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The beach experience you didn’t see coming.
When people think of animals in Thailand, they might picture monkeys, elephants, or maybe even the occasional reptiles, but Koh Samui Pig Island offers something completely different.
Just a short boat ride away, you’ll find warm sand, clear water, and surprisingly friendly pigs wandering along the beach. It’s not a large or luxurious destination, but that’s part of its charm. Best visited as part of a half-day or island-hopping trip, it’s a simple experience done right.
In this guide, we’ll cover where it is, how to get there, what to expect, and how to visit responsibly.
What is Koh Samui’s Pig Island?
Koh Samui Pig Island sits just off the south coast, just close enough for a quick boat ride, but far enough to feel like you’ve stepped out of the usual rhythm of the island.
The beach is quiet, the water is shallow and warm, and then there are the pigs. You’ll find these beach pigs wandering in and out of the sea like it’s the most normal thing in the world. No big setup, no overproduction. Just a simple stretch of sand and a moment that feels slightly surreal in the best way.
Why Are There Pigs on Pig Island?
One of the first questions people ask is how the pigs ended up here in the first place.
The most common story is that the pigs were originally brought over by a local who used the island to raise them. Over time, they became used to people, started roaming freely, and eventually became part of the experience rather than just livestock.
There’s no official “origin story,” but what started as something simple has turned into one of Koh Samui’s most unusual attractions, and now, the pigs are very much part of the island’s identity.
Where is Pig Island in Koh Samui?
Koh Samui Pig Island is actually called Koh Madsum (sometimes spelled Koh Mudsum), which often causes confusion when planning a visit. The island sits just off the south coast of Koh Samui, typically reached by longtail boat in around 15–20 minutes.
It’s often included as part of island-hopping tours alongside nearby spots like Koh Tan, making it an easy add-on rather than a standalone destination. Most people come for a short visit to relax, take photos, and experience something a little different from the usual beach day.
It’s the kind of place you visit for an hour or two, then head back ready for a healthy meal somewhere along the coast at the nightmarket, the fisherman market or at one of the island’s beach clubs like 79 Beach Club.
What’s Pig Island Like?
Koh Madsum isn’t built up or overdesigned, and that’s exactly the point. It’s a small island that keeps things simple, where most of the experience comes from the setting rather than anything man-made.
Size & overall feel
- A small, walkable island just off Koh Samui’s south coast
- Quiet and low-key compared to the main island
- More of a short stop than a full-day destination
Facilities & what’s available
- A few basic beachfront spots for drinks or simple food (can vary by season)
- Limited infrastructure so don’t expect shops, resorts, or anything polished
- Not much natural shade, so sun protection is essential
Water, beach & best time to visit
- Calm, shallow water ideal for swimming and relaxing
- Soft sand with clear views, especially on good weather days
- Best visited earlier in the day for fewer crowds and better light for photos
How to get to Pig Island Koh Samui?
Getting to Koh Samui Pig Island is relatively straightforward, but the experience can vary quite a bit depending on how you choose to go. Most trips leave from the south coast and take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
Whether you go as part of a group or arrange something privately, the journey itself is part of the experience.
- Join a tour (easy, predictable, good for first-timers)
For most visitors, joining a tour is the simplest option.
- Usually includes hotel pick-up, boat transfer, snorkelling gear, and sometimes lunch
- Often combined with nearby spots like Koh Tan
- Fixed schedule with multiple stops
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Solo travellers
- Anyone who wants a no-planning, all-in-one experience
- Private longtail boat (flexible, good for couples/families)
If you want a bit more freedom, hiring a private longtail is a great option.
- Can be arranged along the south coast (through hotels, beach operators, or local contacts)
- Lets you choose your own timing, pace, and how long you stay
- Easy to combine with quieter beaches or snorkelling spots nearby
Tip: Agree on timing, route, and return before setting off — and don’t be afraid to keep things simple.
Best for:
- Couples or small groups
- Those wanting a more relaxed, less structured trip
Speedboat vs Longtail Boats: Which One is Better?
Both options will get you there, but they offer slightly different experiences.
How to decide
Choosing between a tour, private boat, speedboat, or longtail isn’t just about price — it’s about how you want the day to feel and what kind of experience you value most.
