One of our own favorite day trips from Koh Samui was the boat trip to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum, two small islands just south of the island. In this guide we share what to expect from this excursion, including our own experience with the famous swimming pigs.
Besides this excursion there are plenty of others worth your time, check out our article The 10 best excursions from Koh Samui (2026).
Koh Tan & Koh Madsum Excursion by SpeedboatAt a Glance
Price: from 1,200 to 2,000 THB p.p. for the combined tour (incl. snorkel gear, lunch and hotel pickup), Pig Island entrance fee (50 THB p.p.) usually not included.
Duration: half day, around 5 hours including hotel transfers.
Departure: by speedboat from one of Koh Samui’s piers, hotel pickup included.
Best for: families and couples who enjoy a relaxed day on the water.
Koh Tan: “Coral Island”
Koh Tan, popularly known as “Coral Island”, is famous for its clear water and the coral reefs surrounding the island. We snorkeled here ourselves and found remarkably clear water, with views of various fish species and coral formations. Don’t expect the most spectacular coral and fish for snorkeling, but it is definitely worthwhile if you love marine life.
Good to know: Bring your own snorkel mask if you’d rather not use the shared equipment from the tour, and apply plenty of water-resistant sunscreen before getting into the water. Also wear a t-shirt while snorkeling to protect yourself from the sun.
Koh Madsum: “Pig Island”
Koh Madsum, better known as “Pig Island”, owes its nickname to a group of (by now famous) wild pigs that roam the beach and even come swimming out to boats. It’s an unusual but very fun moment during the tour: for us it was one of the funniest and most unexpected experiences of our entire time on Koh Samui.
Practical tip from our own experience: Only feed the pigs with the food provided by the tour operator, and keep enough distance. They are tame, but still wild animals. We saw for ourselves that some pigs can get quite pushy when they smell food.
What can you expect from a typical day tour?
Most tours combine both islands in one day, with a stop for lunch along the way (often on a boat or a beach). Expect:
- Morning departure by speedboat from one of the piers on Koh Samui.
- Snorkeling time at Koh Tan (depending on the weather).
- A visit to Koh Madsum to see the pigs and go for a swim.
- Lunch on board or on the beach (vegetarian meal on request, mention this when booking).
- Return in the early afternoon.
- Half-day excursion: about 5 hours, including transfers from/to your hotel
Prices and practical information
Expect to pay around 1,200 to 2,000 THB per person for a combined tour, including snorkeling equipment, lunch and hotel pickup. The full tour usually takes half a day, depending on whether other stops are combined. The entrance fee for Pig Island (50 baht per person) is usually not included in the tour.
Frequently asked questions about Koh Tan & Koh Madsum
Is it safe to touch the pigs on Koh Madsum?
We recommend sticking to feeding (with the food from the tour) and keeping touching to a minimum. They are friendly but still wild animals, and too much physical contact isn’t necessarily pleasant for them.
Is snorkeling at Koh Tan suitable for beginners?
Yes, the water is generally calm and clear, which makes it a good spot for beginning snorkelers. For experienced snorkelers it may be a bit less spectacular than Koh Tao, for example, but it’s definitely worthwhile as part of this tour.
Can you also visit these islands separately?
Most organized tours combine both islands in one day, which is also the most practical and affordable option. Separate tours to just one of the two are less common.
Is a vegetarian meal available?
Yes, vegetarian meal options are available. Mention it when booking if you have dietary requirements.
Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking at least a few days ahead, especially in high season.
Conclusion
The combination of snorkeling at Koh Tan and the unexpected, cheerful encounter with the swimming pigs of Koh Madsum made this one of our favorite day excursions from Koh Samui. Highly recommended for both families and couples who enjoy a relaxed day on the water.
Haven’t booked a hotel on Koh Samui yet? Check out our guide to the best hotels on Koh Samui.
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5,269 travelers rated this excursion 4.5/5
(Reviews on GetYourGuide.com)
