Pig Island

Your Private Longtail, Your Own Schedule — Meet the Pigs, Snorkel the Reefs, and Experience Pig Island the Authentic Thai Way

Explore Pig Island (Koh Madsum) and Koh Tan on a private traditional longtail boat from Koh Samui. A calm, personal, and authentically Thai way to meet the famous pigs, snorkel coral reefs, and enjoy tropical island paradise — just for your group.

Starting at

$48 per person

Lowest price guarantee

Start Time

9:00 AM or 1:00 PM

Length

4 to 5 hours (approx.)

Cancellation

Free Cancellation (24 hours)

Overview

Private Longtail Boat Tour to Pig Island (Koh Madsum) & Koh Tan from Koh Samui Overview

Skip the crowded speedboats and experience Pig Island the way the locals do — on a traditional Thai longtail boat. This private tour takes you and your group (just you, no strangers) from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum (Pig Island) and Koh Tan, at your own pace, without the rush of a group tour schedule. It’s quieter, more personal, and honestly one of the most charming ways to explore these two stunning islands.

Why Choose a Private Longtail Boat?

Longtail boats are iconic in Thailand — long, narrow wooden boats powered by a car engine on a swiveling mount, with a distinctive roar and a spray of water as they skim across the surface. There’s something deeply authentic about arriving at Pig Island on a longtail rather than a packed speedboat. You’ll have the vessel to yourself (or your group), which means you set the pace, linger at spots you love, and enjoy the scenery without someone hurrying you along.

This private format is ideal for couples wanting a romantic escape, families with young kids who prefer more control over their day, or small friend groups who just want to enjoy paradise without sharing it with 30 strangers.

The Itinerary

Departure from Thongkrut Pier (or Hotel Pickup)

Your adventure begins either with a hotel pickup or a meet at Thongkrut Pier, located on the quiet southern end of Koh Samui. This pier is the perfect launching point for Pig Island — it’s the closest mainland pier to Koh Madsum, meaning your boat ride is short and comfortable. From here, it’s just 10–15 minutes by longtail across calm, shallow, turquoise water.

First Stop: Koh Madsum — Pig Island

Pull up to the beach at Koh Madsum and you’ll likely be welcomed by some curious pig faces before you even step off the boat. These friendly pigs — ranging from chubby adults to the occasional baby — roam freely along the white sand shoreline and are remarkably comfortable around people. Snap photos, wade in the warm water with them, and simply enjoy one of Thailand’s most unique wildlife encounters.

Beyond the pigs, Koh Madsum is a genuinely beautiful island. Its beach is uncrowded (especially on this style of private tour), the water is crystal clear and shallow for swimming, and the overall vibe is tranquil and unspoiled. Spend as much time here as you like before continuing to Koh Tan.

Second Stop: Koh Tan — Snorkeling & Coral Reefs

A short 7–10 minute ride brings you to Koh Tan, a larger island known for its pristine coral reefs and clear water visibility. Strap on your snorkeling gear (included) and drift over healthy coral gardens teeming with tropical fish — parrotfish, wrasse, snappers, and if you’re lucky, the occasional sea turtle. The reef here is shallow enough for beginners and non-swimmers can simply float and look through the surface at the marine life below.

Koh Tan also has lovely beaches for sunbathing and relaxing after your swim. The island feels remote and peaceful — a far cry from the busier resort strips of Koh Samui.

What’s Included

  • Private longtail boat for your group
  • Bottled water
  • Life jackets
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask and fins)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (or meet at Thongkrut Pier)

What’s Not Included

  • Island entrance fees (small fee paid at Pig Island/Koh Madsum)
  • Food and drinks beyond water (though local snacks and meals are available to purchase on both islands)

Practical Details

  • Duration: 4–5 hours including transfers
  • Departure options: Morning (9:00 AM) or afternoon (1:00 PM)
  • Group size: Private — just your party, no shared boats
  • Departure point: Thongkrut Pier, south Koh Samui (hotel pickup available)
  • Best for: Couples, families, small groups of friends

Is a Longtail Slower Than a Speedboat?

Yes, slightly — but the distances are so short from Thongkrut Pier that it barely matters. You’ll be at Pig Island in about 15 minutes. The real difference is the experience: a longtail is gentler, more scenic, and more traditionally Thai. You’re not bouncing over choppy water at high speed — you’re gliding across calm, shallow turquoise water with the wind in your hair and a view of the islands ahead. For many travelers, that’s the more memorable way to arrive.

Tips for Your Private Longtail Pig Island Tour

  • Bring cash in Thai Baht for the Pig Island entry fee and any food or drinks you want to buy
  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen harms the coral reefs at Koh Tan
  • A waterproof phone case or GoPro is highly recommended for pig photos and snorkeling shots
  • Morning departures typically have calmer water and better snorkeling visibility
  • The boat is open-air, so bring a hat and sunglasses for the ride

What to Expect on this Pig Island Tour

Fully Private — No Strangers

The entire longtail boat is reserved exclusively for your group. You set the pace, linger as long as you like at each stop, and enjoy both islands without sharing the experience with other tourists.

Iconic Longtail Boat Experience

Travel in one of Thailand's most recognisable vessels — a traditional wooden longtail with its distinctive roaring engine. It's a slower, more scenic, and authentically Thai way to reach Pig Island than a packed speedboat.

Meet the Famous Pigs of Koh Madsum

Step onto the white-sand shore of Koh Madsum and be greeted by friendly, free-roaming pigs — from chubby adults to the occasional piglet. Wade into the warm, shallow water with them and snap photos in one of Thailand's most unique wildlife settings.

Snorkeling at Koh Tan's Coral Reefs

Drift over healthy coral gardens at Koh Tan, spotting parrotfish, wrasse, snappers, and occasional sea turtles. The reefs are shallow enough for beginners, and snorkeling gear is included so there's nothing extra to arrange.

Short, Comfortable Crossing

Departing from Thongkrut Pier — the closest point on Koh Samui to Pig Island — means just 10–15 minutes of calm, turquoise water between you and the pigs. No long, choppy open-sea crossings.

Lunch & Essentials Included

Lunch, bottled water, life jackets, and snorkeling gear are all part of the package. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, or meet directly at Thongkrut Pier — whichever works best for your group.