an hour is enough for most visitors. That gives you time to:

• see the pigs;
• take photos;
• swim;
• walk along the beach;
• relax.

Longer can be nice if you love beach time, but the island itself is not packed with attractions. That is why a combined Koh Tan and Pig Island itinerary works so well.

Is Pig Island crowded?

It can be. The island is now one of Koh Samui’s best-known short trips, so several boats may arrive around the same time.

Crowds vary with:

• time of day;
• season;
• weather;
• school holidays;
• tour schedules.

A private boat gives you more flexibility over timing, but it cannot guarantee an empty island.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Morning is the easiest default:

• cooler conditions;
• less intense sun;
• plenty of the day left afterwards;
• often a calmer feel earlier in the day.

Afternoon can be good if you:

• dislike early starts;
• want warmer light for photos;
• choose a sunset trip.

No time of day is always less crowded than another.

What is the best month to visit Pig Island?

The most reliable weather is generally from late January through April, and February and March are particularly attractive.

May to September can still bring plenty of good boat days. Conditions become more unsettled in October, and November is usually the month when the weather is most likely to affect a boat trip around Koh Samui.

For a full breakdown, read our best time to visit Pig Island guide.

What should you wear?

Wear:

• swimwear;
• light clothes;
• sandals or water-friendly footwear;
• a hat;
• sunglasses.

You may need to step into shallow water, depending on how the boat lands, so do not wear anything you would be upset to get wet.

What should you bring?

Bring:

• towel;
• sunscreen;
• water;
• waterproof phone pouch;
• dry bag;
• cash in small notes for the 50-baht landing fee;
• change of clothes;
• camera.

If your tour includes snorkeling, basic gear is commonly supplied. A rash vest is useful for extra sun protection.

Can you take photos with the pigs?

Yes, photography is one of the main reasons people visit. The best photos are often the least forced ones.

Instead of trying to make a pig pose:

• stay still;
• give the animals space;
• watch where they move on their own;
• use the beach and water as the background.

Do not block an animal’s path for a photo.

Are there pigs in the water all day?

No. Sometimes pigs go into the shallows, and sometimes they do not. Heat, feeding, crowds and the individual animals all affect what you see.

If your whole reason for going is one exact photo of a pig swimming beside you, you may be disappointed. If you expect to visit a tropical island where pigs live on the beach, the trip is much easier to enjoy.

Pig Island Thailand vs the Bahamas

The Bahamas is probably the world’s most famous “swimming pigs” destination. Thailand’s Pig Island is a different experience.

Koh Madsum

Best for:

• people already visiting Koh Samui;
• an easy half-day trip;
• combining pigs with snorkeling;
• a short boat ride.

Bahamas swimming pigs

Best for:

• travellers specifically planning a Bahamas trip;
• dedicated swimming-pig itineraries.

You do not need to travel halfway around the world from Thailand to see pigs on a tropical beach, but do not assume the two experiences are identical either.

Is Pig Island worth visiting?

Yes, for the right traveller. Pig Island is especially good if you:

• are already staying on Koh Samui;
• want an easy half-day trip;
• are travelling with children;
• enjoy unusual travel experiences;
• want snorkeling too;
• prefer a short boat ride.

It is less essential if:

• you dislike animal-based attractions;
• you want completely empty beaches;
• snorkeling is your only priority;
• you want dramatic scenery.

In those cases, Koh Tao or Ang Thong may suit you better; our island trips from Koh Samui guide compares them.

How to choose the right Pig Island tour

Check these details.

1. Does it include Koh Tan?

For most visitors, a tour with Koh Tan is the better choice.

2. What boat type is used?

Longtail, speedboat or catamaran.

3. Is the tour shared or private?

Do not assume; the listing title does not always say.

4. How much time is spent on Koh Madsum?

An hour is common and usually enough.

5. Is snorkeling included?

Check explicitly.

6. Are hotel transfers included?

Especially important if you stay in Chaweng or Bophut.

7. Are food and drinks included?

It varies by tour.

8. Are island fees included?

Check the fine print. The 50-baht landing fee is excluded from most tickets and collected in cash on the beach.

9. What happens if the weather is poor?

Choose clear cancellation terms.

Our which Pig Island tour is right for you guide compares the formats with prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What island in Thailand has pigs?

The best-known Pig Island near Koh Samui is Koh Madsum, a small island just off Koh Samui’s southern coast.

Where is Pig Island in Koh Samui?

Koh Madsum lies just off the southern coast of Koh Samui, a short boat ride from Thong Krut.

Can you swim with pigs in Koh Samui?

Sometimes pigs go into the shallow water, but swimming alongside them is not guaranteed. The main experience is visiting the beach where the pigs live.

Is Pig Island the same as Koh Madsum?

Yes. Koh Madsum, Koh Mudsum, Koh Mat Sum and Ko Matsum are all spellings of the same island.

Is Koh Tan Pig Island?

No. Koh Tan is the neighbouring snorkeling island, usually visited on the same trip.

Can children visit Pig Island?

Yes, many tours are family-friendly. Children should still be supervised around the pigs and on the boat.

How long is the trip from Koh Samui?

The boat crossing from southern Koh Samui is usually around 15–20 minutes by speedboat, depending on the boat and conditions. The road transfer from the northern beaches adds 40 to 50 minutes each way.

Do you need a full day?

No. Pig Island is commonly visited on a half-day tour.

Can you visit independently?

There is no regular public ferry, so most people join a tour or hire a private boat.

Can you feed the pigs?

Follow the local rules and instructions on the day. Do not bring random food for the animals.

Can you snorkel on the same trip?

Yes. Most good itineraries include Koh Tan for snorkeling.

Is Pig Island worth it?

Yes, if you want a fun, easy and unusual half-day trip from Koh Samui.

The bottom line

If you are searching for where to swim with pigs in Thailand, Koh Madsum near Koh Samui is the place most travellers mean.

Keep the experience in perspective. The pigs do live around the beach, and some may go into the shallows, but you should not expect a guaranteed staged swim.

The best way to see Pig Island is as one part of a wider boat trip. Choose an itinerary that combines Koh Madsum with Koh Tan, spend time with the pigs, snorkel over the reef, enjoy the beach and get back to Koh Samui without giving up your whole day.

Compare our current Pig Island tours from Koh Samui to find shared, private, longtail, speedboat and catamaran options.