Koh Madsum (also spelt Koh Mat Sum or Koh Mudsum) is a small island a short boat ride off the south coast of Samui. It has a long strip of white sand, a few beach bars and — the reason for its nickname, Pig Island — a group of free-roaming pigs that greet arriving boats in the hope of a snack.
Most visitors come on a half-day tour that also stops for snorkelling off neighbouring Koh Tan (Koh Taen), a larger, sparsely populated island with coral in its shallows. It is the easiest boat trip from Samui: short crossings, calm water for much of the year and plenty of time back at the hotel pool.
Top things to do at Koh Madsum (Pig Island)
Meet the pigs
The pigs are used to people, but they are still animals: feed them only what is sold or supplied for the purpose, keep bags closed, and do not pick up the piglets.
Snorkel at Koh Tan
Tours stop over the coral off Koh Tan. It is shallow and sheltered, which suits beginners and children, though visibility varies with the tide and weather.
Do nothing on the beach
Madsum’s sand is soft and the water shallow; there are swings, hammocks and simple bars for a cold coconut.
How to get to Koh Madsum (Pig Island)
- On a tour: speedboat and longtail tours with hotel pickup leave from the south coast around Thong Krut. See the best Pig Island trips.
- Independently: longtail boats can be chartered from Thong Krut pier; the crossing takes around 15–20 minutes. Agree the price and the return time before you set off.
Insider tips
- Morning trips are usually calmer and less crowded than afternoon ones.
- Bring cash for drinks and pig food, plus reef-safe sunscreen.
- Wear water shoes at Koh Tan, where the shallows are rocky.
Best tours & tickets for Koh Madsum (Pig Island)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Koh Madsum (Pig Island):
Half-day boat trip from €37 Pig Island by Speed Boat with Buffet Lunch
The most-booked short boat trip from Samui, with several thousand reviews. A speedboat runs from the south coast to Koh Tan for snorkelling and on to Koh Madsum, where the resident pigs trot along the sand. It only takes half a day, so it fits easily around beach time.
- Meet the pigs on the beach at Koh Madsum
- Snorkelling stop off Koh Tan
- Buffet lunch included
Boat & land combo from €46 Koh Samui: Viewpoint, Elephant, Pig Island & Snorkel + Lunch
A fuller version of the Pig Island trip that adds a viewpoint and an elephant stop on Samui before or after the boat. It is a convenient way to fit several things into one day; check the listing for how the elephant visit is run.
- Pig Island and snorkelling at Koh Tan
- A hill viewpoint on Samui
- Lunch included