- Choose a longtail boat if you want the experience to feel like part of the trip, not just transport.
It’s slower, more scenic, and feels more connected to the local side of Thailand. Ideal if you’re not in a rush, want better photos, or are travelling as a couple or small group.
- Choose a speedboat if you want to maximise your time and keep things simple.
It’s faster, more structured, and usually part of organised tours. A good option if you’re short on time or prefer everything arranged for you.
- If you’re prone to seasickness or travelling in rougher conditions, speedboats are often the safer bet.
They tend to handle choppier water better, especially on slightly windier days.
- If you’re splitting the cost with a group, a private longtail often offers better overall value.
You get flexibility, a more personal experience, and control over your schedule which can make the whole trip feel more relaxed.
Things To Do on Pig Island Koh Samui
Everyone comes to Koh Samui Pig Island for the pigs, that’s the whole point. But while you’re there, there are a few other things worth doing so it doesn’t feel like a 20-minute stop.
Spend some time in the water
The water around Pig Island is shallow, warm, and usually calm, making it easy to swim or just stand and cool off. Most people end up drifting between the water and the sand, especially since there isn’t much shade on the beach. It’s simple, but that’s part of the appeal.
Get your time with the pigs
The pigs roam freely along the beach and often wander into the water, which is what makes the whole place memorable. It doesn’t take long to get photos or enjoy the moment, so there’s no need to overstay in one spot. A bit of time here, then back to the beach, tends to be less overwhelming for everyone - including the pigs.
Snorkel nearby
Snorkelling is usually part of the trip, but it typically happens around nearby islands like Koh Tan rather than directly at Pig Island. Expect clear water and some marine life although not the main highlight, but a solid addition that rounds out the experience.
Make it part of a bigger day out
Pig Island works best when it’s part of a half-day or full-day plan rather than the only destination. Combining it with snorkelling stops or nearby islands makes the trip feel more complete and less rushed, especially if you’ve come out by boat already.
Head somewhere comfortable after
After a few hours in the sun and salt water, most people are ready for somewhere a bit more comfortable to sit, eat, and relax. Heading back to Koh Samui and stopping somewhere along the coast like 79 Beach Club is an easy way to extend the day without overplanning it.
5 Tips for Visiting Pig Island (What to Know Before You Go)
Pig Island is a simple place, and part of what makes it enjoyable is that it hasn’t been overcontrolled or overly commercialised. Keeping it that way comes down to how people behave when they visit.
- Don’t rush the pigs
It’s tempting to run straight over when you see them, but the best moments usually happen when you just hang back a little.
Give them space, let them come and go as they want, and avoid crowding them, especially when it’s busy. You’ll get better photos, and the whole experience feels a lot more relaxed.
- Skip feeding unless you’re sure
You might see people feeding the pigs, but not everything is good for them.
Unless there’s clear guidance on what’s okay, it’s best to leave it. It keeps things safer for the animals and avoids any unwanted behaviour (they can get a bit pushy if they expect food).
- Bring a small bag for your things
There aren’t bins everywhere, and the wind can pick up on the beach.
Having a small bag to keep your rubbish, bottles, or snacks makes things easier and helps keep the island clean without thinking about it too much.
- Be ready for sun and heat
There’s not much natural shade, and it gets hot quickly. A hat, sunscreen, and staying in and out of the water makes a big difference. Most people underestimate this part more than anything.
- Keep it simple and go with the flow
Pig Island isn’t somewhere you need to plan heavily. Spend some time with the pigs, cool off in the water, and enjoy it for what it is, then head back before it starts to feel too busy or too hot.
Where To Unwind After Pig Island?
After a few hours out at Koh Samui Pig Island, you’ll probably feel it. The sun, salt, and a bit of that post-boat tiredness.
That’s usually the perfect time to head somewhere comfortable, grab some food, and slow things down properly. Spots like 79 Beach Club fit easily into that part of the day that’s beachfront, relaxed, and easy to settle into after being out on the water.
Whether it’s a late lunch, a drink, or just somewhere to sit and reset, it’s a simple way to round off the trip without overthinking it.
