Pig Island is an easy, fun trip rather than a nature reserve: the pigs live on the beach of Koh Madsum, and the snorkeling is at Koh Tan on the way. If you want more than a half day, the island-day option starts with the Heaven Gate viewpoint, lunch and the elephants before the boat. This guide covers the Koh Samui Pig Island & Island Day from the pickup to the last stop — the mood, the route and the tips guides mention in passing.
By SB Excursions · Published 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Tour on this route: Koh Samui Pig Island & Island Day — From $50 per person, about 5-6 hours.
What is Pig Island?
Koh Madsum, a small island south of Koh Samui where a family of pigs lives on the beach and often walks into the shallow water. It is one of the most popular easy trips on Samui.
This guide also answers:
- Which option should I choose?
What makes the Koh Samui Pig Island & Island Day worth your time
Pickup from hotels in Mae Nam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Bang Rak, Chaweng, Chaweng Noi and Lamai; hotels on steep hills meet at a point nearby. On the speedboat option you go straight to the pier, snorkel at Koh Tan and spend free time on Pig Island before returning, about 5-6 hours in total. On the island day the start is at about 9:00 am with Heaven Gate, lunch and the elephants, then Koh Tan and Pig Island by boat, about 6 hours.
Route highlights at a glance
The standout moments of the Koh Samui Pig Island & Island Day.
- Pig Island — The pigs of Koh Madsum live on the beach and walk into the shallow water; time for photos and a swim.
- Koh Tan snorkeling — Snorkel from the boat around Koh Tan with mask, snorkel and life jacket.
- Heaven Gate viewpoint — On the island day: a hillside viewpoint over the south of Samui, with lunch at The Roof Samui.
- Elephants on Samui — On the island day: a visit to I Love Elephant Samui to watch and feed the elephants.
How the day unfolds, step by step
The route in order; exact pickup times and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
- Hotel pickup — From hotels in Mae Nam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Bang Rak, Chaweng and Lamai; the time is confirmed on WhatsApp the day before.
- Island day: Heaven Gate — Viewpoint and photos, then lunch at The Roof Samui (island-day option only).
- Island day: elephants — About 30 minutes at I Love Elephant Samui (island-day option only).
- Koh Tan — Board the boat in the south of Samui and snorkel around Koh Tan.
- Pig Island — Free time on Koh Madsum: the beach, a swim and the pigs.
- Back to your hotel — Boat back to Koh Samui and transfer to your hotel.
Insider tips
The details a guide mentions on the day — worth knowing before it.
- Free pickup covers Mae Nam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Bang Rak, Chaweng, Chaweng Noi and Lamai; hotels on steep hills meet at a point nearby.
- Do not chase or ride the pigs, and feed them only what the guide allows.
- Non-swimmers can join: life jackets are provided and the water at Pig Island is shallow.
- Water shoes help on the coral and the rocks at Koh Tan.
- The elephant visit on the island day has no riding.
Best time of year
January to August is the driest time on Koh Samui and the best for the boat; from about October to December rain and wind can move the trip.
Whether it is worth the money and what the price covers is in why book it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pig Island?
Koh Madsum, a small island south of Koh Samui where a family of pigs lives on the beach and often walks into the shallow water. It is one of the most popular easy trips on Samui.
Which option should I choose?
The $50 speedboat option is a short half day on the water: Koh Tan and Pig Island. The $65 island day adds the Heaven Gate viewpoint, lunch and the elephants before the boat, so it fills the whole day.
Can non-swimmers join?
Yes. Snorkeling is done with a life jacket, and you can stay on the beach or in the shallows at Pig Island.
Where do you pick up?
From hotels in Mae Nam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Bang Rak, Chaweng, Chaweng Noi and Lamai. Hotels on steep hills meet at a point nearby.