Pig Island has become one of Koh Samui's most photographed day trips, with visitors arriving to find friendly pigs wandering a white sand beach surrounded by clear turquoise water. Officially known as Koh Madsum, the small island sits just south of Koh Samui and is usually combined with snorkelling around nearby Koh Tan, making it one of the island's most popular half-day excursions.
If you're wondering whether Pig Island is worth adding to your holiday itinerary, here's what you can expect before you book.
What is Pig Island?
Despite the nickname, Pig Island isn't a wildlife reserve. The pigs were originally brought to Koh Madsum by local residents and have gradually become the island's main attraction. Today they roam freely along the beach, happily posing for photographs and often wandering through the shallow water looking for food.
The island itself is small and largely undeveloped. There are a handful of simple beach facilities, places to buy drinks and snacks, shaded seating and plenty of soft sand to relax on. Most visitors spend between one and three hours here before continuing to Koh Tan or returning to Koh Samui.
Why do people visit?
The pigs may be what first catches people's attention, but they're only part of the experience. Koh Madsum offers calm water, beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere that feels very different from the busier beaches around Koh Samui.
Many tours combine several activities into a single trip, including:
- Meeting the famous beach pigs
- Swimming in clear shallow water
- Snorkelling around nearby Koh Tan
- Longtail or speedboat cruises
- Lunch or refreshments on selected tours
- Free time to relax on the beach
Koh Tan is often overlooked but is actually one of the highlights of the excursion. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and offers some of the better snorkelling close to Koh Samui, particularly on calmer days.
Can you interact with the pigs?
Yes, but it's important to remember that these are still animals rather than tourist attractions. Most of the pigs are comfortable around people and will happily wander past visitors, especially if food is involved, but they shouldn't be chased, picked up or disturbed while resting.
If you feed them, use food provided by local vendors rather than bringing your own. Keep an eye on children and avoid standing directly behind the larger pigs, as they can become startled.
A little common sense goes a long way. Respect the animals, give them space when needed and you'll usually come away with some fantastic photographs.
Which type of tour should you choose?
There are dozens of Pig Island tours available from Koh Samui, ranging from simple longtail boat trips to premium catamaran cruises, private charters and full-day excursions that combine several islands.
If your main goal is seeing the pigs and doing a little snorkelling, a half-day tour is usually enough. If you'd prefer a more relaxed experience with additional swimming stops, kayaking or lunch included, the longer premium tours offer better value.
You can compare the different options on our dedicated tours page:
Browse Pig Island tours from Koh Samui
Best time to visit
Morning tours generally offer calmer seas and fewer visitors on the beach, particularly outside the busiest holiday periods. Conditions vary throughout the year, so it's always worth checking the weather before booking, especially during the northeast monsoon season when boat departures can occasionally be affected.
Is Pig Island worth visiting?
For most visitors, absolutely.
Pig Island isn't somewhere you'll spend an entire day, but as a half-day escape from Koh Samui it's easy to see why it has become so popular. The unusual combination of friendly pigs, crystal-clear water, nearby snorkelling and relaxed island scenery creates an experience that's unlike anywhere else in the Gulf of Thailand.
If you choose a tour that also includes Koh Tan, you'll enjoy far more than just a few photographs with pigs. You'll experience beautiful beaches, colourful marine life and a peaceful side of Koh Samui that's only a short boat ride away.
Ready to go? Compare Pig Island tours from Koh Samui here.
